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Utilidata secures $60.3 million in Series C funding to expand its edge AI platform, Karman, across energy infrastructure. Developed with NVIDIA, Karman enables real-time, embedded AI capabilities in grid-connected devices to improve efficiency and resilience. Strategic partnerships with Quanta Services, Advantech, and others support large-scale deployment amid growing power demand.
A Major Cash Injection Fuels the Next Phase of Grid Intelligence
Utilidata announced a $60.3 million Series C funding round to accelerate deployment of its distributed AI platform across the energy grid. The round was led by Renown Capital Partners, a firm investing in growth-stage technology companies focused on advancing energy efficiency, affordability, and reliability. Additional participation came from Quanta Services, NVIDIA, and Keyframe Capital, an existing investor. Citigroup served as the sole placement agent on the deal.
The funding comes amid increased demand for technological solutions to energy grid challenges, especially as infrastructure struggles to accommodate digital transformation and rising power needs. Utilidata aims to scale its AI solution, Karman, to support these shifts in the energy landscape.
Meet Karman: The Edge AI Engine Behind Utilidata’s Vision
Karman, developed over four years in partnership with NVIDIA, is Utilidata’s edge AI platform. Built on a custom NVIDIA module derived from the Jetson Orin Nano platform, Karman can be embedded in any grid-connected device. The goal is to bring artificial intelligence to the edge of energy systems.
By incorporating Karman into physical infrastructure, Utilidata enables distributed computing directly within grid components. This model allows devices to process data locally, improving decision-making speed and efficiency across the energy system. The platform supports high-power compute needs while lowering latency and dependency on centralized systems.
Why the Energy Grid Needs Smarter Solutions Now
The global shift toward clean energy, combined with the rapid growth of energy-intensive infrastructure such as data centers, is placing new pressure on grid systems. Data center power consumption alone is projected to increase by 160% by 2030. This surge, coupled with the need for more flexible and resilient grid infrastructure, has made traditional systems increasingly insufficient.
These changes introduce higher complexity in grid operations, requiring dynamic solutions. Edge AI offers real-time adaptability, enabling faster response times and more accurate forecasting, which centralized systems struggle to achieve at scale.
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Strategic Partnerships Set the Stage for Rapid Deployment
Utilidata has secured several strategic relationships to expedite the integration of its AI technology. The company works with Advantech, a leader in IoT intelligent systems, to make Karman available for direct purchase and simplify its installation across hardware systems. Hubbell Incorporated is embedding Karman into smart meters for electric utilities, expanding the platform’s reach into end-use environments.
Quanta Services is involved in deploying AI-enabled infrastructure at scale. The company brings expertise in power grid development and will support demonstration efforts through the Quanta Advanced Training Center. Deloitte is collaborating with Utilidata to assist clients in navigating complexities introduced by edge AI and modern grid technologies.
These partnerships contribute to streamlining implementation across both existing infrastructure and new projects.
How Embedded AI Transforms Utilities’ Capabilities
Karman enables utilities to embed intelligence directly into their operational systems. This functionality allows equipment to conduct high-speed processing without relying on cloud-based networks. The platform enhances the grid’s capacity and operational transparency by providing:
- Localized data analysis at the device level
- Improved system reliability during high-load periods
- Reduced carbon emissions through smarter energy distribution
- Real-time insights that support better decision-making
Embedding AI into devices like smart meters enables continuous monitoring and autonomous adjustment, contributing to better load management and overall system efficiency.
What This Means for the Future of Energy Management
Utilidata is targeting critical challenges in energy management by integrating edge AI directly into the grid. Through its partnerships with key players like NVIDIA, Quanta Services, and Advantech, the company is aligning its platform with broader shifts in how power infrastructure operates under rising demand.
Karman introduces new capabilities into utility environments without replacing existing equipment. By activating dormant capacity within the grid, utilities can maintain performance standards as demand accelerates. Utilidata’s current approach emphasizes immediate applicability, platform scalability, and vendor collaboration to modernize the grid through distributed intelligence.
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