Calling Innovators to participate in the Hackathon
Theme: Energy Modelling for a Transit Oriented Development Zone, Bengaluru, India
The Innovating for Clean Air (IfCA) programme
Increasing EV uptake and reducing air pollution are crucial, interrelated challenges for cities worldwide. Replacing petrol/diesel cars with electric vehicles could have a hugely positive impact on air quality and health, as well as supporting climate goals.
To address these challenges, in 2019 Energy Systems, Connected Places and Satellite Applications Catapults, with collaborative partners in India (including the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT), Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Urban Morph), launched the Innovating for Clean Air (IfCA) project. Led by Energy Systems Catapult (ESC), the project was a two-year initiative funded by UK Research and Innovation and focused on the Karnataka state capital city of Bengaluru.
Context
The Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) has prepared a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) policy with a focus on energy efficient development. The TOD policy envisages implementation of a number of interventions including travel demand management measures to ensure that the densification of the TOD zones does not lead to increased carbon footprint. In recent times, there has also been an emphasis on promoting use of electric vehicles through various policy interventions by both the Central and State Governments in India. In this context, it is proposed to gain an understanding of current energy demand, forecast energy demand for various scenarios and plan for the implementation of an optimal scenario in the transit oriented development zones. The project: “Energy Modelling for a Transit Oriented Development Zone, Bengaluru, India” attempts to use models to calculate current demand in a TOD zone of approximately 3 square kilometers around metro stations in Bengaluru and forecast future energy scenarios based on determined parameters.
Opportunity
The opportunity is for individuals/companies/organizations specializing in energy modelling to help design and develop an energy modelling tool. The tool should analyse data from multiple sources and formats and present these as an intelligent view of current demand. The tool should then have the ability to predict energy scenarios in TOD zones for different time frames and levels of energy uptake.
DULT, ESC and Urban Morph plan to run a hackathon using real data sources in a specified TOD zone to learn and understand how an energy modelling solution can add value and benefit future development. The outcome of the hackathon will be a modelling tool that allows the integration of the available data sources and shows energy uses and future trends.
WE WOULD LIKE TO INVITE INTERESTED PARTIES (“INNOVATORS”) TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HACKATHON AND SHOWCASE THEIR SOLUTIONS.
Required outputs/Use case
The hackathon is seeking to find an energy modelling solution for a specified TOD zone that meets the following key requirements for a working model:
Provide the ability to integrate multiple data sources.
Provide a visualisation of multiple data sources.
Provide a mechanism to analyse data sources.
Provide a mechanism to compare multiple scenarios.
Show infrastructure/ building in the pilot area.
Show current energy demand across the area with a high degree of accuracy/ confidence.
Simulate different scenarios so the effect on energy demand can be seen in a way that can enable planning and inform infrastructure choices. Scenario types will be discussed at project commencement, but should include those related to an increase in e-mobility usage and a growth in the proliferation of solar PV installations in the area.
Proposed data sets, but not limited to – Anonymized Energy consumption data for various landuses for one year, data on building footprints and landuse, building heights, etc. ,
Hackathon parameters
For the hackathon, the innovators are invited to develop energy modelling solutions, and the best three solutions will be given a cash prize, on successful demonstration of the solutions. The steps in the process are as follows:
STEP 1: The interested individuals/ organizations/ companies are expected to complete the application and submit their proposals. A requirements session will be held early in the hackathon to discuss and clarify functionality, visualisation of the tool, etc. if there is a request to that effect prior to the date of submission.
STEP 2: The submissions will be evaluated based on the parameters like experience and qualifications of the applicant; robustness of the energy modelling tool proposed; data requirements etc. Shortlisting of innovators to participate in the hackathon will be done based on the evaluation.
STEP 3: The shortlisted innovators will be required to further develop their solution. The design, and development activities will take place over a 2 month period from 21st January 2021. The shortlisted innovators will liaise with DULT, Urban Morph and Energy Systems Catapult throughout the event to monitor progress and assess performance. The shortlisted innovators will be expected to give regular updates to DULT and other involved organisations, to allow for regular review, and to make a final presentation of outputs.
STEP 4: The model will be demonstrated at the end of the development period (within the stipulated 2 month period) to multiple stakeholders for feedback. The innovators are expected to review the feedback received from the stakeholders and update their solutions/models.
STEP 5: The shortlisted innovators will be required to present their solutions to a jury constituted by the organizers. The best three solutions will be entitled to the following prize amount after successful demonstration of the model.
Prize Money will be ₹ 3,00,000 /-
Application process
Interested individuals/organizations/companies should apply via the application form, with supporting information not exceeding five pages. The application will cover:
Why they are interested in the opportunity
If they plan to work individually or with other organisations
Their relevant experience / suitability for the work
An overview of their energy modelling solution
Applications are welcome from Indian or UK organisations. Combined applications from UK and Indian working collaboratively are encouraged.
Approximate timelines
Deadline extended to - 30th January 2022.
Shortlisting of Innovators – 7th February 2022.
Commencement of Hackathon – 12th February 2022.
Solution Development period – 12th February until 12th April 2022.
Demonstration of the energy modelling solution to the jury – Before 17th April 2022.
Winner announced 25th April 2022.
Multiple group and individual sessions will be held to define and demo the solutions throughout the hackathon.
Application form
Click here to apply
Please write to testbed.dult@gmail.com if you have any questions
