Innovator Story: MICATU
An Edge-of-the-Grid Optics Solution by MICATU Informs a Smarter, More Resilient Grid – Guided by NYSERDA Innovation & Research
In the heart of Upstate New York, what began as a sunrise conversation between two telecom engineers at a Hong Kong airport has transformed into a trailblazing cleantech company revolutionizing the way electricity is measured and managed. MICATU, co-founded by Michael Oshetski and Dr. Atul Pradhan in 2011, is not only changing the utility industry—it’s redefining how innovation, safety, and sustainability converge at the edge of the grid.
This is exactly the kind of problem solving that NYSERDA gets behind. Innovative solutions that can shape the future of energy—driven by advanced technology, entrepreneurial grit, and public-private partnership—to ultimately have a positive impact on New York State’s energy transition.
MICATU’s innovation uses optics to measure electromagnetic fields through an autonomous platform that delivers the information grid operators need to increase efficiency, maximize grid stability, and deliver environmental benefits. The sensors shoot light through crystals that react to electromagnetic fields, allowing utilities to monitor voltage and current with unprecedented accuracy—all without ever touching the power lines. This non-invasive, optical approach offers safety, precision, and the flexibility to deploy across distribution, transmission, and substation environments.
Real Impact for Real People
While MICATU’s technology is behind the scenes in distribution substations, microgrids and transmission lines, the benefits flow to every New Yorker. By enabling utilities to more precisely measure and manage electricity, MICATU’s sensors support:
Improved Grid Reliability
Helps restore power faster during outages.
Decarbonization
Efficiently integrates renewables like solar.
Reduced Energy Costs
Optimizes voltage levels and manages distributed energy resources (DERs).
Enhanced Worker Safety
Uses non-invasive monitoring to reduce the risk of catastrophic equipment failure.
“New Yorkers want reliable power, lower bills, and a smaller carbon footprint. Our technology supports all three.”
— Michael Oshetski, Co-Founder of MICATU
Bootstrapping a Breakthrough
The early days were lean. MICATU bootstrapped operations from Michael’s garage, using federal contracts—primarily with the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—to fund their R&D. Their engineering expertise in optical detection systems for cancer diagnostics sustained them while they built prototypes for the energy sector. But for a company breaking into one of the most risk-averse and capital-intensive industries, it would take more than just smart ideas.
A True Partner: NYSERDA
Enter NYSERDA. From the start, the NYSERDA Innovation & Research Program was more than a funder—it was a partner. MICATU’s breakthrough came through NYSERDA’s four-year 76West Clean Energy Competition, then one of the largest competitions in the country for growing clean energy businesses. MICATU was the competition’s top winner in 2018, and along with the $1 million award, the company gained connections. These connections led to a partnership with power management company Eaton on the integration of MICATU's optical sensing technology into its products. The validation MICATU gained from 76West also helped them secure pilot projects with major New York utilities like Con Edison, Avangrid, and National Grid.
MICATU has since been awarded additional NYSERDA funding—each contract with a cost-share agreement that requires MICATU to match state funding with its own investments. This model, according to Michael, forged a true partnership. “It’s not a handout,” he emphasized. “It’s a collaboration. And NYSERDA brought not just funding, but expertise and connections.”
“They have been awesome, and are industry experts in their own right. We wouldn’t even be in business today without NYSERDA. They helped us bridge the gap between great ideas and market traction.”
— Michael Oshetski, Co-Founder of MICATU
Scaling Up with Vision and Grit
From modest beginnings, MICATU has become a major player with a 50,000-square-foot facility in Upstate New York and 50+ employees. The company has attracted private investment, most notably from WAVE Equity Partners in 2020, and has partnered with Oracle to bring intelligence to the grid’s edge.
Building on its core optical sensing technology and validation from successful pilot projects, MICATU has continued to innovate at the edge of the grid. The launch of its new certusEDGE™ platform is a direct extension of these efforts, bringing advanced analytics to substations and distribution networks where real-time insight is most critical. It’s a leap toward an autonomous, intelligent grid—powered not just by electricity, but by data.
Fueling New York’s Innovation Ecosystem
MICATU’s story is one of public-private partnership driving innovation. Through innovative programs, support from NYSERDA and its commercialization cleantech ecosystem partners, as well as ongoing engagement with the NYSERDA Innovation & Research team, MICATU has stayed rooted in New York State, while scaling globally. As the electric grid evolves to meet 21st-century demands, MICATU is helping ensure it is smarter, safer, and cleaner.
Thanks to NYSERDA’s unwavering support, MICATU has turned a local vision into a scalable model for clean energy innovation. NYSERDA’s leadership has been the catalyst for breakthroughs, partnerships, and lasting impact—demonstrating how state-driven investment accelerates the clean energy transition for all New Yorkers.
About NYSERDA Innovation & Research
NYSERDA Innovation & Research fosters a dynamic ecosystem that accelerates the development, demonstration, and commercialization of cutting-edge energy technologies. By catalyzing private investment, supporting groundbreaking research, and attracting world-class innovators to New York, NYSERDA advances statewide goals for decarbonization, resilience, and economic growth.