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MaRS client Smart Energy Instruments and Hitachi High-Tech launch new solution to improve grid reliability
TORONTO, Dec. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Smart Energy Instruments (SEI), a
Toronto-based cleantech company with a unique solution to improve
electric grid reliability, and Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation of
Japan, today unveiled the first component of SEI's planned chipset
product line for smart grid applications in an event at MaRS Discovery
District.
SEI is a client of MaRS' Cleantech practice and a key investment in the
MaRS Cleantech Fund. Its semiconductor chipset is a measurement and
communications core for smart devices used in the generation and
transmission of electric power, with advanced time synchronization
capability to provide real-time measurements vital to improving grid
reliability and efficiency and accelerating the shift to renewable
energy sources.
"Escalating global climate and energy challenges in the next decade
speak to a dire need for technologies like ours," said D. Jeff Dionne,
CEO of SEI. "In most of the developed world we've been spoiled with
relatively good power reliability up to now. However, events like
Hurricane Sandy and the double blackout for 600 million people in India
last year, and Fukushima before that have shattered that perception. We
are elated that our first silicon was a success and are excited about
being the first to offer a high performance, industry-specific
solution."
Canadian government leaders have made it abundantly clear that
innovation leadership in smart grid is a key priority for Canada. SEI
is one of the few semiconductor companies in Canada in the cleantech
space, and the only one addressing grid infrastructure. Smart grid and
smart energy technologies have been cited by more than one analyst as a
trillion dollar opportunity, given the global importance of electricity
and its impact on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
"To turn a grid into a smart grid, you need visibility. Highly detailed,
real-time visibility on the grid is what SEI's chipset provides. It's
so detailed you can even see which direction power is flowing," said
Tom Rand, co-managing director, MaRS Cleantech Fund and SEI Board
member. "Without low-cost, high-granularity visibility into the grid
there's just no 'smart' to 'smart grid.' SEI provides unparalleled
visibility at a highly competitive price."
"Our focus from the start has been global, as that is where the real
game must be played, with companies like GE and ABB," said Dionne. SEI
has an impressive list of global partners, including Siemens and
Hitachi High-Technologies of Japan, which is responsible for IP
licensing, commercialization and sales.
"With the growing importance of energy efficiency, reliability and
transition to renewable energy, not only in Japan but around the world,
we see a strong potential and societal benefit for SEI's products. We
are proud to be a leading strategic partner in the commercialization
and SEI's technology," says Seiji Seki, General Manager, Electronic
Materials Division, Hitachi High-Technologies.
About SEI
Smart Energy Instruments (SEI) develops game-changing, synchronous
measurement technologies for the burgeoning "smart grid" to address
today's global energy-environment challenges. SEI's mission is to
create a sustainable electricity future through higher grid efficiency,
reliability and renewables integration using ubiquitous synchronized
measurements. Incorporated in 2004, SEI is based in Toronto, Canada
with a wholly owned subsidiary in Tokyo, Japan. For more information,
visit http://www.se-instruments.com.
About Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is
engaged in activities in a broad range of fields, including Electronic
Device Systems, Fine Technology Systems, Science & Medical Systems,
Industrial & IT Systems, and Advanced Industrial Products. The
company's consolidated sales for FY 2012 were more than $6.1 billion.
For further information, visit http://www.hitachi-hitec.com/global/.
About MaRS
MaRS Discovery District (@MaRSDD) is a mission-driven innovation centre located in Toronto. MaRS works
with partners to catalyze, accelerate and amplify innovation. MaRS
supports entrepreneurs building Canada's next generation of growth
companies. MaRS' ventures have created over 4,000 jobs and, in the last
three years alone, they have raised over $750 million in capital and
earned over $375 million in revenue.
About MaRS Cleantech Fund
MaRS Cleantech Fund (http://www.marsvf.com) is a privately-backed Canadian venture fund focused on early-stage
cleantech investing. The Fund has developed a unique investment model
through its partnership with one of the largest innovation centres in
the world, MaRS Discovery District. Through MaRS, the Fund is able to
provide strategic advisory services and introductions to global
corporate partners. The fund is managed by Tom Rand (@trand, http://www.tomrand.net) and Murray McCaig (@murraymccaig), two experienced entrepreneurs who bring a wealth of startup
experience to their portfolio companies.
SOURCE MaRS Discovery District
MaRS Discovery District
CONTACT: Melissa Hughes
Manager, Media & Community Relations
MaRS Discovery District
(416) 673-8200 ext. 2710
mhughes@marsdd.com
MaRS client Smart Energy Instruments and Hitachi High-Tech launch new solution to improve grid reliability
TORONTO, Dec. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Smart Energy Instruments (SEI), a
Toronto-based cleantech company with a unique solution to improve
electric grid reliability, and Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation of
Japan, today unveiled the first component of SEI's planned chipset
product line for smart grid applications in an event at MaRS Discovery
District.
SEI is a client of MaRS' Cleantech practice and a key investment in the
MaRS Cleantech Fund. Its semiconductor chipset is a measurement and
communications core for smart devices used in the generation and
transmission of electric power, with advanced time synchronization
capability to provide real-time measurements vital to improving grid
reliability and efficiency and accelerating the shift to renewable
energy sources.
"Escalating global climate and energy challenges in the next decade
speak to a dire need for technologies like ours," said D. Jeff Dionne,
CEO of SEI. "In most of the developed world we've been spoiled with
relatively good power reliability up to now. However, events like
Hurricane Sandy and the double blackout for 600 million people in India
last year, and Fukushima before that have shattered that perception. We
are elated that our first silicon was a success and are excited about
being the first to offer a high performance, industry-specific
solution."
Canadian government leaders have made it abundantly clear that
innovation leadership in smart grid is a key priority for Canada. SEI
is one of the few semiconductor companies in Canada in the cleantech
space, and the only one addressing grid infrastructure. Smart grid and
smart energy technologies have been cited by more than one analyst as a
trillion dollar opportunity, given the global importance of electricity
and its impact on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
"To turn a grid into a smart grid, you need visibility. Highly detailed,
real-time visibility on the grid is what SEI's chipset provides. It's
so detailed you can even see which direction power is flowing," said
Tom Rand, co-managing director, MaRS Cleantech Fund and SEI Board
member. "Without low-cost, high-granularity visibility into the grid
there's just no 'smart' to 'smart grid.' SEI provides unparalleled
visibility at a highly competitive price."
"Our focus from the start has been global, as that is where the real
game must be played, with companies like GE and ABB," said Dionne. SEI
has an impressive list of global partners, including Siemens and
Hitachi High-Technologies of Japan, which is responsible for IP
licensing, commercialization and sales.
"With the growing importance of energy efficiency, reliability and
transition to renewable energy, not only in Japan but around the world,
we see a strong potential and societal benefit for SEI's products. We
are proud to be a leading strategic partner in the commercialization
and SEI's technology," says Seiji Seki, General Manager, Electronic
Materials Division, Hitachi High-Technologies.
About SEI
Smart Energy Instruments (SEI) develops game-changing, synchronous
measurement technologies for the burgeoning "smart grid" to address
today's global energy-environment challenges. SEI's mission is to
create a sustainable electricity future through higher grid efficiency,
reliability and renewables integration using ubiquitous synchronized
measurements. Incorporated in 2004, SEI is based in Toronto, Canada
with a wholly owned subsidiary in Tokyo, Japan. For more information,
visit http://www.se-instruments.com.
About Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is
engaged in activities in a broad range of fields, including Electronic
Device Systems, Fine Technology Systems, Science & Medical Systems,
Industrial & IT Systems, and Advanced Industrial Products. The
company's consolidated sales for FY 2012 were more than $6.1 billion.
For further information, visit http://www.hitachi-hitec.com/global/.
About MaRS
MaRS Discovery District (@MaRSDD) is a mission-driven innovation centre located in Toronto. MaRS works
with partners to catalyze, accelerate and amplify innovation. MaRS
supports entrepreneurs building Canada's next generation of growth
companies. MaRS' ventures have created over 4,000 jobs and, in the last
three years alone, they have raised over $750 million in capital and
earned over $375 million in revenue.
About MaRS Cleantech Fund
MaRS Cleantech Fund (http://www.marsvf.com) is a privately-backed Canadian venture fund focused on early-stage
cleantech investing. The Fund has developed a unique investment model
through its partnership with one of the largest innovation centres in
the world, MaRS Discovery District. Through MaRS, the Fund is able to
provide strategic advisory services and introductions to global
corporate partners. The fund is managed by Tom Rand (@trand, http://www.tomrand.net) and Murray McCaig (@murraymccaig), two experienced entrepreneurs who bring a wealth of startup
experience to their portfolio companies.
SOURCE MaRS Discovery District
MaRS Discovery District
CONTACT: Melissa Hughes
Manager, Media & Community Relations
MaRS Discovery District
(416) 673-8200 ext. 2710
mhughes@marsdd.com