Making the crush of utility data usable: Awesense

At one point in Awesense’s history, CEO and Founder Mischa Steiner was in a serious accident when riding his bike. While he was still recovering, his company was named in a lawsuit, lost investors, and faced an audit.

It was a dark period, but the company made it through and navigated its way into a key energy transition market. Using its “digital twin on steroids,” Awesense helps make utility data — of which there is a proliferation — usable.

In this interview, Steiner describes how Awesense made a business out of serving the utility data analytics market, its role in the energy transition, and lessons he’s learned in the company’s 15-year journey. 

00:00 Introduction to Energy Changemakers Podcast

00:27 Interview with Mischa Steiner: Founder and CEO of Awesense

02:03 The Evolution of Awesense: From Hardware to Data Solutions

06:13 Challenges and Innovations in Utility Data Management

07:52 The Role of Sensors in Grid Data Collection

15:20 Transition to Software Solutions and AI Integration

17:30 Addressing Data Errors and Enhancing Utility Analytics

21:13 Middleware Solutions for Accelerating Utility Projects

23:53 Utility Challenges and Solutions

24:17 Utility Size and Technology Adoption

25:59 Impact of DERs on Utilities

28:56 Future of Energy and AI Demand

30:22 Middleware and DERMs Integration

33:41 Entrepreneurial Journey and Challenges

38:50 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

42:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts