Energy Systems Network
Energy Systems Network is an Indianapolis-based non-profit 501(c)(6) consortium, founded in 2009 as a CICP subsidiary, that commercializes advanced energy and transportation technologies through collaborative projects, consulting, and grant-funded programs. It serves manufacturers, defense agencies, and universities via initiatives like the Battery Innovation Center, Energy INsights, and the Indy Autonomous Challenge.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersIndianapolis, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Energy Systems Network does
Energy Systems Network (ESN) is a non-profit 501(c)(6) organization established in April 2009 as a subsidiary of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP). Headquartered in Indianapolis with 1–10 employees, ESN functions as a project-based consortium that connects industry, academia, non-profits, and public agencies to commercialize advanced energy and transportation technologies. Its portfolio spans battery development, renewable microgrids, autonomous mobility, and AI-driven industrial energy optimization, including the Battery Innovation Center (BIC; merged in August 2022), MicroGreen mobile microgrid, Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC), Energy INsights AI program, Project Plug-IN, Hoosier Heavy Hybrid, and Together in Motion Indiana shuttle services.
The organization operates three service pillars: multi-company collaborative projects that run commercial-scale pilot programs; consulting engagements covering market studies, project development, and U.S. market entry support; and workshops, strategic planning, and research services. Technically, ESN orchestrates the BIC's 32,000-square-foot battery testing and validation facility at the WestGate@Crane Technology Park, the 1MW MicroGreen biomass-and-solar microgrid with bidirectional storage, and the AWS-powered Energy INsights I4.0 Accelerator that ingests data from legacy factory equipment for energy optimization. The IAC competition leverages Dallara AV-21 racecars equipped with Luminar Hydra LiDAR, cameras, and 5G connectivity to enable fully autonomous high-speed racing.
ESN's revenue model is grant- and consulting-driven rather than product- or SaaS-based. Cumulative disclosed grants include $5 million from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) for Energy INsights, $1.5 million from a U.S. DOE stimulus for MicroGreen, $1.5 million from the Lilly Endowment for the IAC prize purse, and $700,000 since 2013 for strategic planning work. Consulting services are project-priced and negotiated per engagement, while the Energy INsights program is delivered at no cost to most small and medium-sized Indiana manufacturers (with up to a $25,000 cost match for large firms). Customer segments include defense/national security, Indiana manufacturers, energy technology companies seeking U.S. market entry, and global university teams participating in the IAC.
Energy Systems Network firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Energy Systems Network
- Legal name
- Energy Systems Network
- Website
- https://energysystemsnetwork.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Energy Systems Network is an Indianapolis-based non-profit 501(c)(6) consortium, founded in 2009 as a CICP subsidiary, that commercializes advanced energy and transportation technologies through collaborative projects, consulting, and grant-funded programs. It serves manufacturers, defense agencies, and universities via initiatives like the Battery Innovation Center, Energy INsights, and the Indy Autonomous Challenge.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Energy Systems Network industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Energy Technology Commercialization Services
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design Services (541512)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)
- akta.pro primary industry
- ESG, Sustainability & Impact Research (BPAHALAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- ESG Strategy & Materiality Assessment (EUAHAJAA), ESG Data Platforms, Controls & Audit Readiness (Data quality, internal controls) (EUAHAJAN), ESG Governance, Sustainability Reporting & Assurance Advisory (BPAHAFAJ)
Keywords
Where Energy Systems Network is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Indianapolis
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Energy Systems Network business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Consulting Services: Business consulting services including market studies, project development, and project management offered to established technology companies, emerging technology firms, and international firms seeking U.S. market entry.
- Strategic Planning and Research Grants: Grant funding for strategic planning and research efforts. Since 2013, ESN has received $700,000 in grant funding for economic development and workforce planning work.
- Energy INsights Program Funding: State-funded program with $5 million from IEDC providing grants to participating manufacturers for implementing AI and data science tools. Program has no cost for most small and medium-sized companies.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom Consulting Engagements |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Energy INsights Program for Manufacturers |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
Energy Systems Network product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Energy Systems Network (ESN) is a non-profit consortium that convenes industry, academia, government, and research institutions to commercialize advanced energy and transportation technologies. It delivers three core service pillars—Multi-Company Projects (collaborative commercialization pilots), Consulting (market studies, project development and management), and Workshops/Planning/Research (strategic planning, innovation workshops, technical and social science research). Flagship initiatives include the Battery Innovation Center, MicroGreen mobile microgrid, Energy INsights AI program, and the Indy Autonomous Challenge racing competition.
Product overview
Energy Systems Network is a non-profit 501(c)(6) organization that serves as an advanced energy and transportation technology initiative. ESN operates as a project-based organization offering three main service pillars: Multi-Company Projects (collaborative commercialization), Consulting (business services), and Workshops/Planning/Research. The portfolio includes major initiatives such as the Battery Innovation Center (BIC) for advanced battery development and testing; MicroGreen for renewable mobile microgrids; Hoosier Heavy Hybrid and Project Plug-IN for transportation electrification; Energy INsights for AI-powered manufacturing energy optimization; and the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) for high-speed autonomous racing competitions. Additional programs include Together in Motion Indiana autonomous shuttle services and the Moving Forward affordable housing initiative. The organization facilitates partnerships between industry, academia, non-profits, and public agencies to accelerate technology commercialization across the energy ecosystem.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Battery Innovation Center (BIC): Collaborative initiative linking manufacturers, government agencies, research labs, academia, and Fortune 500 companies to accelerate the advanced battery market with a 32,000 sq ft facility at WestGate@Crane Technology Park
- MicroGreen
- Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC)
- Energy INsights
Products and services
- Consulting Services
- Multi-Company Projects
- Workshops, Planning, and Research Services
- Battery Innovation Center (BIC)
- Energy INsights Program
- Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC)
- Together in Motion Indiana
- MicroGreen Mobile Microgrid System
- Hoosier Heavy Hybrid Partnership
- Project Plug-IN
- Moving Forward Affordable Housing Initiative
Companies that use Energy Systems Network
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Energy Systems Network technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability4 records
Feature3 records
Energy Systems Network partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
35 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Indiana Office of Energy Development (IOED)coreCollaborated with ESN to publish the Advanced Nuclear Projects Financing Options Report exploring innovative financing options for nuclear power projects in Indiana.
- BPmajorBP executive Damian Bilbao joined ESN Board of Directors as Vice President of U.S. low-carbon ventures, bringing expertise in renewable power, biofuels, hydrogen, and mobility.
- Doral RenewablesmajorDoral Renewables President & CEO Nick Cohen joined ESN Board of Directors. Leading the 1.3-gigawatt Mammoth Solar project, one of the nation's largest solar projects.
- Battery Innovation Center (BIC)coreESN merged with the Battery Innovation Center in August 2022, combining organizations focused on advanced energy technology and transportation. ESN created BIC in 2010 as a collaborative commercialization project to advance Indiana's battery and energy systems technologies development, testing, manufacturing, and commercialization.
- Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC)coreIEDC partnered with ESN and EMC2 to launch Energy INsights, a statewide AI-powered energy efficiency program for Indiana manufacturers. IEDC provided $5 million in grant funding for the program.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)coreAWS provides the I4.0 Accelerator solution powering the Energy INsights program, enabling AI and data analytics to optimize energy efficiency for Indiana manufacturers.
- Emerging Manufacturing Collaboration Center (EMC2)coreEMC2 partners with ESN to manage and implement the Energy INsights program. Located in the 16 Tech Innovation District in Indianapolis.
- driveblocksminorFirst spinoff company from Indy Autonomous Challenge, launched by TUM Autonomous Motorsport to offer modular platform for fully autonomous vehicle applications (SAE Level 4 and 5).
- Technology Innovation Institute (TII)majorPremier sponsor of Autonomous Challenge @ CES. Providing global expertise in automation and robotics as partner in TII EuroRacing team.
- T-Mobile (Halo)minorHalo powered by T-Mobile 5G selected as official pace car for Autonomous Challenge @ CES.
- Toyota Mobility FoundationcoreTMF partnered with ESN for Together in Motion Indiana initiative, providing autonomous shuttle services in Indianapolis and Fishers through May Mobility.
- Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)majorMISO CEO John Bear named Chairman of ESN Board of Directors. MISO manages power grid across multiple Midwestern states.
- May MobilitymajorAutonomous vehicle technology company operating shuttle services as part of Together in Motion Indiana initiative in partnership with TMF and ESN.
- UdelvminorAutonomous logistics platform deploying in Indianapolis for last and middle mile delivery as part of Future Mobility District initiative.
- Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP)coreCICP established ESN in April 2009 as a subsidiary to develop the energy technology sector in Indiana, promoting manufacturing and research capabilities while bringing new jobs and investment to the state.
- ToyotamajorPast consulting client and partner in multiple projects including electric vehicle initiatives and charging infrastructure.
- DallaramajorDallara is the official racecar company for the Indy Autonomous Challenge, providing the Dallara AV-21 autonomous racecars for the competition.
- CiscomajorPremier sponsor of the Indy Autonomous Challenge Powered by Cisco, providing critical wireless connectivity enabling racecars to safely participate in the competition.
- AnsysmajorExclusive simulation sponsor of the IAC, providing simulation solutions enabling teams to design software for controlling the autonomous racecars.
- Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane (NSWC Crane)coreDepartment of Defense center of excellence in battery development and power electronics. Partner in Battery Innovation Center location adjacent to NSWC Crane at WestGate@Crane Technology Park.
- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)majorMicroGreen project partner developing mobile renewable microgrid system for defense and commercial markets.
- CumminsmajorMicroGreen project partner providing power generation expertise for mobile renewable microgrid system.
- Duke EnergymajorMicroGreen project partner providing utility expertise for microgrid deployment.
- LuminarmajorPremier sponsor of Autonomous Challenge @ CES. Provides three Luminar Hydra LiDAR sensors on Dallara AV-21 for 360-degree long-range sensing enabling safe autonomy at high speeds.
- Indianapolis Motor SpeedwaycoreCo-organizer of Indy Autonomous Challenge with ESN, hosting the first autonomous racecar competition at the famed racing venue.
- Indiana UniversitymajorPast research client and partner in battery and energy storage research through School of Public and Environmental Affairs.
- Technische Universität München (TUM)majorWon $1 million grand prize at Indy Autonomous Challenge. Partner in TUM Autonomous Motorsport team competing in autonomous racing competitions.
- Politecnico di MilanomajorPartner in PoliMOVE team that won Autonomous Challenge @ CES, making history as first head-to-head autonomous racecar competition champion.
- U.S. Department of Energy (GAIN)majorContributing organization to the Advanced Nuclear Projects Financing Options Report. DOE's Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear initiative.
- Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI)majorContributing organization to the Advanced Nuclear Projects Financing Options Report providing insights on nuclear power financing mechanisms.
- Boston DynamicsminorProvided agile mobile robot SPOT to serve as official flag waver for Indy Autonomous Challenge competition.
- Hoosier Solar HoldingsmajorDeveloping 1,600+ MW of solar power facilities across Indiana Opportunity Zones in partnership with ESN.
- Inovateus SolarmajorProvider of engineering, procurement, and construction services for Hoosier Solar projects, leading engagement with Indiana landowners.
- Consumer Technology Association (CTA)majorHost of CES where Autonomous Challenge @ CES takes place, hosting first high-speed head-to-head autonomous racecar competition.
- ITOCHUmajorInternational trading company utilizing ESN consulting services for smart grid market entry support.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Energy Systems Network competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Advanced Energy Economy (AEE): National business association for advanced energy companies, focused on policy advocacy, market development, and convening in advanced energy. Compares to ESN in its industry-association model linking corporations, policymakers, and the energy transition.
- Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE): Coalition of clean energy companies advocating for sustainable energy policies. Compares to ESN's policy-influencing mission across energy generation, distribution, built environment, and transportation.
- Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI): Non-profit research and consulting organization driving global energy transformation, with similar convening role between industry, government, and academia across advanced energy, mobility, and buildings. Closest comparable in mission and operating model to ESN's commercialization/consortium approach.
- Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA): Non-profit coalition of state clean energy programs that facilitates multi-state collaboration and information sharing. Directly comparable to ESN's Energy INsights state-funded deployment and cross-stakeholder convening model.
- Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA): Non-profit organization serving as an industry resource for utilities, technology providers, and regulators on clean energy and smart grid topics. Highly comparable to ESN's smart-grid focus and consortium-style convening around energy infrastructure modernization.
- Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI): Non-profit energy R&D organization funded by utility members that conducts collaborative research across grid, generation, and end-use. Comparable to ESN-BIC's industry-funded research, testing, and commercialization mandate.
Broad incumbents
- ICF International: Large advisory and digital solutions firm with deep energy, climate, and infrastructure practices. Comparable on consulting, research, and analytics services to ESN's Energy INsights and BIC offerings, though operating as a profitable consulting firm rather than non-profit.
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL): U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory focused on renewable energy and energy efficiency research and commercialization. Comparable as a federally-aligned energy commercialization and demonstration partner for projects like Energy INsights.
- Battelle Memorial Institute: Largest non-profit independent research organization with energy, battery, and national security programs. Compares to ESN's BIC and MicroGreen adjacency to NSWC Crane, but at much larger scale and scope.
Others
- Sphera: ESG and operational risk software provider whose Industrial Energy Management product area is adjacent to ESN's Energy INsights program. Functions as enabling software rather than a competing program, hence the OTHERS categorization.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Energy Systems Network social profiles
Digital presenceEnergy Systems Network financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Energy Systems Network leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Energy Systems Network subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
Energy Systems Network funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Energy Systems Network 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 Energy Systems Network
What does Energy Systems Network do?
Energy Systems Network (ESN) is a non-profit consortium that convenes industry, academia, government, and research institutions to commercialize advanced energy and transportation technologies. It delivers three core service pillars—Multi-Company Projects (collaborative commercialization pilots), Consulting (market studies, project development and management), and Workshops/Planning/Research (strategic planning, innovation workshops, technical and social science research). Flagship initiatives include the Battery Innovation Center, MicroGreen mobile microgrid, Energy INsights AI program, and the Indy Autonomous Challenge racing competition.
Is Energy Systems Network a public or private company?
Energy Systems Network is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Energy Systems Network founded?
Energy Systems Network was founded in 2009. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Energy Systems Network based?
Energy Systems Network is headquartered in Indianapolis, United States, in the North America region.
How does Energy Systems Network make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Consulting Services are the primary driver. The others are strategic Planning and Research Grants and energy INsights Program Funding.
Who are Energy Systems Network's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Advanced Energy Economy (AEE), Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE), Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) and Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). Broad incumbents are ICF International, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Battelle Memorial Institute. Sphera is listed as an others.
Does Energy Systems Network have an API?
No public API is recorded for Energy Systems Network.
What industry is Energy Systems Network in?
Energy Systems Network's product category is Energy Technology Commercialization Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAHALAL, ESG, Sustainability & Impact Research, with a secondary code of EUAHAJAA, ESG Strategy & Materiality Assessment. Its NAICS code is 541512 and its SIC code is 7373.