Fast-tracking new tech to decarbonise the grid

EnergyLab’s Scaleup Program is back for 2025, partnering with leading Australian energy companies to speed the transition to a decarbonised Australian grid.

Now in its sixth year, the program connects late-stage climate-tech startups with network operators to pilot and commercialise solutions. The 2025 cohort includes 10 startups from five countries.

According to EnergyLab, “This year, startups were selected that are innovating across vegetation management, asset monitoring, unlocking transmission capacity, AI-powered grid insights, streamlined connections processes and climate resilience.”

One of these companies is US-founded Sense, which was selected for its grid-edge intelligence software that is used to convert next-gen smart meters into grid-edge AI computer platforms, generating high-resolution insights for distribution networks, retailers and consumers.

Sense Head of Australia Dave Johnson said Sense is an ideal fit for the program, with its ability to make grids safer and the grid edge more visible, and to help consumers become smarter about their energy use.

“EnergyLab is important to Sense as we localise and scale Sense’s solutions in Australia,” Johnson said.

“EnergyLab’s deep knowledge and insights, coupled with Sense AI technology, unlocks new ways for Australian energy regulators, networks and retailers to address energy transition challenges.”

Johnson said that Sense’s technology is already being rolled out with the Sense-capable latest generation of smart meters in the US, and will soon be available for millions of Australian homes.

How does Sense technology work?

Sense AI machine learning software runs on Sense-capable next-generation smart meters, turning the meters into high-resolution grid-edge AI sensors. By detecting patterns and anomalies in the raw energy stream, the software helps identify energy activities and faults on the grid as well as behind the meter. When high-resolution data is in place, specific energy fingerprints of most CERs and appliances can be detected and measured in real time.

“This new visibility spans from the primary side through to the secondary side, all the way to behind the meter — an area that is usually invisible today to grid operators,” Johnson said. “Intelligence at the edge of the grid provides deeper insight, allowing operators to address a number of problems and shift from reactive to proactive management.”

Sense said that one of its technology’s most important advances would be identifying and instantly alerting users to fatal shock or fire risks in homes due to floating neutrals from deteriorating wiring insulation or incorrect DIY wiring.

The company added that its software requires no additional smart plugs or IoT systems, with high-resolution computations happening largely within the meter itself rather than in the cloud. The result, Sense said, is huge savings on utility cloud processing — as well as being able to provide essential data to teams who need urgent data insights far more quickly. Sense analyses this high-resolution data entirely at the grid edge, only issuing small data messages with alerts and insight, when necessary, into backend systems.

Partnering with the energy industry

Image credit: iStock.com/Pituk Loonhong

EnergyLab’s CEO, Megan Fisher, said the Scaleup Program continues to be a powerful platform for connection and collaboration in the energy sector.

“The program offers Australian energy companies a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technologies from around the world, while giving global startups valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of Australia’s net zero transition,” she said.

“Australia is a leading global player for renewable energy on the grid, but there are still many challenges we have to overcome to get to 82% by 2030. We’re proud to create a space where world-leading startups and local industry come together to work through these technical challenges.”

This year’s program will be delivered in collaboration with partners that include Endeavour Energy, Powerlink and TEPCO Power Grid (through Greenway Grid Global).

“The participation of innovative thought-leading energy utilities makes this program ‘pilot-ready’ rather than just theoretical,” Johnson said.

Also participating in EnergyLab is a large network of experienced energy experts from industry and government, along with energy-focused investors, whose feedback will be instrumental in tailoring Sense’s value proposition to the Australian market.

“Sense’s participation in the EnergyLab Scaleup Program marks a pivotal step in delivering scalable, data-driven solutions for Australia’s evolving energy landscape,” Johnson said.

“Sense looks forward to collaborating with network operators, regulators and retailers who are recognising the ... essential need to uplift safety, visibility and customer engagement across the energy system.”

Top image credit: iStock.com/jamesteohart