Secures pilot project with Burlington Electric Department
Vermont Business Magazine In a significant stride for energy innovation in Vermont, the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF) has crowned Magnefy as the winner of the DeltaClimeVT Energy 2026 Business Accelerator. This marks the program’s tenth cohort and an entire decade of fostering energy advancements.
Gaining a $25,000 prize, Magnefy has also secured an exciting pilot project with the Burlington Electric Department (BED) to test AI-driven technology that aims to predict transformer failures, enhancing grid reliability.
During a ceremony held on June 11 at the Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center in Burlington, entrepreneurs from four early-stage energy startups showcased their innovative solutions to an audience comprising utility partners, mentors, and investors.
Joseph Kao, co-founder and CEO of Magnefy, expressed his gratitude, stating, “I just want to say I really learned so much from every founder in this cohort. This program has been an incredible opportunity to refine what we’re building and to engage directly with utilities. I’m excited about what comes next and the opportunity to keep working together.”
Magnefy’s innovative system employs non-invasive magnetic sensing coupled with artificial intelligence to monitor transformers, predicting failures before they occur. This technology promises to decrease outages, extend the lifespan of assets, and cut down maintenance expenses for utilities.
Burlington Electric Department’s general manager, Darren Springer, noted, “We see real value in the data and predictive analytics Magnefy can bring. For critical infrastructure like our generation assets, having earlier insight into potential issues is a strong value proposition.”
A Decade of DeltaClimeVT
Celebrating its tenth year, DeltaClimeVT has successfully supported 75 companies from the U.S. and Canada, leading to over 20 pilot projects with Vermont utilities. Managed by VSJF, the program connects startups with utilities, mentors, and investors to speed up the implementation of ready-to-deploy solutions.
“What we have built here over the last 10 years is something truly meaningful,” said Kurt Ericksen, DeltaClimeVT program manager at VSJF. “The direct engagement between startups and utilities, combined with rigorous business validation, creates real opportunities for technologies to move from concept to implementation.”
Since its inception, DeltaClimeVT has focused on infusing Vermont’s energy landscape with external innovation, yielding tangible benefits for consumers.
Ellen Kahler, executive director of VSJF, emphasized the program’s impact by stating, “The value of this program is not just in the ideas. It is in how those ideas are tested, validated and, in some cases, deployed here in Vermont to support our climate and energy goals.”
Neale Lunderville, president and CEO of Vermont Gas Systems, who has been an early advocate of the program, highlighted the statewide influence, saying, “Partnerships that develop into pilots and real-world applications are the true success of this program. Year after year, these companies bring new ideas that challenge and inspire Vermont’s energy system.”
VSJF Executive Director Ellen Kahler (left) and DeltaClimeVT Program Manager Kurt Ericksen (right) present the $25,000 award to Joseph Kao, CEO of Magnefy at the DeltaClimeVT Energy 2026 Celebration. Photo by Kelly Nottermann.
Energy 2026 Cohort Innovations
The 2026 cohort showcased a range of solutions targeting grid intelligence, energy storage, and electric vehicle infrastructure, all in alignment with Vermont’s climate and energy objectives.
- Magnefy (CA) – Specializes in an AI-driven, non-invasive magnetic sensing system for utilities to monitor aging transformers and forecast failures.
- Biospheric AI (MA) – Offers building-level electricity and heating demand forecasts without relying on customer data, aiding utilities in planning and grid management.
- Popper Power (CA) – Develops streetlight-integrated EV charging and energy storage systems to enhance grid flexibility and cut infrastructure costs.
- PWRJOULE (AZ) – Provides long-duration energy storage using iron-based chemistry for enhanced durability, safety, and reduced lifecycle costs.
Throughout the intensive four-month program, participants engaged in rigorous coursework using the ecosVC™ curriculum, mentorship, and direct interactions with utilities to refine business models and explore pilot opportunities.
“Being able to work directly with utilities and receive real-time feedback is what makes this program stand out,” Ericksen said. “It accelerates learning and creates a pathway for real-world impact.”
To learn more about DeltaClimeVT, visit deltaclimevt.com.
Program Partners and Sponsors
DeltaClimeVT Energy 2026 is supported by partners and sponsors like Jane’s Trust Foundation, Burlington Electric Department, Vermont Public Power Supply Authority, Efficiency Vermont, Green Mountain Power, Vermont Electric Coop, VGS, Vermont Economic Development Authority, EastRise Credit Union, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and M&T Bank.
About DeltaClimeVT Energy Business Accelerator
The DeltaClimeVT business accelerator is a Vermont-based initiative dedicated to startup and seed-stage ventures focusing on energy innovation. The program offers intensive learning and business development processes designed to test assumptions, address business vulnerabilities, prepare for major investments, and provide a platform for rapid scaling. As a leader in sustainability, Vermont provides participants with access to entrepreneurial energy experts. The program is managed by the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF).
About Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF) is a nonprofit organization committed to nurturing sustainable economic development to benefit Vermont’s people, communities, and environment. Through business assistance, network development, strategic planning, and supply chain coordination, VSJF supports innovation and resilience in agriculture and food systems, forest and fiber products, renewable energy, environmental technology, and waste management sectors. VSJF was created by the Vermont Legislature in 1995 to partner with state government, private sector businesses, and nonprofits to catalyze systems-level change and build a thriving, equitable, and ecologically sound future for Vermont.
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Vermont Business Magazine
Original Story at vermontbiz.com