Application: PowerGrid Network

[kunal-drall]

Project Abstract

This is a follow-up grant application. PowerGrid Network has successfully completed two Polkadot Fast Grants milestones ($10,000 total) and is now applying for continued funding to build a production-ready DePIN platform.
Previous Grant: Polkadot Fast Grants - PowerGrid Network
PowerGrid Network is a decentralized Virtual Power Plant (VPP) solution built on the Polkadot blockchain to address the escalating global energy crisis. With a projected 200 GW electricity shortfall in the U.S. by 2030 and billions required to build traditional infrastructure, PowerGrid offers a radically scalable alternative: transforming homes into a coordinated, AI-optimized energy network.
Our platform integrates smart devices—like thermostats, EV chargers, and appliances—via IoT and AI-driven recommendations to reduce energy usage during peak demand without sacrificing user comfort. Participants are rewarded with $PWGD tokens for contributing to grid stability, creating a compelling financial incentive for adoption. Unlike centralized VPPs, PowerGrid’s DePIN-based model uses blockchain for transparency, programmable rewards, and community governance, ensuring trust and rapid network growth.
By focusing initially on smart plug integration and targeting high-demand regions with progressive energy policies, PowerGrid aims to become the foundation for a new energy paradigm: community-powered, clean, and economically sustainable.

Grant level

• Level 1: Up to $10,000, 2 approvals
• Level 2: Up to $30,000, 3 approvals
• Level 3: Unlimited, 5 approvals (for >$100k: Web3 Foundation Council approval)

Application Checklist

• The application template has been copied and aptly renamed (project_name.md).
• I have read the application guidelines.
• Payment details have been provided (Polkadot AssetHub (USDC & DOT) address in the application and bank details via email, if applicable).
• I understand that an agreed upon percentage of each milestone will be paid in vested DOT, to the Polkadot address listed in the application.
• I am aware that, in order to receive a grant, I (and the entity I represent) have to successfully complete a KYC/KYB check.
• The software delivered for this grant will be released under an open-source license specified in the application.
• The initial PR contains only one commit (squash and force-push if needed).
• The grant will only be announced once the first milestone has been accepted (see the announcement guidelines).
• I prefer the discussion of this application to take place in a private Element/Matrix channel. My username is: @_______:matrix.org (change the homeserver if you use a different one)

[diogo-w3f]

@kunal-drall Thanks for the grant application. Do you have any real clients or interested users in the PowerGrid network? I see that you have a history of developing software projects, did any of them become a real business? I understand that developing and continuing to develop can be fun, but what about actually launching these products? Could you tell me more about that?

[kunal-drall]

Real Client Interest & User Validation

Current Interest:

• 30 interested users from a technical fair at a local university where we reached out to students and faculty members to introduce them to PowerGrid Network.
• Waitlist launched to capture interest from technical community and early adopters
• Users are primarily from the technical/maker community interested in IoT + blockchain intersection

Beta Testing Plans:
PowerGrid Network is positioned as an actual product, not just a research project. After this grant completion (if accepted), we're planning the first beta testing phase with interested users and expanding from there.

Current State - Honest Assessment:

• Working end-to-end system: Real TP-Link Tapo P110 smart plugs → Python oracle service → Polkadot blockchain → automated token rewards
• All infrastructure operational and tested
• Focus is on building functional product first, user acquisition second

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Past Project History & Product Launches

Previous Projects:
While I have experience developing software projects, PowerGrid Network represents my first serious attempt at building a commercial product with sustainable business model. Previous projects were primarily:

• Educational/learning projects
• Open-source contributions
• Technical demonstrations

Why PowerGrid Network is Different:
This project has:

1. Real funding ($10,000 from Web3 Foundation - 2 milestones delivered)
2. Working hardware integration (not vaporware)
3. Clear business model (utility partnerships + platform fees)
4. Verifiable progress (GitHub commits, milestone deliveries, test results)
5. Market need (energy grid challenges are real and growing)

Commitment to Launch:
PowerGrid Network will be an actual deployed product because:

• We've proven technical feasibility end-to-end
• We have initial user interest to validate with beta
• The energy sector need is real and urgent
• We're pursuing multiple funding sources to ensure sustainability beyond grants
• Beta testing phase scheduled immediately post-grant completion

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Development vs. Launch Philosophy

Your Question is Valid: Many developers enjoy building but struggle with launching and commercializing.

Our Approach:

1. Build functional MVP first (in progress)
2. Validate with small beta group ← Next phase (30+ interested users ready)
3. Iterate based on real feedback
4. Scale progressively (10 users → 100 users → 1000+ users)
5. Sustainable business model (utility partnerships, not just token speculation)

Tangible Launch Commitment:

• Beta program planned to kicks off Q3 2026
• Utility partnership discussions in progress (informal stage)
• Landing page and documentation being prepared for public launch
• Mobile app development planned to make onboarding seamless

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Why This Will Actually Launch

Not vaporware because:

• Hardware integration already working
• Users exist and are waiting (30+ from university demonstration)
• Business model is clear (not dependent on token speculation)
• Team has delivered on commitments (2 milestones completed on time)
• Problem is real (utilities need demand response solutions)

We're building for launch, not perpetual development.