Utah Startup Launches Smarter EV Charging Platform

The University of Utah reported on September 4, 2025 about Grid Elevated, a clean energy startup.

As the number of electric vehicles continues to climb, growing pressure is being placed on aging power grids. To address this, startup Grid Elevated was formed, founded by University of Utah faculty, students, and alumni. The company has rolled out its AI- powered IntelliCharge platform, which intelligently balances EV charging across vehicles and times, turning a potential grid burden into an opportunity for enhanced energy flexibility.

Princeton University data shows that electricity use by personal vehicles could surge up to 3,360% by 2035 compared to current levels. Peak-time charging tends to be unpredictable, presenting challenges to both facility and grid operators. Dr. Masood Parvania, co-founder and director of the Utah Smart Energy Lab, explained that this lack of coordination makes grid management difficult, but also ripe for innovative solutions.

Grid Elevated grew from university research aimed at reimagining EV charging through more robust data collection. The result is IntelliCharge, a fully customizable, cloud-based system built on the MIDAAS (Multi-source Data Acquisition, Analytics, and Security) platform. It connects EV charging stations, grid and facility managers, and drivers to maximize efficiency and resilience, including in scenarios involving renewable energy integration.

The team includes faculty members Masood Parvania and Jairo Giraldo, PhD student Alex Farley, and strategic advisor and investor Hanko Kiessner, a U of U MBA alumnus who scaled PackSize into a billion-dollar company. Together, they’re transforming how data is gathered and applied in grid operations while expanding the business model for EV charging.

Bruce Hunter, Chief Innovation Officer of the University’s Technology Licensing Office (TLO), praised the university’s collaborative environment: “Grid Elevated is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation at the U.” Parvania also emphasized how ever-evolving university-industry partnerships are opening new career pathways for students.

Grid Elevated’s approach doesn’t just improve grid reliability—it expands accessibility. By allowing operators to monitor, analyze, and manage charging loads, IntelliCharge makes EV charging both more affordable and abundant. The system’s adaptability means it’s ready to serve a broad range of clients.

For drivers, the IntelliCharge experience is simple and convenient. They submit a charging request through the app, providing details like the current state of charge and estimated departure time. IntelliCharge then calculates the expected battery level and guides the driver to start charging by scanning a QR code. Throughout the session, drivers can monitor progress in real time, receiving updates and insights directly on their smartphones. With active updates across both Android and iOS platforms, the app continues to improve its performance and usability.

Beneath the surface, IntelliCharge leverages Grid Elevated’s MIDAAS platform, which collects, analyzes, and secures grid and charging data. This intelligence allows the system to optimize energy distribution, balance loads, and respond dynamically to grid conditions, making charging both more resilient and environmentally sustainable. The integration of AI-driven analytics transforms raw data into actionable insights, supporting smarter decisions for operators and utilities while keeping drivers informed and connected.

IntelliCharge goes beyond simple charging by redefining the interaction between electric vehicles and the energy grid. Its intelligent coordination reduces strain on the power network, enables renewable energy integration, and enhances reliability during peak demand periods. By combining user-friendly interfaces with advanced data analytics, IntelliCharge demonstrates how technology can create a seamless, efficient, and sustainable EV charging experience, positioning Grid Elevated as a leader in the evolution of smart mobility infrastructure.

The platform has already garnered national recognition: Grid Elevated is a two-time winner (Phase 1 and Phase 2) of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Digitizing Utilities Prize for its MIDAAS platform. Locally, the company also earned a 2024 Utah Business Innovation Award.

The TLO played a key role in commercializing IntelliCharge, helping streamline the process. Looking ahead, Grid Elevated plans to announce strategic partnerships as it scales its technology and market reach. As Kiessner put it, the company has “no small goals.”