FOUNDER & CEO
Dr. Chitra R, M.E., PhD., M.B.A., M.C.A., A.D.I.T.
She was CEO of Delving R&D Pvt. Ltd. and the founder and partner of Delving Energy Ecosystems. They work as a consultant specializing in Demand-Side Management (DSM), Energy Conservation, and the Internet of Things (IoT). They also serve as a visiting professor at academic institutions and deliver keynote speeches on topics such as Smart Meter Grid and IoT. Additionally, they have previous experience as a Deputy General Manager at TANGEDCO.
Expertise
Doctorate
She completed her doctorate at PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, Anna University, Tamil Nadu, focusing on the thesis "Pragmatic Methods for optimization of low voltage distribution network in the Indian scenario," where she analyzed and demonstrated line loss reduction through active and reactive compensation.
Intelligence
Strong domain knowledge and extensive experience in Electrical (16 years) and Information Technology (15 years) with exceptional administrative skills. She has worked in various areas including the Kadampaarai Pump Station, Wind Farm Maintenance, Substation, Distribution, and Information Technology divisions of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board.
Experience
7 years of experience in building the startup from SaaS products in various domains to innovative Industrial IoT products.
Specialist
Network administration of LAN and Intranet networks. Database administration of Oracle database. She has worked in SCADA and ADLS Systems of Electrical Utility. Design experience in application packages of electrical utilities like Billing software, Inventory management system, Consumer indexing, and Customer care. Five years of Experience in handling consumer billing package Engineering Domain Expert with requirement analysis skills to customize the application packages.
Startup Activities
She is the founder of two startups, Delving Research and Development Private Limited and Delving Energy Ecosystems. She initiated the organizations with a clear vision to establish research ecosystems and produce IoT products and processes to drive societal transformation. Delving Research and Development Private Limited, established in October 2015, has been acknowledged by Startup India (DIPP2550). The specialized software is a result of the founder and CEO Dr. R. Chitra’s doctoral research focused on reducing energy losses in low-voltage distribution networks and industries, leading to cost savings. Our diverse expertise enables us to comprehend customer requirements and develop optimal enhancements for our products. Our primary offerings encompass a multi-feature IoT Smart Energy Meter (MFISM), Dynamic Reactive Compensation Unit (DRCU), and Maximum Demand Controller, among others. Delving was honored with a Certificate of Merit from the India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) Innovation Awards 2022 in the “Smart Startup of the Year” category and was chosen for a pilot program in Powerthon 2022 under the Ministry of Power. Delving Energy Ecosystem is a partnership firm that commenced operations in February 2022 and has been acknowledged by Startup India (DIPP107171). DEE was founded with the aspiration to contribute to energy-efficient ecosystems integrated with intelligent IoT technology and software for societal benefit. DEE validated the IoT-based DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER MEASURING, MONITORING, and CONTROLLING MODULE (DT-MMCM). MMCM involves measuring both physical and electrical parameters of transformers through an IoT-based smart meter to reduce energy losses with active and reactive compensation. It facilitates automation of the electrical distribution network by integrating with smart MCCB and IED, serving as an effective tool for minimizing losses in the distribution network. This product is designed to be scalable for industrial customers and electrical utilities.
Accomplishments
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was honored with the MSME Wonder Women Award 2024 by Tally Solutions on June 28, 2024. This accolade highlights her exceptional leadership and innovative contributions to the industry.
Recipient of the “Certificate of merit” award from the India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) Innovation Awards 2022 in the category of “Smart Startup of the Year.” Presented a paper on the topic of “Multi-Features IoT Smart Meter for Low Voltage Distribution Loss Reduction” at the Conference on Power Reforms: Process, Expectation, and Achievements in Gujarat, organized by the central board of irrigation and power. Showcased the product in PowerThon 2022 for the problem statement “AT & C Loss Reduction,” and the proposal for POC has been approved by the Ministry of Power Government, India. Received an offer letter to demonstrate the concept in Madhya Pradesh Poorv Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company Ltd. (MPPsKVVCL).
As DGM/Information Systems at TANGEDCO (FORMERLY TNEB), she played a pivotal role in the IT team in securing funds (approximately 400 crores) from the Ministry of Power, with the Power Finance Corporation (PFC) as the nodal agency for IT-enabled initiatives throughout Tamil Nadu, India (2009). Prepared detailed project reports (DPR) for IT-enabled electrical systems and facilitated the Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Program in 110 towns of Tamil Nadu, India, in collaboration with PFC, Delhi, India (2008-10).
Recognized as a Fellow of The Institution of Engineers (F-1141785), India, for exceptional contributions to the Electrical Engineering Industry. Delivered lectures in US-aid national programs of TNEB for delegates nationwide. She has authored and presented papers at prestigious National and International conferences and journals such as Elsevier, Central Power Research Institute (CPRI), among others.