Background:

Accelerate Prosperity (AP) is a part of new global initiative of the AKDN in Central and South Asia, which follows guidance from the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) Board to develop more formal structures to catalyze enterprises within AKDN’s main area development programs, where economic opportunities remain insufficient. Through patient capital and tailored business advisory to startups and businesses, AP complements broader employment- related programs of AKF and draws significantly on technical expertise from the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development’s (AKFED) Industrial Promotion Services (IPS), and coordinates efforts with the AKDN’s financial institutions, the University of Central Asia and many other national partners.

AP’s approach combines financial and non-financial support, recognising that standalone business development services and traditional bank financing are inadequate to catalyse start- ups, grow small firms, and deliver job creation in fragile and emerging markets, particularly for marginalized groups in rural areas. The overall theory of change is that with improved business models, investment readiness along with tailored financing bundled with commercial and B2B linkages driven by the private sector, the supported businesses will be equipped to unlock private sector investments, sales, and growth, leading to increased incomes and job creation.

Accelerate Prosperity is launching U Solve: EV- Chapter which is Focused on electric vehicles. The incubation program aims to develop solutions for grid integration, sustainable manufacturing, and energy-efficient components to address challenges in the EV sector.

Below are some of the challenges the program aims to address: 

Challenges Addressed:

• Integrating electric vehicles (EVs) into the existing power grid is hindered by infrastructure inadequacies, concerns about load management, and grid stability.
• The manufacturing processes for electric vehicles often lack environmental sustainability, leading to significant carbon footprints, waste, and resource consumption throughout their production lifecycle.
• Electric vehicles require energy-efficient components, like advanced electric motors, regenerative braking systems, and lightweight materials, to optimize energy usage and extend EV range, especially in challenging terrains.

Objectives/goals of the program:

• Identify and support key players in the EV sector, including vehicles, infrastructure, and the broader ecosystem, to foster their development, deployment, and commercialization.
• Encourage startups to adopt sustainable manufacturing processes for electric vehicles.
• Support in producing energy-efficient EV components.
• Facilitate the development of infrastructure for seamless EV integration.

PURPOSE OF CONSULTANCY

As an integral component of Accelerate Prosperity's (AP) incubation services dedicated to startups and Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs), the primary objective is to provide technical advisory to the selected businesses (up to 15) and help them launch and scale their business. 

The purpose of the service is to give:

Technical Guidance:

• Provide expert advice on various aspects of electric vehicle technology, including battery technology, powertrain design, charging infrastructure, and vehicle electrification.
• Offer insights into emerging trends, innovations, and best practices in the EV industry.
• Assist in evaluating and selecting appropriate technologies and components for EV startups.

Market Analysis and Research:

• Share Data and Insights in the EV sector with the business. 
• Analyze regulatory frameworks, government policies, and incentives related to electric vehicles.
• Assess consumer preferences, demand trends, and potential market segments for EV startups.

Product Development Support:

• Support startups in developing and refining their electric vehicle prototypes or products.
• Advise on product specifications, performance optimization, safety standards, and compliance requirements.
• Facilitate connections with suppliers, manufacturers, and testing facilities for prototype development and testing.

Business Strategy and Planning:

• Assist in formulating business plan and strategies, market entry plans, and go-to-market strategies for EV startups.
• Provide guidance on business model innovation, revenue streams, pricing strategies, and cost optimization.

Risk Management and Problem Solving:

• Identify potential risks, technical challenges, and bottlenecks in the development and deployment of EV solutions.
• Offer problem-solving expertise and assistance in troubleshooting technical issues, resolving conflicts, and overcoming obstacles.
• Recommend contingency plans, mitigation strategies, and risk management frameworks to minimize project risks and ensure project success.

METHODOLOGY

The service provider must work with the selected businesses (up to 15) to launch and grow their businesses. The following steps would be considered for each assignment:

1. A list of businesses (including startups and SGBs) with relevant details will be shared by AP with the service provider.
2. The service provider will conduct an initial evaluation from the documents provided by AP or conduct an initial assessment session with the businesses to track their stage.
3. The service provider will provide technical advisory in two phases. In Phase 1 they will provide services in person in Islamabad for 5 days. And in the second phase they will provide technical advisory online spanning over 5 weeks.
4. The advisor/ expert would complete the assignment and submit their deliverable on the given submission dates.

DELIVERABLES

At the conclusion of the program, a comprehensive report will be submitted for each business, covering the following key aspects:

-              Technical Guidance: insights into emerging trends, innovations, and best practices within the respective sector and relevant to the specific business.

Recommendations for suitable technologies and components tailored to each business, supported by rationale and thorough analysis.

-              Market Analysis and Research: Relevant market research highlighting opportunities, challenges, and the competitive landscape of the business.

Analysis of regulatory frameworks, government policies, and incentives influencing the business landscape.

-              Product Development: Documenting the assistance provided to the business in the development and enhancement of their electric vehicle prototypes or products.

Documentation of product specifications, strategies for performance optimization, adherence to safety standards, and compliance requirements.

-              Business Strategy and Planning: Outlining formulated business plan and strategies, market entry plans, and go-to-market strategies.

Guidance on business model innovation, revenue streams, pricing strategies, and cost optimization, bolstered by supporting analysis and recommendations.

-              Risk Management and Problem Solving: Identification of potential risks, technical challenges, and bottlenecks in the development and deployment of business solutions.

Recommendations for contingency plans, mitigation strategies, and risk management frameworks for each business.

TARGET AUDIENCE

• Startups: new, disruptive solutions which have a scalable business model i.e. incorporates technology or innovative systems to grow exponentially with limited resources
• Existing Small and Growing Businesses: commercially viable businesses with 5-250 employees that have significant potential, and ambition for growth

PROPOSED TIMEPERIOD

• Between June 10, 2024, to July 22, 2024 (6 weeks) 

MODE OF SERVICE DELIVERY

• Hybrid (5 days in person sessions and 5 weeks online sessions)

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Payment will be made for Business Technical Support provided to up to 15 Businesses.

• 30% payment will be made upon sharing the training materials and execution plan
• 30% After completing the first phase (5 days in person) of the technical advisory
• 40% payment upon submission of deliverables for each business

KEY CAPACITIES REQUIRED

A firm/Individual with the following capacities:

• Technical Expertise:
  
  In-depth knowledge of electric vehicle technology, including batteries, power electronics, electric motors, and vehicle systems.
  Familiarity with EV charging infrastructure, standards, protocols, and emerging technologies.
  Understanding of vehicle electrification trends, sustainability principles, and environmental regulations.

• Industry Experience:
  
  Proven experience working in the electric vehicle industry or related fields such as automotive engineering, renewable energy, or clean transportation.
  Demonstrated track record of success in developing, testing, or implementing electric vehicle solutions.
  Experience in collaborating with EV startups, OEMs, suppliers, and research institutions.

• Market Insights:
  
  Strong analytical skills and market research capabilities to assess market dynamics, trends, and opportunities in the EV sector.
  Ability to interpret regulatory frameworks, government policies, and industry standards influencing the EV market.
  Understanding of consumer preferences, market segmentation, and competitive landscapes in the electric vehicle industry.

• Business Acumen:
  
  Strategic thinking and business planning skills to support EV startups in formulating market entry strategies, business models, and revenue streams.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Please submit the following to apply:

• Detailed company profile/ CV of the individual
• Cover letter mentioning the interest and relevant experience and methodology and financial bid against the stated deliverables with detailed cost breakdown by each item (inclusive of all applicable taxes as per law)

DEADLINE

June 1, 2024