Predictive Maintenance for a Smarter, More Resilient Grid (with Joseph Kao of Magnefy)

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Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Magnefy is a portfolio company at Climate Capital. Our guest host, Dimitry Gershenson, is the co-founder and CEO of one of our portcos, Enduring Planet.

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CC Pod’s latest episode features Joseph Kao, founder and CEO of Magnefy, a Stanford spinout transforming how predictive maintenance is done across the power grid, in conversation with guest host Dimitry Gershenson.

Magnefy’s technology uses non-invasive high-frequency magnetic sensing paired with edge AI to detect early-stage failures in transformers, switchgear, and generators months or even years before they occur. The company’s solution helps utilities and mission-critical operators prevent costly outages and reduce maintenance expenses by up to 70%.

Magnefy draws from deep expertise in materials science, resource efficiency, and circularity to tackle the challenge of aging power infrastructure. With 65% of transformers now over 35 years old, their innovation comes at a crucial time as grids face increasing pressure from electrification and data center demand.

Magnefy’s sensors can be easily clamped to cables without de-energizing equipment, acting like an ECG for transformers by capturing high-resolution data to uncover hidden risks. Beyond hardware, the company has evolved into a software-first platform, integrating AI-driven analytics, digital twins, and a maintenance copilot to turn raw sensor data into actionable insights.

Their mission is clear: to make the power grid smarter, safer, and ready for the energy transition ahead.

To learn more about Magnefy, visit https://magnefy.com/.