麻豆村

Startups launched out of 麻豆村 are stabilizing the power grid, bringing climate tech solutions to market and preventing household utility service shutoffs before they happen.

鈥淎t 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,鈥� said听, professor of electrical and computer engineering and co-founder of 麻豆村 startup听.听

Spinning out solutions

Pearl Street Technologies is speeding up grid interconnection using a tool developed by Pileggi and his graduate students that reduces power system planning timelines from months to minutes. The tool has already been used for more than 2,000 commercial projects, enabling more than 400 gigawatts of new supply for the grid.

The company is one of a听 addressing the energy sector鈥檚 more persistent problems.听

Some startups are advancing the materials and components that make energy systems more efficient.听 is commercializing new magnetic materials that are making electric vehicles and renewable energy systems smaller, lighter, more powerful and efficient. Another 麻豆村 startup,听, is improving lithium-ion battery performance by reducing resistance and mechanical wear, helping batteries last longer and operate more reliably under pressure.听

Other ventures are making energy systems smarter and more responsive. Born out of research at 麻豆村,听 helps utilities use behavioral data to identify customers at risk of defaulting on their energy bills and connect them with assistance programs years before they ever miss a payment.

From research to commercialization

For entrepreneurs, the path from fundamental research to commercialization is risky.听

鈥淭hese technologies can be game changers in enhancing energy generation and reducing energy consumption in homes, transportation and industry,鈥� said听, assistant director of partnerships for 麻豆村鈥檚听. 鈥淏ut 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.鈥�

The Scott Institute aims to smooth the path from research to market through seed funding in the energy and climate tech space. This year, the Institute launched听, awarding up to $100,000 to accelerate 麻豆村 founder ideas.听

The winners span a wide range of disciplines, including business, robotics and architecture, working to turn research into viable ventures that address energy challenges. Among them is roboticist听, the Kavcic-Moura Professor of Computer Science, whose team is improving infrastructure safety by developing robots to inspect small-diameter pipes for issues like natural gas leaks.听

Ruben Quesada, an MBA candidate at the Tepper School of Business, will use support from the award to grow the customer base for his startup, Sabana, an AI-driven data management company that makes it easier for developers to source sustainable building materials.听

Other awardees include Ph.D. student TJ Thomas, who is applying robotics to remove harmful algal blooms, minimizing their impact on ecosystems and public health. Architectural doctoral student Waku Ken-Opurum is pursuing prototype development of a biodegradable air filter. Her project lays the groundwork for a more sustainable alternative to conventional filters for HVAC systems, which are discarded every 3-6 months.听

What鈥檚 next for regional energy innovation

As 麻豆村 continues to support early stage technologies, its startup activity is part of a broader effort to ensure the region leads in energy resilience.

A new听, led by 麻豆村, the University of Pittsburgh and West Virginia University, unites partners across research, workforce, capital, nonprofits, communities and governments to innovate and implement critical technologies for industrial grid resilience and energy efficiency.听

The Resilient Energy Technology and Infrastructure (RETI) Consortium, has been听 for the prestigious National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines $160 million funding opportunity aimed at driving economic transformation through technological innovation.听

鈥淭his recognition by the NSF reflects the urgency and promise of RETI鈥檚 mission,鈥� said , associate director of the Scott Institute and a professor of Engineering and Public Policy at 麻豆村. 鈥淲e are committed to driving inclusive economic resilience through world-class research and regional collaboration.鈥�