There's no shortage of lists available to summarize 2024, 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 2024 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 (utility-scale generation and energy storage, grid interconnection, industrial electrification).

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.

The Top 10 Innovators from 2024 in Innovative Grid Technologies are (in alphabetical order based on each theme):

• Buzz Solutions: from Stanford’s StartX accelerator, Buzz Solutions offers PowerAI, an enterprise-grade inspection analytics and workforce integration platform. In 2024, raised $5M, developed partnerships (Skydio) and continued work with Dominion, NYPA, SCE, and others.
• Skydio: that offers UAS-based hardware and software solutions, with a focus on BVLOS (with pilots) and autonomous (without pilots) flights for remote asset inspections. In 2024, worked with leading utilities (AEP, PG&E, NYPA) to pioneer remote drone operations.
• Heimdall Power: who offers an on-wire line sensor (in easy-to-install “magic ball” form-factor) and proprietary analytics to calculate real-time and forecasted transmission line ratings. Raised $25M in Series B and completed its first U.S. deployment with Great River Energy, installing 52 sensors in 8 days.
• Switched Source: with its power electronics-based Tie Controller for phase-balancing along distribution feeders (an emerging grid limitation as cars and buildings electrify). In 2024, Switched Source gained traction with utilities like National Grid and FPL (via DOE GRIP grant, poised to become widest deployment of MV power electronics to date).
• Veir: offers an HTS solution with evaporative cooling, which is uniquely suitable for overhead power lines. In 2024, raised $75M in Series B and won a DOE GRIP grant (ACES project) worth up to $29M, representing the first US-based HTS project since ComEd’s.​
• Envelio: and its Intelligent Grid Platform (IGP) product, used to enhance distribution grid planning and analysis, with a focus on streamlining interconnection studies. In 2024, opened its North American office and secured Eversource as its first US customer.
• GridUnity: offers a cloud-based platform purpose-built for utility service connection and generator interconnection analyses and workflows. Notably in 2024, GridUnity has gained strong commercial traction (SCE, SPP) as well as selection for DOE GRIP grant.
• Rhizome: offers a software platform that integrates climate resilience and wildfire ignition analytics into grid modeling and investment planning. They raised $2.5M in their initial funding round and launched gridFIRM, a machine learning tool that analyzes geographic and historical utility data to assess wildfire risk.
• Exodigo: provides efficient data collection (hard-cart, vehicle-mount, UAS) and AI-powered sensor fusion analytics to optimize data usability for underground utilities. Raised $105M in Series A and joined the DOE’s GOPHURRS program for grid resilience.​
• N5 Sensors: N5 Sensors' N5SHIELD™ detects ignitions using AI-driven analytics and sensor fusion. Partnering with companies like AlertWest, they cover gaps cameras might miss. In 2024, they deployed 80 sensors with USFA and DHS during the Hawaii fires.

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!