Secures pilot project with Burlington Electric Department
Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF) has announced Magnefy as the peer-selected winner of its DeltaClimeVT Energy 2026 Business Accelerator, marking the conclusion of the program’s tenth cohort and a decade of advancing energy innovation in Vermont.
Magnefy received a $25,000 award and secured a pilot project with Burlington Electric Department (BED) to test its AI-driven transformer monitoring technology, which is designed to help utilities detect equipment failures in advance and improve grid reliability.
Eight entrepreneurs representing four early-stage energy companies from across the United States graduated from the program during a June 11 event at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center in Burlington. Each team presented its business model and technology solutions to an audience of utility partners, mentors, sponsors and investors.
“I just want to say I really learned so much from every founder in this cohort,” said Joseph Kao, co-founder and CEO of Magnefy. “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 non-invasive magnetic sensing system uses advanced hardware and artificial intelligence to monitor aging transformers and detect early signs of failure. By providing high-accuracy predictive insights, the technology aims to reduce outages, extend asset life and lower maintenance costs for utilities.
“We see real value in the data and predictive analytics Magnefy can bring,” said Darren Springer, general manager of Burlington Electric Department. “For critical infrastructure like our generation assets, having earlier insight into potential issues is a strong value proposition.”
Energy 2026 marks 10 years of DeltaClimeVT
Now in its tenth year, DeltaClimeVT has supported 75 companies from across the U.S. and Canada, resulting in more than 20 pilot projects with Vermont utilities. The program is managed by the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund and connects startups with utilities, mentors and investors to accelerate deployment-ready 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 launch, DeltaClimeVT has focused on bringing external innovation into Vermont’s energy ecosystem while creating tangible benefits for ratepayers.
“The value of this program is not just in the ideas,” said Ellen Kahler, executive director of VSJF. “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 and an early champion of the program, emphasized its statewide impact. “Partnerships that develop into pilots and real-world applications are the true success of this program,” Lunderville said. “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 companies
The 2026 cohort focused on solutions spanning grid intelligence, energy storage and electric vehicle infrastructure, all aligned with Vermont’s climate and energy goals.
- Magnefy (CA) – Provides an AI-driven, non-invasive magnetic sensing system that helps utilities monitor aging transformers and detect failures in advance.
- Biospheric AI (MA) – Provides building-level electricity and heating demand forecasts without using customer data, helping utilities improve planning and grid management.
- Popper Power (CA) – Develops streetlight-integrated EV charging and energy storage systems to support grid flexibility and reduce infrastructure costs.
- PWRJOULE (AZ) – Provides long-duration energy storage using iron-based chemistry designed for durability, safety and lower lifecycle costs.
Throughout the four-month program, companies participated in intensive coursework using the world-class ecosVC™ curriculum, mentorship sessions and direct engagement with utilities to refine their 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
Partners and sponsors of DeltaClimeVT Energy 2026 include 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 program serving startup and seed-stage ventures focusing on energy innovation in the energy sector. The program provides an intense accelerated learning and business development process designed to test assumptions, expose and remediate business vulnerabilities, prepare for significant investment, and provide a platform for rapid scaling. As a proven leader in sustainability, Vermont offers participants access to entrepreneurial energy experts throughout the program. 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.
To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
Vermont Business Magazine