UlluTek

Home energy monitoring was all the buzz. Google and Microsoft jumped on the bandwagon. Both companies signed up a bunch of device companies to build out this HEM market. The idea of understanding my energy usage is cool so I set out to buy one of these devices. I picked TED since it seems that they got the most traction out there.

Well... TED recommended that I need an electrician to install the device on my circuit breaker. Once that was done, I had to figure out how to get the data to my laptop via Power Line Communication (PLC). As it turned out, it was harder than I thought since my router sat in the office - too noisy for the device to work. 50' of cabling later and almost 2 weeks later, I was able to see my energy usage in R/T. It was fun until I realized that I still didn't know which appliances were energy hogs... The TED connected to Google service so that I could monitor it at work. Again, I still don't know which appliances were on at a certain time.

Anyway, this HEM thing is for techno-geek. My wife wouldn't be able to use it. I think we need a lot more improvement for mass adoption. This could be something that UlluTek would investigate in the future.

We got invited to participate in the new WI Innovation 25. Here's the official notice from WI Entrepreneurs Network:

Congratulations, you have been selected to participate in our premier Innovation 25 Pilot Program! 

You are joined by other technology-based companies (startup and existing) ranging from defense, advanced manufacturing, environmental, energy, and life sciences. The goal of Innovation 25 is to help you win federal funding for your innovative ideas, concepts, or projects using the federal $2.5 billion Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs; a vital source of non-dilutive capital.

 

In September, the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Network (WEN) was awarded a grant from the Small business Administration (SBA), Federal and State Technology Partnership (FAST) Program in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, the University of Wisconsin System, and the University of Wisconsin ‐ Extension, Division of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, to create and launch the Innovation 25 Pilot Program. WEN is extremely grateful for the financial and in kind support for the Innovation 25 Pilot Program.

UlluTek applied for WI Innovation 25 to get individualized coaching on how to apply for federal funding. This could be good for UlluTek as we are closer to get seed funding. It would be nice to get funding from the government. This way we don't have to dilute our equity until when we absolutely have to.

It's official. UlluTek is presenting at 2010 Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium. There are 42 early-stage companies in two tracks: WAN Track for companies seeking angel investment and beyond and Elevator Pitch Olympics for companies seeking seed funding. UlluTek will be in the WAN track with 19 other companies.

We are very glad to have Pehr Anderson joining our Board of Advisors. Pehr bio could be found Harqen website. Pehr is one of the key players driving the high tech entrepreneurial scene in WI. You can't go to a startup event in WI without someone mentioning Pehr. He will be very instrumental for UlluTek as we continue our adventure... And did I mention that he's a pretty cool guy?