R&D Call: Piloting High-Impact Solutions on the E-Mobility Transition in Kenya

The aim is to develop effective market-based solutions and increase the social and ecological impact of e-mobility.

They are seeking pilot projects driving the transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon transport sector in underserviced areas or underserved customer segments and showing high potential for social or environmental impact. These initiatives can either come from single enterprises or joint initiatives.

The selected applications are expected to deliver a research report demonstrating the applied methodology, research results, and analysis of the financial sustainability of the tested solution, and core learnings. Sensitive data and intellectual property rights can be considered during the contracting process. Siemens Stiftung and GIZ intend to publish the results through reports and digital events. The form of publication and dissemination will be discussed together with the participating ventures. The idea of dissemination is to encourage other ecosystem players to replicate and learn from the results.

Focus areas

• Impact and Sustainability
  • Initiatives might center around connecting remote areas through innovative mobility solutions, making transport cheaper for marginalized user-groups, using resources in a more sufficient way or re-thinking the end-of life of electric mobility and adjacent sectors. The call is structured in two focus areas: “E-Mobility for Impact” and “Sustainability and Climate”.
• E-Mobility for Impact
  • Applications focusing on the acceptability, accessibility and affordability of e-mobility. The tested solutions shall be working on solving impact challenges by focusing on one (or more) of the following aspects:
    • Acceptability: designing customer-centric solutions – be its products, servicers or business models – to align with customer needs and preferences, thereby fostering wider acceptance of e-mobility
    • Accessibility: Adapting products, services, or business models to cater to diverse customers segments, ensuring a broader and more inclusive audience can access the benefits of e-mobility
    • Affordability: Balancing cost-effectiveness with substantial value delivery, enabling a larger audience to afford and embrace e-mobility solutions.
• Sustainability and Climate
  • Applications prioritizing environmental sustainability, particularly in the context of e-mobility solutions. Projects could focus on developing more efficient e-mobility solutions, such as integrating solar-powered charging stations, creating sustainable battery recycling systems or focus on the climate aspects of e-mobility. These initiatives could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support a circular economy by reusing and recycling materials, and minimize environmental impacts across the lifecycle of e-mobility solutions and infrastructure.

Funding Information

• a contract lasting up to 12 months (maximum) to conduct a R&D pilot project.
• the value of the contract ranges between 30.000 and 50.000 USD for individual applications and up to 70.000 USD for joint applications.

Eligibility Criteria

• Minimum eligibility criteria for enterprises:
  • Candidates are operative in the battery, waste recycling, charging/swapping or electric vehicle and technology in the e-mobility value chain and registered in Kenya.
  • Candidates need to have a minimum viable product of their solution (photos, blueprints or protocols are mandatory).
  • Candidates need to have paying users and clients for their solution (proof through e.g. financial statements or management accounts).
  • Positive impact of the company is part of the applying candidates’ identity, e.g. proven through statues or company reports.
  • Candidates can only hand in one application as lead applicant.
  • Candidates should not already have an active contract with Siemens Stiftung.
• Female-led companies as well as companies operating in underserved areas and working with marginalized target groups as well as with high environmental impact are especially encouraged to apply.
• Siemens Stiftung will not work with:
  • Candidates with pending litigation against them or members of their management team
  • Candidates looking for refinancing opportunities or debt or other liabilities
  •  Enterprises that already have another ongoing contract with Siemens Stiftung.

Application Review and Selection Criteria

• Siemens Stiftung conducts a feasibility and eligibility check of all applications. Virtual interviews will be conducted with successful candidates. Selection will be based on the following criteria:
  • Approach and Feasibility of the R&D Project: The extent to which the proposed project demonstrates a clear and realistic plan, including detailed methods and achievable goals
  • Impact: Clear potential for the solution to generate significant social, environmental, and/or economic impact, particularly in underserved or marginalized communities.
  • Market Potential: The likelihood that the proposed solution can be scaled to meet the needs of a larger market, with evidence of early market traction.
  • Team Capacity: Demonstrated experience and capacity of the team to execute the R&D project effectively.

For more information, visit Siemens Stiftung.