Connect-x supports the transition to a zero-carbon built environment by optimizing energy use, integrating renewable sources, and enhancing grid flexibility. Its Virtual Power Plant (VPP) platform enables buildings—residential, commercial, and industrial—to reduce energy consumption through demand response (DR) and dynamic load management, cutting waste and emissions.

Their platform seamlessly incorporates renewable energy sources like solar and storage, allowing buildings to generate, store, and trade excess clean energy. This reduces reliance on fossil-fuel power and promotes decentralized energy generation.

By participating in DR programs, buildings help stabilize the grid, reducing peak demand and lowering the need for carbon-intensive power plants. Connect-x’s AI-driven technology predicts and optimizes power flows in real time, improving efficiency and aligning energy use with renewable availability.

This technology has been in development for a few years, and they are currently in the pilot phase with several confirmed projects. These pilots, along with an ongoing testing project with the Centre for Grid Innovations (CGI) at North Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), are helping connect-x validate the platform in real-world environments and refine its capabilities. They’re targeting a commercial launch in early 2025, with a fully tested and proven market- ready solution. Connect-x’s main focus is on delivering a reliable, scalable product from day one, and they have found that their early partnerships have provided great feedback and momentum.

A few key projects that connect-x currently have underway include the implementation of the Connected Buildings concept in Ontario, focusing on Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURBs). Initial assessments show that their technology can generate 8-10x more value compared to traditional thermostat-based energy management by transforming MURBs into high- performance active energy managers. Additionally, they’re participating in Hydro Quebec’s demand response programs for MURBs, where early data is promising.

Connect-x sees significant opportunities in Alberta, Canada, and internationally across several key areas. In Alberta, they’re collaborating with local utilities to launch the province’s first residential Virtual Power Plant (VPP), which offers tremendous potential for grid stability and energy optimization. This could pave the way for broader adoption of VPPs and demand response (DR) programs across the region. Nationally, their focus on Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURBs) and commercial spaces taps into a market of over 9 million buildings. By transforming these into high-performance energy managers, they can generate significant value, positioning connect-x as a leader in building energy optimization and demand flexibility. Internationally, connect-x can see a path to strong growth potential in markets like Europe and Australia, where renewable energy integration and smart energy management in buildings are increasingly prioritized.

However, as with many start-up businesses, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Connect-x has overcome several key barriers in their journey to developing a reliable and scalable solution. One of the biggest challenges was ensuring compatibility with diverse energy devices across buildings. Their platform is now hardware-agnostic, seamlessly integrating with various Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), smart loads, and building management systems. This flexibility allows for easy deployment across different building types without worrying about device compatibility. Another hurdle was demonstrating the significant value of their solution in comparison to traditional energy management systems. Through pilot projects, they are confident demonstrating that their Connected Buildings concept can generate 8-10x more value than conventional approaches, helping them gain traction with customers and utilities. Finally, gaining industry trust as a new player has been challenging for connect-x, but with several pilot projects now underway and promising initial results, they’ve built credibility and momentum toward their commercial launch.

“By becoming a member of SSRIA connect-x aims to leverage several key opportunities to support its growth and impact,” shared Pratik Ghoshal, founder and CEO of connect-x. “First, SSRIA offers funding through its Innovation Fund and also can help bring its ecosystem funding partners, which could support the demonstration of connect-x’s low-carbon solutions in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings across Alberta. This would provide financial support to reduce risks associated with being a first mover on innovative energy management technologies. Additionally, SSRIA provides a platform to connect with key players in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sectors, enabling networking opportunities that can help expand connect-x’s market reach. Through this membership, connect-x hopes to establish meaningful partnerships, gain valuable insights from performance evaluations, and ultimately contribute to the decarbonization of the built environment.”