Utilidata
Utilidata builds Karman, a distributed AI platform on a custom NVIDIA Jetson module that delivers microsecond metrology and sub-20 ms control to orchestrate power for AI data centers and utility grid-edge devices. It serves hyperscalers/neoclouds (e.g., NexGen Cloud), utilities (e.g., SCE, PGE, Consumers Energy), and OEM partner Hubbell/Aclara.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersAnn Arbor, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Utilidata does
Utilidata (legal name Utilidata, Inc.) is a privately held, venture-backed grid-technology company founded around 2012 and relocated to Ann Arbor, Michigan in February 2026 from its original Providence, Rhode Island headquarters. The company builds Karman, a distributed AI platform that combines microsecond-resolution metrology, on-device AI inference and real-time closed-loop control to orchestrate power at the grid edge and inside data centers. Karman runs on a custom NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano-based module, samples at over 1 million times per second, responds with sub-20 millisecond control latency, and processes approximately 350 million data points per hour at the edge. The platform is delivered as two product applications: Karman for AI data centers (rack-level GPU power orchestration that targets up to 50% more compute from existing provisioned power) and Karman for the electric grid (grid-edge intelligence embedded in smart meters and DERs).
Utilidata sells to two primary enterprise segments. In electric utilities, it deploys through DOE-funded grid-modernization programs (100,000+ Karman units funded via 2023 awards to PGE and Duquesne Light, and a ~$20M 2024 award to Consumers Energy), partnerships with Hubbell's Aclara smart-meter division, and demonstration projects with EPRI and Southern California Edison. In AI infrastructure, it is commercializing rack-level power orchestration, with NexGen Cloud as its first announced deployment partner (Montreal showcase June 2026, then broader European rollout). The company has raised a cumulative $100M Series C across April 2025 and May 2026 closes, led by Renown Capital Partners with NVIDIA, Quanta Services and Keyframe Capital; earlier rounds include a $26.75M Series B in February 2022. Manufacturing is delivered through Advantech, system integration through Deloitte, and AI co-development with NVIDIA and NREL.
The business model is multi-stream: Karman hardware module sales (direct and via Advantech), OEM licensing into Hubbell/Aclara meters, outcome-based pricing for data-center deployments ($20M per 1 MW, assuming $5/GPU-hr), and project-based utility demonstration and integration services. Following the May 2026 $40M Series C extension, Utilidata added Kit Chee (ex-Intel cloud sales) as Chief Commercial Officer and announced a 25% workforce expansion to approximately 72 employees to scale commercialization with hyperscalers and the data-center market.
Utilidata firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Utilidata
- Legal name
- Utilidata, Inc.
- Website
- https://utilidata.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Utilidata builds Karman, a distributed AI platform on a custom NVIDIA Jetson module that delivers microsecond metrology and sub-20 ms control to orchestrate power for AI data centers and utility grid-edge devices. It serves hyperscalers/neoclouds (e.g., NexGen Cloud), utilities (e.g., SCE, PGE, Consumers Energy), and OEM partner Hubbell/Aclara.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Utilidata industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Grid Edge AI Software
- NAICS
- Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (5182), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)
- akta.pro primary industry
- AI Datacenter Power, Cooling & Racks (liquid cooling, power delivery) (HDAAAAAH)
Keywords
Where Utilidata is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ann Arbor
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Utilidata business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Operations
Revenue model
- Karman hardware module sales: Sale of custom NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano-based hardware modules that embed AI into power infrastructure devices. The platform is 'available for purchase' directly and through partners like Advantech.
- AI data center power-orchestration deployment (unit/MW-linked): Headline figure of $20M in revenue per 1 MW of compute capacity indicates an outcome-/unit-based pricing model tied to provisioned power or GPU capacity rather than per-seat software subscription.
- OEM/embedded licensing via Hubbell (Aclara) smart meters: Karman is licensed/embedded into Aclara/Hubbell smart meters, creating a recurring OEM licensing and platform royalty stream per deployed meter.
- Utility demonstration and integration services: Project-based deployments with utilities (e.g., SCE via EPRI Incubatenergy Labs, Consumers Energy with DOE support) for DER management, including integration services and joint go-to-market.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Outcome Based/ Performance | Pay-as-you-go | Unit/outcome-based pricing tied to data center MW capacity and GPU-hours |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Direct purchase of Karman platform and hardware modules |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Marketing channels7 records
Utilidata product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Utilidata develops and sells the Karman distributed AI platform, a software and custom NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano-based edge AI module that combines high-resolution electrical metrology with on-device machine learning to dynamically orchestrate power. It is sold as two primary applications: Karman for AI data centers (rack-level GPU power orchestration that unlocks up to 50% additional compute capacity) and Karman for the electric grid (grid-edge intelligence for smart meters and DER management, including the industry's first AI meter embedded by Hubbell/Aclara).
Product overview
Utilidata operates a single unified AI platform — Karman — with a platform-plus-applications architecture. The core Karman platform is a distributed, hardware-agnostic AI system built on a custom NVIDIA module (based on NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano) that combines high-resolution metrology, on-device AI, and dynamic control to orchestrate power. It is deployed as two primary applications: Karman for AI data centers (rack-level power orchestration that boosts compute capacity by up to 50% and is commercially deployed with NexGen Cloud) and Karman for the electric grid (grid-edge intelligence for smart meters, embedded by Hubbell/Aclara into the industry's first AI smart meter). Together these deliver microsecond-resolution visibility, sub-20 millisecond control, and real-time DER management to utilities and hyperscalers.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Karman: Distributed AI power orchestration platform combining high-resolution metrology with local processing and AI to unlock stranded capacity for the electric grid and AI data centers; built on a custom NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano module.
Products and services
- Karman distributed AI platform Karman is Utilidata's flagship distributed AI platform that combines high-resolution metrology, local processing and AI to deliver dynamic power orchestration. Powered by a custom NVIDIA module based on NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano, Karman delivers microsecond-resolution visibility and sub-20 millisecond control, unlocking stranded capacity in data centers and on the electric grid by analyzing approximately 350 million data points per hour.
- Karman for AI data centers Application of the Karman platform purpose-built for AI data centers. Embeds at the rack level to provide high-resolution, low-latency visibility and dependable actionable control with safe fallback guardbands, boosting revenue-generating AI workloads by up to 50% with the same provisioned power. First commercial deployment with NexGen Cloud; targets hundreds of megawatts across North America and the Nordics.
- Karman for the electric grid Application of the Karman platform for utility smart meters and other grid-edge devices. Provides real-time visibility, identifies and manages distributed energy resources, enhances resiliency and offsets the need for future infrastructure investments. Hardware-agnostic; Hubbell/Aclara is the first partner to embed Karman in a smart meter, delivering 100x more computing power than traditional distributed intelligence platforms.
Companies that use Utilidata
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Utilidata technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
AI capability7 records
Feature6 records
Utilidata partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- NexGen CloudflagshipStrategic deployment partner: NexGen Cloud is deploying Karman across its Hyperstack AI cloud data centers, with an initial showcase in Montreal (June 2026) before broader European rollout. Targets 50% additional usable capacity and supports NexGen Cloud's AI Factory deployments in North America and the Nordics. CEO Chris Starkey quoted on homepage.
- EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute)coreResearch collaborator via EPRI's Incubatenergy Labs; co-developed a successful DER management demonstration with Southern California Edison. Head of Global Innovation Hub Dan Killoren quoted.
- AdvantechflagshipManufacturing partner producing the first GPU-based module for the electric industry (built on NVIDIA). Karman is available for purchase through Advantech. General Manager Ween Niu quoted on Utilidata's homepage about expanding the AI-at-the-edge technique to other markets.
- DeloittecoreFirst-of-its-kind collaboration to revolutionize the US power grid for a sustainable future. AI Practice Leader for Power, Utilities and Renewables Khalid Behairy quoted on Utilidata's homepage.
- University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI)minorJoint study using Karman to surface new reliability concerns from EV charging; ongoing collaboration referenced from Ann Arbor HQ announcement.
- Hubbell Incorporated / AclaraflagshipFirst utility hardware provider to embed Karman into a smart meter (industry's first AI meter). Aclara has 30+ million electric meters deployed in North America. Karman embedded meters deliver 100x more processing power than traditional solutions.
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)coreAmong the first to test Utilidata's software-defined smart grid chip to scale and commercialize NREL's Real-Time Optimal Power Flow (RT-OPF) technology with support from the DOE Solar Energy Technologies Office Technology Commercialization Fund.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Utilidata competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Schneider Electric: Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure platform provides AI-driven power and energy management across data centers and the grid. It is a broad incumbent in both of Utilidata's primary segments (utility grid management and data center power orchestration) and represents the most likely bundled competitor.
- Siemens Smart Infrastructure: Siemens offers Gridscale X and Siemens Xcelerator for grid management and data center infrastructure. As a broad industrial incumbent, it competes with Utilidata's Karman platform in both utility DER management and data center power orchestration.
- GE Vernova: GE Vernova's GridOS and Grid Software solutions provide AI-enabled grid management and DER orchestration for utilities, directly competing with Karman's grid-edge capabilities. GE Vernova also serves the data center power market.
- Vertiv: Vertiv provides critical digital infrastructure (power, cooling, IT) for data centers, including power management and orchestration software. It competes with Karman's data center power orchestration use case alongside AI data center customers like NexGen Cloud.
- Eaton: Eaton is a major data center and electrical power management vendor with rack-level power distribution and monitoring products. Its Brightlayer Data Centers suite overlaps with Karman's rack-level GPU power orchestration capability.
Direct peers
- Itron: Itron is a leading smart meter and grid-edge intelligence platform provider. Its distributed intelligence (DI) capabilities in smart meters directly compete with Karman's grid-edge AI offering and represent the incumbent alternative to Utilidata's AI meter approach.
- Landis+Gyr: Landis+Gyr is a major smart meter manufacturer with grid-edge intelligence software. It competes directly with Utilidata in the utility smart meter and grid-edge AI space, with an installed base comparable to Aclara's.
Emerging players
- Voltus: Voltus is a virtual power plant (VPP) platform that monetizes distributed energy resources (DERs) for grid services. It is an emerging player in the DER management and grid-flexibility space, with overlapping technology (DER orchestration, AI-driven dispatch) but focused on demand response rather than AI data center power.
- Bloom Energy: Bloom Energy provides on-site fuel cell power generation, increasingly marketed to data centers to bypass grid interconnection queues. It competes indirectly with Utilidata by offering a different (behind-the-meter generation) approach to the same AI data center power constraint Karman addresses via orchestration.
- Tibber: Tibber is a European digital energy retailer using AI for dynamic time-of-use optimization and DER orchestration. It is an emerging player in AI-driven energy management relevant to Karman's grid-edge use case, especially as Utilidata expands into Europe via NexGen Cloud.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat7 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Utilidata social profiles
Digital presenceUtilidata compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Utilidata financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Utilidata leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles22 records
Utilidata funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds8 records
Investors11 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Utilidata M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Utilidata
What does Utilidata do?
Utilidata develops and sells the Karman distributed AI platform, a software and custom NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano-based edge AI module that combines high-resolution electrical metrology with on-device machine learning to dynamically orchestrate power. It is sold as two primary applications: Karman for AI data centers (rack-level GPU power orchestration that unlocks up to 50% additional compute capacity) and Karman for the electric grid (grid-edge intelligence for smart meters and DER management, including the industry's first AI meter embedded by Hubbell/Aclara).
Is Utilidata a public or private company?
Utilidata is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Utilidata founded?
Utilidata was founded in 2015. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Utilidata based?
Utilidata is headquartered in Ann Arbor, United States, in the North America region.
How does Utilidata make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Karman hardware module sales are the primary driver. The others are AI data center power-orchestration deployment (unit/MW-linked), OEM/embedded licensing via Hubbell (Aclara) smart meters and utility demonstration and integration services.
Who are Utilidata's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Schneider Electric, Siemens Smart Infrastructure, GE Vernova, Vertiv and Eaton. Direct peers are Itron and Landis+Gyr. Emerging players are Voltus, Bloom Energy and Tibber.
Does Utilidata have an API?
No public API is recorded for Utilidata.
What industry is Utilidata in?
Utilidata's product category is Grid Edge AI Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAAAAAH, AI Datacenter Power, Cooling & Racks (liquid cooling, power delivery). Its NAICS code is 5182 and its SIC code is 7371.