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UK-Brazil electricity innovation challenge call launched

Start your application here

Apply now, applications close on Friday 25 October 2024.

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COPEL Innovation Challenge Call: Insight Summary

Issues to be addressed by the Challenge Call were identified through a questionnaire and workshop.

Energy Systems Catapult in partnership with Beta-i has launched a challenge call backed by the UK government, with the aim to connect UK-based innovators with vertically integrated electricity utilities in Brazil, fostering a collaborative environment to address the challenges faced by the sector.

The main challenge that will be addressed is: extreme weather, which causes equipment defects on network, predominantly due to power surges and transmission line tower collapses.

As part of the challenge call, UK start-ups and SMEs who are addressing the above challenges could receive:

  • Incubation support to help with commercial capabilities and positioning
  • Masterclasses
  • Pitch development support
  • Networking and relationship building
  • Partner matching with Brazilian entities
  • Real world testing, pilot and demonstration projects
  • Resources including market research
  • Up to £40,000 grant from stakeholders towards deploying a proof of concept

Who should apply and why?

INES has identified several immediate innovation priorities. If you’re an innovator operating in any of the areas set out below, we’d like to hear from you.

  • Enhanced/long-term weather modelling, especially if tailored to the effects on the energy system Weather modelling of micro-regions
  • Prediction of weather-related energy system faults and their locations, using historical data and machine learning
  • Advanced grid fault detection systems that can accurately locate faults, especially during storm conditions
  • Aerial surveillance for predictive maintenance
  • Machine learning solutions for predictive maintenance
  • Advanced monitoring of risks to grid assets, such as vegetation or subsidence
  • Grid equipment that is more resilient to extreme weather

This is a unique opportunity to give your innovation a safe landing at the heart of progress in Brazil. Taking part in this project will make it quicker, cheaper, and easier to test and launch your product or service in real-world environments.

Start your application here.

Any questions about the application process should be directed to the INES team at: INES-Brazil@es.catpult.org.uk

Apply now

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