Energy Flow
IIITDM Kancheepuram
Team Energy Flow from IIITDM Kancheepuram dedicated over 30 months to developing a long-duration energy storage solution before joining GDC’s I-NCUBATE program. Their mission was to use renewable energy to meet extensive electricity needs. However, despite their efforts, their original concept required significant refinement to effectively meet real market needs. To improve its approach and gain strategic insights, Energy Flow turned to GDC’s I-NCUBATE program. This decision proved pivotal in transforming their solution, as the program provided the critical support and expertise necessary to align their innovative concept with the real needs of the market.
When Energy Flow began their participation in the program, they approached the challenge with the belief that long-duration storage batteries would be universally beneficial. However, as they progressed through the I-NCUBATE Program, it became clear that their initial assumptions were too broad. GDC’s expert guidance was crucial in helping them navigate a comprehensive customer discovery process. This process involved engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including solar EPCs, pharmaceutical industries, EV charging stations, data centers, and remote applications such as rural electrification, remote hospitality, military bases, and mining operations.
A pivotal moment in Energy Flow’s journey emerged from their discussions with remote hospitality providers, notably with a hotel owner in the Kargil region. The owner’s firsthand experiences with battery performance in extreme climatic conditions highlighted a pressing need for climate-resilient batteries. This crucial feedback prompted Energy Flow to shift their focus from generic long-duration batteries to creating solutions specifically engineered to perform in harsh environments.
With the support of GDC’s I-NCUBATE Program, Energy Flow was able to refine their approach, addressing the unique challenges faced by remote areas with severe climates. The program’s mentorship enabled them to adjust their value proposition and develop a prototype tailored to these specific needs. They are now on track to advance their prototype and seek a successful pilot opportunity.
