Nitin Akhade is an External Ph.D. Candidate at the School of Management, Technical University of Munich, Germany. His research focuses on the organizational scaling of sustainable ventures in the Global South, with particular emphasis on enterprises operating in the energy access sector. Through qualitative, evidence-based, and empirical research, he seeks to generate new knowledge on how ventures expand, adapt, and sustain impact in diverse and complex environments, contributing to a deeper understanding of the scaling process in emerging markets.
Nitin’s Ph.D. research is strongly informed by over 12 years of professional experience across Asia and Africa, where he has supported enterprises in scaling their operations to deliver innovative energy access solutions and promote inclusive economic development. His work leverages and critically examines frameworks such as scaling pathways, growth stage models, resource-based view (RBV) theory, institutional entrepreneurship, and ecosystem mapping, with the aim of adapting and extending these tools to better reflect the realities of the Global South.
Prior to his doctoral studies, Nitin earned a Master’s degree in Material Science and Energy Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), Barcelona, and the Grenoble Institute of Technology, France. He also completed an Executive Program in Energy Management at the Grenoble Graduate School of Business, France. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, providing a strong technical foundation for his work at the intersection of sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and energy innovation.
| Professional Experience: | |
| Energy Access and Livelihoods, Customized Energy Solutions (04/2020–present) | Executive Director |
| Clean Energy Access Network (CLEAN), India (01/2025-12/20207) | President and Board Member |
| Technology, Innovation and Access to Markets, Clean Energy Access Network (03/2017–03/2020) | Manager |
| Center for Technology and Innovation Management, IIM Mumbai (09/2015–02/2017) | Research Associate |
| Safety Assessment, Lloyd’s Register Consulting (09/2014–07/2015) | Consultant |
| Electrical Engineering, University of Mumbai (07/2010–08/2012) | Lecturer |
| Education: | |
| PhD (External) in Sustainable Energies and Entrepreneurship Development, Technical University of Munich, Germany (08/2025–07/2029) | Focus on scaling sustainable ventures in low-resource settings across the Global South; |
| Master’s in Material Science and Nuclear Engineering, Grenoble INP, France & University Polytechnic of Catalonia,Spain (09/2012–08/2014) | Specialization in energy generation and environmental safety in power systems; |
| Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, India (08/2006–05/2010) | Emphasis on power systems, energy management, and electrical machine design. |
Publications & Projects
Akhade N and Dr. Alessia Argiolas, ‘Demand Stimulation for Sustainability of Mini Grids in Global South - Case Study from Zambia’ under the track ‘Implementation’ in an IEEE - International Conference on Decentralised Energy Access Solutions (IDEAS), held at Bali Indonesia during January 8-9, 2025
Decoding Eri Silk Value for state of Meghalaya, A value chain and RE integration project in partnership with Govt of Meghalaya, UNDP India, Wheels Global Foundation, IIT Guwahati and IIM Shillong, 2024-present
Design and Development of Energy Efficient Solar Powered sewing, Silk reeling and Food Processing solutions for Northeast India. The project was supported by UNDP India. Jan 2024-present
Design and Development of energy efficient Pulses Processing units for small scale farmers. The project was supported by Shell INC through Powering Lives Award 2022-2023
Energy Storage in Mini grids: Landscape and Market analysis on storage technologies. Supported by ESMAP, World Bank 2021-2022
Promotion of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Tribal Welfare at International Conference on Significant of Technology in Empowering Tribal Community of India, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi August 2022
Developed compendium for 130+ decentralized rural livelihoods technologies.
State of Sector for Decentralized Renewable Energy Report for year 2017,2018 and 2020
Manual on Operation and Maintenance of Lead acid Batteries for Mini Grids in India, 2019.
Akhade N, Prof Mukundan R, ‘IP strategy for developing dynamic capabilities in Digital Manufacturing’ in an international conference on Management of Intellectual Property Rights and Strategy at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, School of Management, Mumbai, India, 2016
Akhade, N and Chandrani, S. “Dynamics of Mumbai public transportation system. International conference on Society of Operations and Management IIITM, Gwalior, India, 2016
Akhade N and Ms. Pragati Gupta, ‘Sustainable Measures in urban Planning and Development’ under the track ‘Energy Conservation and Sustainability’ in an International Conference on Society Technology and Sustainable Development held at Kochi India during June 3-5, 2011
| Finalist, EU Tech SDG Awards (2023) | Recognized for impactful work in sustainable development through technology innovation. |
| Game Changer Award – Powering Lives, Shell Inc. (2022) | Honored for developing energy-efficient solutions to empower rural livelihoods. |
| MASHAV Fellowship, Embassy of Israel (2018) | Selected for international fellowship on innovation and capacity building in sustainable development. |
| 1st Prize, Business Model Innovation Competition, Grenoble Graduate Business School, France (2013) | Awarded for a disruptive and sustainable business model proposal. |
| KIC InnoEnergy Scholarship (2012) | Earned merit-based scholarship for excellence in sustainable energy studies across Europe. |
| Finalist, ELECRAMA Prototype Development Competition (2011) | Recognized for innovation in electrical engineering and prototype design. |
| Outstanding Student, Dept. of Electrical Engineering, Dr. B.A.T.U (2006–2010) | Acknowledged for academic and leadership excellence during undergraduate studies. |