Sense has been awarded a place in EnergyLab's 2025 Energy Scaleup Program, which partners with leading Australian energy companies to fast-track the transition to a decarbonised Australian grid.
Sense secured this position for its grid edge intelligence software that turns the next generation of smart meters into grid-edge AI computer platforms, generating high-resolution insights for distribution networks, retailers, and consumers.
Sense Head of Australia, Dave Johnson, says, Sense is an ideal fit for the program, with its proven ability to make grids safer, the grid-edge more visible, and help consumers become smarter about their energy use.
"EnergyLab is important to Sense as we localise and scale Sense's solutions in Australia. EnergyLab's deep knowledge and insights, coupled with Sense AI technology unlocks new ways for Australian energy regulators, networks, and retailers to address energy transition challenges," says Johnson.
According to EnergyLab, "This year, startups were selected that are innovating across vegetation management, asset monitoring, unlocking transmission capacity, AI-powered grid insights, streamlined connections processes and climate resilience."
Johnson adds that Sense's technology is already being rolled out with Sense-capable latest generation of smart meters in the US, and will soon be available for millions of Australian homes, that is already a proven path to deployment.
"Sense not only provides incredible new data insights, but identifies trends and patterns that grid operators, Distributed Network Service Providers (DNSPs), and meter coordinators can't see today, but that are essential for grid strain and safety, and make new grid edge CER loads such as EV chargers visible, and better plan for the future," he says.
How does Sense technology work?
Sense AI machine learning software runs on Sense-capable next-generation smart meters, turning the meters into high resolution grid edge AI sensors. Sense AI software detects patterns and anomalies in the raw energy stream that identify energy activities and faults on the grid and behind the meter too. When high resolution data is in place, specific energy fingerprints of most CERs and appliances can be detected and measured in real time.
"This new visibility spans from the primary side through to the secondary side, all the way to behind the meter – an area that is usually invisible today to grid operators. Intelligence at the edge of the grid provides deeper insight, allowing operators to address a number of problems and shift from reactive to proactive management," says Johnson.
For many, the most important advance in visibility unlocked by Sense will be identifying and instantly alerting to fatal shock or fire risks in homes due to floating neutrals from deteriorating wiring insulation or incorrect DIY wiring.
Sense requires no additional smart plugs or IoT systems and its high resolution computations happen largely within the meter itself rather than on the cloud. The result is huge savings on utility cloud processing costs and providing essential data to the teams who need urgent data insights far more quickly. Sense analyses the high resolution data entirely at the grid edge, only issuing small data messages with alerts and insight, when necessary, into backend systems.
Partnering with the energy industry
EnergyLab's CEO, Megan Fisher, said the Scaleup Program continues to be a powerful platform for connection and collaboration in the energy sector.
"The program offers Australian energy companies a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technologies from around the world, while giving global startups valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of Australia's net zero transition," she said.
"Australia is a leading global player for renewable energy on the grid, but there are still many challenges we have to overcome to get to 82% by 2030. We're proud to create a space where world-leading startups and local industry come together to work through these technical challenges," she added.
This year's program will be delivered in collaboration with program partners, including Endeavour Energy, Powerlink, as well as TEPCO Power Grid (through Greenway Grid Global).
"The participation of innovative thought leading energy utilities makes this program 'pilot-ready' rather than just theoretical," says Johnson. EnergyLab participants also include a large network of experienced energy experts from industry, government, and energy-focused investors, whose feedback is instrumental in tailoring Sense's value proposition to the Australian market.
"Sense's participation in the EnergyLab Scaleup Program marks a pivotal step in delivering scalable, data-driven solutions for Australia's evolving energy landscape."
"Sense looks forward to collaborating with network operators, regulators and retailers who are recognising the network essential need to uplift safety, visibility, and customer engagement across the energy system."
About us:
About EnergyLab's Scaleup Program
Now in its sixth year, the program connects late-stage climate-tech startups with network operators to pilot and commercialise solutions. The 2025 cohort includes ten companies from five countries and will work closely with Endeavour Energy, Powerlink, and TEPCO PG to solve immediate grid-integration challenges.
About Sense
