Improving energy efficiency, one control at a time

After graduating from Queen’s University and completing a brief stint in the manufacturing sector, Jeremy Lytle knew that he wanted to become involved in clean technology. Inspired by his master’s thesis on the integration of renewables into buildings and combined with years of practical experience in the field, Lytle uncovered a lot of problems and challenges that he looked to solve. As an engineer, he wanted to know what could be done at the building-level to utilize the largely untapped resource; rooftops.  

Lytle had to analyze control systems and provide alternative integration approaches to alleviate challenges with the grid for net-zero buildings. He then integrated his research into a commercialized product. 

The solution that Lytle discovered was in energy management controls. The control device attaches to solar panels and acts like an energy monitor while the circuit level control device connects to the breaker panel and regulates and measures the power flow, turning it on and off. This was the basis for Lytle’s launch of Sponge Microgrids. 

Reducing Energy Usage 

Lytle and his team began to develop control systems, predictive algorithms, and weather technology into its product. By combining these technologies, an energy microgrid could adjust production based on what usage, weather and other factors could be expected. The system could also make impromptu adjustments depending on demand and how energy was used while managing its storage control. This vastly improved energy efficiency, making it an attractive venture. 

Sponge Microgrids would sell energy management controllers and circuit-level controllers as a way to build energy capability. The Sponge software is the main piece that constantly monitors the energy loads, taking in the weather forecast, modifying energy generation and assessing what future demand will look like to optimize energy outcomes.  

However, Lytle and his small team needed assistance launching the product. They connected with TechAlliance, who stepped in at this point to assist. And it was the i.d.e.a. Fund™ grant that pushed Sponge’s product into further development.  

As a result of the funding, Lytle and his team were able to invest in extensive marketing and their initial launch campaign. Sponge also received support from the fund to attend multiple conferences to increase brand exposure, while also boosting website and software development.  

In addition to the funding, Sponge received support from TechAlliance’s Venture Growth Advisor Dr. Martin Smith. Smith helped the company search and develop its Intellectual Property (IP) strategy. He also helped to push the Sponge Microgrids product to the final stages and launch the product.  

Growing Sponge Microgrids 

It didn’t take long for Lytle and his Sponge team to start building strong relationships with local small-time installers and wholesalers in Ontario. Once Sponge has built a strong and stable local market, the team will begin building and growing relationships in the US, especially in California and Texas.  

Another Sponge offering is design-build consulting. It can arrange product supply for solar projects with Lytle and his team ensuring that the product is right, adjusting needs accordingly.  

Lytle and three core team members, Arjen (Hardware Lead and Electrical engineer); Bus (Software Lead), and Danielle (Operations Lead/Compliance), are currently working on securing more local supply deals and continuing to grow brand awareness.  

Smith revealed that, “Helping Sponge with their IP strategy and getting them more exposure at conferences was an exciting time. We look forward to seeing their product improve energy efficiency across multiple sectors!” 

Supported by a $10-million Government of Canada investment, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), the i.d.e.a Fund™ is led by Boundless Accelerator in partnership with five Regional Innovation Centres (RICs): WETechAlliance, Haltech, Innovate Niagara, Innovation Factory and TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario. The program helps high-potential ventures access the tools they need to succeed by providing financial and business advisory supports to develop or redesign products, services, processes and technologies that reduce impacts on the environment and create made-in-Canada solutions. 

To learn more about Sponge Microgrids go to https://sponge.to/
To learn more about the i.d.e.a Fund go to https://www.techalliance.ca/i-d-e-a-fund/
To learn more about FedDev Ontario, go to https://feddev-ontario.canada.ca/en