There's no shortage of lists available to summarize 2023, but here at Darcy, we have a unique data set with activity on Darcy Connect from over 10,000 energy company Connect Users. Our data highlights which innovators gained most attention on Darcy Connect through views, clicks, likes, follows, meetings scheduled, fundings, and other factors. Combined with analysis from our Research Team about technology developments and market traction, we have selected the Top 10 Innovators from 2023 in each of our coverage channels. This is our way of saying: "these are the innovators that your peers are most interested in, and that our Researchers view as novel and impactful - so you should learn more about them". In this article, you will find the Innovators that made it on the list in the category of Innovative Grid Technologies.

But there is far more detail to look at than what you'll find here.

• The Innovator names are all linked to their Storefront, where you can find in-depth information on their products, business models, and our Research Team's insights. Here, Connect Users are able to schedule meetings with the Innovators or request updates.
• Throughout Q1, you will find weekly articles like this with Top 10 lists from our Oil & Gas, Power & Utilities, Sustainability, and Energy Transition research programs.
• All articles will be followed by a Darcy Live Event. On the Event page, you can find the full Darcy Live schedule for Q1.

Here you can find our event for Innovative Grid Technologies, Best of 2023: Innovative Grid Technologies, scheduled for February 15th, 2024.

The Top 10 Innovators from 2023 in Innovative Grid Technologies (in alphabetical order):

• Delphire Inc: Provides a unique sensor solution (Sentinel) for early fire detection, complete with onboard communications and back-end, AI-based analytics to automate detection and notification (to utility personnel or directly to first responders). Deployments across CA and CO, with recent wildfire detection within SDG&E’s service territory.
• encoord: Provides its Scenario Analysis Interface (SAInt) platform to unify modeling and analysis of gas and electric networks (transmission and distribution). Notable deployment with National Grid US and partnerships with national labs. Has been heavily involved with industry groups like ESIG.
• Greenbird: Provides an Integration Platform as a Service (iPaas) solution called Utilihive, the only such platform purpose-built for integrating utility datasets. Has developed an extensive partnership ecosystem and was acquired by GE Vernova in 2023.
• GridQube: Young startup with a focus on solving two emerging distribution system challenges: dynamic operating envelopes (DOE) and distribution system state estimation (DSSE). Gained early traction with AUS-based DNSPs and won Best Startup at CIRED 2023.
• IONATE: Provides a unique Hybrid Intelligent Transformer (HIT) solution, which integrates FACTS-like functionality into a MV transformers, enabling power factor and voltage control along with harmonic filtering. Gained early traction with EDP and won CIRED 2023 award.
• Neara: Provides robust analysis software that lives up to the “digital twin” designation. Offers broad functionality from its physics-based models, including network model validation, vegetation management, dynamic line rating, and storm management. Recent deployment with SCE to enhance wildfire detection.
• Plexigrid: Provides a software suite that offers LV network monitoring (using GIS and AMI data), distribution network analysis (power flow), and flexibility market enablement (including aggregator platform) Recent partnership with NODES AS for flexibility market offering. Recently raised €4.5M in second investment round.
• Sharper Shape: Provides end-to-end T&D asset inspection services. Its robust data analytics platform called CORE, can translate significant amounts of inspection data (from different sources, in different formats) into actionable asset management insights (complete with integration into work management software). Has found partnerships with drone service providers and has early deployments with major IOUs.
• Supernode: Technology development company that designs and delivers superconducting cable systems for high-voltage, high-capacity grid applications. In 2023, signed partnership with Theva; selected for superconductor Belgian study STERNA 2050.
• TS Conductor: Leader in the commercialization of lightweight, carbon-core encapsulated aluminum conductor in the US, which is poised to upgrade ACSR (standard OH Tx conductor) and even ACSS (first-gen HTLS). Additionally, they are a National Grid portfolio company. Won award from DOE American-Made Challenge. Early deployments with TVA, MDU Resources. New east cost production facility in-progress.

Let us know if you have any questions or comments about this list in the comment section below. We're looking forward to another year of exciting and insightful research!