Deploying power line components can be a pain – especially when trying to access lines not easily accessible by road, or in areas dangerous to utility workers. One startup participating in this year’s DTECH Initiate program aims to tackle that problem with custom-built, specialized drones, taking some of the human limits out of the equation.
Pitch Aeronautics develops drone-deployable power line components—including sensors and bird diverters—alongside software solutions for the modern grid. Its Astria drone, designed for precision power line work, enables safe and efficient deployment of these technologies even in challenging environments such as canyons, mountainsides, and rivers.
The company’s WireWeather software leverages real-time data from fielded sensors and incorporates AI/ML-driven weather predictions to predict faults and failures, deliver actionable wildfire risk assessments, and increase transmission capacity through ambient-adjusted and dynamic line rating operations.
As a rapidly growing startup, Pitch Aeronautics is advancing utility pilots, expanding customer adoption, and scaling large demonstrations.
“We’re thrilled to be part of Initiate because it allows us to showcase our innovative solutions, connect with industry leaders, and share our vision for a more resilient grid,” said Ian Gibson, co-founder of Pitch Aeronautics. “We’re especially excited to pitch our solutions to a panel of judges and utility stakeholders and engage in meaningful discussions with industry leaders. There’s nothing quite like sharing our work face-to-face and seeing firsthand how it can make an impact.”
Initiate is your gateway to discovering the up-and-coming innovations in the energy sector at DISTRIBUTECH. Witness firsthand how startups are transforming the industry, and stop by to hear the newest solutions on the market, breakthrough technologies, and connect with innovators from across the globe. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore fresh ideas and connect with the future of transmission and distribution!
Initiate is your gateway to discovering the up-and-coming innovations in the energy sector at DTECH. Witness firsthand how startups are transforming the industry, and stop by to hear the newest solutions on the market, breakthrough technologies, and connect with innovators from across the globe. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore fresh ideas and connect with the future of transmission and distribution!
Check out these other startups participating in the Initiate program that you won’t want to miss at DTECH!
- This startup wants to help utilities get more out of their transmission lines with drones
- A startup is trying to predict and prevent outages before they occur
- This startup is giving utilities more control at the grid edge without costly retrofits
- One software solution to rule them all: How a startup is enabling utility compliance
- What supply chain constraints? This startup’s long-duration batteries are powered by molten salt
- Downed power lines? This startup can deploy a temporary restoration solution in minutes
- ‘Task the Learjet like a satellite’ – This startup offers fast, high-altitude remote sensing
- Are your battery systems missing revenue opportunities? This startup wants to help
- This startup’s EV chargers mount to utility poles for recharging in dense urban areas
This list will be updated as more startups are featured.
