Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is known as a hub for energy innovation, with startups emerging from its research to address critical issues in the power grid, climate technology, and energy efficiency.
CMU’s spin-off companies are actively working to solve persistent energy sector problems:
1.) Pearl Street Technologies drastically reduces power system planning times, accelerating grid interconnection and enabling over 400 gigawatts of new supply.
2.) CorePower Magnetics is developing new magnetic materials for more efficient electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.
3.) SeaLion Energy is improving lithium-ion battery performance, making them last longer and operate more reliably.
4.) Peoples Energy Analytics uses behavioral data to help utilities identify customers at risk of defaulting on energy bills, connecting them with assistance programs proactively.
Bringing these advanced technologies to market is challenging due to regulatory hurdles, complex supply chains, and high upfront costs. To address this, CMU’s Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation launched a new funding initiative, offering up to $100,000 to accelerate CMU founders ideas.
Award winners span diverse fields:
1.) Howie Choset’s team is developing robots to inspect pipes for issues like natural gas leaks, improving infrastructure safety.
2.) Ruben Quesada’s startup, Sabana, uses AI to help developers source sustainable building materials.
3.) TJ Thomas is applying robotics to remove harmful algal blooms.
4.) Waku Ken-Opurum is developing a biodegradable air filter prototype for HVAC systems.
CMU’s startup activity is part of a larger regional effort to enhance energy resilience. CMU, the University of Pittsburgh, and West Virginia University lead the Resilient Energy Technology and Infrastructure (RETI) Consortium. This consortium, a semifinalist for the NSF Regional Innovation Engines $160 million funding opportunity, aims to drive economic transformation through technological innovation and collaborative research.
CMU is at the forefront of AI, innovation, and energy, with its researchers tackling pressing societal challenges and pioneering future solutions.
KEY QUOTES:
“At Carnegie Mellon, we do not leave the implementation to others. We spin off companies that can move research forward in ways that directly benefit society.”
Larry Pileggi, professor of electrical and computer engineering and co-founder of CMU startup Pearl Street Technologies
“These technologies can be game changers in enhancing energy generation and reducing energy consumption in homes, transportation and industry. But with regulatory compliance issues, complex supply chains and high upfront costs, entrepreneurs with these highly technical startups can require a longer funding runway to achieve profitability.”
Katelyn Haas-Conrad, assistant director of partnerships for CMU’s Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation
“This recognition by the NSF reflects the urgency and promise of RETI’s mission. We are committed to driving inclusive economic resilience through world-class research and regional collaboration.”
Valerie Karplus, associate director of the Scott Institute and a professor of Engineering and Public Policy at CMU
