Protecting Our Grid Lines

LuminX, an AI-driven company pioneering cutting edge inventory automation and visibility, announced the closure of its $5.5 million seed funding round. This initial funding will accelerate the development and deployment of its solutions for the logistics and warehousing industry. 

The seed round was supported by a multitude of investors, including 1Sharpe, GTMFund, 9Yards, Chingona Ventures, and the Bond Fund.

LuminX addresses critical inefficiencies in supply chain and warehouse management that lead to significant operational costs and errors. The company is at the forefront of solving these issues by developing and deploying its Vision Language Models (VLMs) directly onto low-cost mobile hardware within the warehouse – an approach that makes advanced AI accessible and practical for a wider range of operations.

LuminX systems uniquely integrate sophisticated visual understanding with powerful generative AI capabilities, enabling its cameras to 'see' and interpret complex, dynamic warehouse environments in real-time—recognizing products, varied labels, assessing package conditions, and tracking movement. These versatile devices can be deployed anywhere in the warehouse, including docks, conveyors, on forklifts, or as handheld units. LuminX’s system intelligently processes this visual information to automate intricate operational tasks, eliminate manual work, and provide actionable data for drastically reducing discrepancies and optimizing overall workflow.

LuminX is led by founder and CEO Alex Kaveh Senemar, a seasoned entrepreneur with a proven track record of building and scaling successful AI companies across several industries. He previously founded and led Voxel (voxelai.com), a pioneering AI company in warehouse safety and operations, and prior to that, founded Sherbit, which was successfully acquired by Huma (huma.com) in 2019. He is joined by co-founder & CTO Reza (Mamrez) Javanmardi, Ph.D. in Computer Science and former Head of AI Research at Voxel, whose career spans impactful R&D in machine learning and computer vision across startups and research institutions. 

The LuminX team brings a wealth of knowledge and deep expertise in AI, specifically in Vision Language Models, computer vision, and robotics, with many members having ties to leading research institutions like Carnegie Mellon University. The team's established track record and vision have garnered strong support. Significant participation in the funding round also came from previous investors in Voxel and customers, underscoring deep confidence in LuminX's advanced technological approach.

"This pivotal funding allows us to scale our next-generation AI models, transforming how warehouses operate," said Alex Kaveh Senemar. "Our edge based vision language models represent a massive step forward, acting as an intelligent core for warehouse operations. They deliver new levels of automation and insight, helping to turn previously opaque processes into transparent highly efficient systems."

LuminX is experiencing strong early traction, with many warehouses using the technology. One such early adopter is Vertical Cold Storage. Robert Bascom, COO of Vertical Cold Storage, commented on their experience: "LuminX's technology is set to revolutionize our warehouse productivity and operations. It's allowing us to automate critical tasks, significantly enhance quality, and reduce claims." He added, "In my entire career, I have yet to encounter a product that so effectively improves efficiency while simultaneously boosting quality and reliability."

Kat Collins of 1Sharpe Capital, a key investor, echoed this sentiment, stating, "Edge-deployed vision-language models are breaking the two toughest bottlenecks in logistics—labor scarcity and data blindness. By turning a low-cost camera into a perceptive co-worker that sees, understands, and acts in real time, LuminX is unlocking a step-change in operational intelligence and efficiency for every pallet, conveyer, and forklift."

The newly acquired funds will be strategically invested in advancing LuminX's core research and development in Vision Language Models for logistics, further optimizing them for edge deployment, expanding its specialized engineering talent, and scaling go-to-market activities.  

LuminX | luminxai.com

esVolta, LP ("esVolta") announced the hiring of Tonja L. Wicks as Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs. Wicks will lead esVolta’s federal, state and regional regulatory and policy teams. By engaging with policymakers in support of policies and market rules that enable the beneficial deployment of energy storage, she will play a key role in enabling access to sustainable energy storage and enhancing grid reliability, resource adequacy and energy affordability for communities across our nation.

Wicks will also advance esVolta’s industry partnerships to advocate for energy storage on Capitol Hill as a part of the “all of the above” energy strategy that supports esVolta’s mission to help maintain our national security, economic competitiveness, energy independence and digital leadership as electricity demand grows amid retirement of thermal generation resources, prolific growth of data centers, and electrification of industries.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Tonja to our team at such a critical time for the energy storage industry and in our nation’s energy journey. I’m confident that she will create and expand pathways for esVolta, and the wider energy storage industry, by enhancing engagement  with regulators, policymakers, and communities,” said Randolph Mann, CEO, esVolta. “Battery energy storage is helping to meet our nation’s need for energy resiliency, and we plan to work closely with federal, state and regional governments to help achieve this critical goal.”

Wicks brings 20 years of experience, leadership and vision in the utility, IPP, and renewable energy industries, having most recently worked as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for battery energy storage startup Elevate Renewables. Tonja holds an MBA from American University and an MA in Public Policy and BA in Political Science degrees from Howard University in Washington, DC. She is based in Pittsburgh, PA.

esVolta | www.esvolta.com

Technology group Wärtsilä announced an expansion of its U.S. and North American footprint with the establishment of the Houston Logistics Center (HLC), located at the company’s North American headquarters in Houston, Texas. 

Set to become operational in Summer 2025, the HLC is designed to support Wärtsilä’s customer base and growing fleet of operating engine power plants across the United States. The facility will enable faster delivery of engine inspection-dependent and critical components for Wärtsilä’s wide variety of power generation solutions—ensuring customers experience reduced downtime and enhanced responses during maintenance activities or unexpected operational interruptions. By housing these materials locally, the HLC enhances Wärtsilä’s ability to quickly respond to urgent customer needs and provide U.S. customers with timely access to engine parts. 

The decision to locate the facility in Houston was intentional, placing Wärtsilä at the center of the U.S. energy sector. This strategic investment supports the U.S. economy by strengthening local operations, nearshoring critical supply chains, and delivering reliable energy solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of American utilities, industrial operators, and communities working toward a more sustainable future.   

“The launch of the HLC underscores our long-term commitment to the U.S. market and marks a significant milestone in our mission to meet the region’s growing power needs with speed, precision, and reliability,” said Risto Paldanius, Vice President, Americas, Wärtsilä Energy. “The new HLC, combined with the strength of our Houston Expertise Center, deepens our ability to deliver fast, local, and comprehensive support to power plant operators across the U.S.” 

The HLC further builds on Wärtsilä’s U.S. presence alongside its Houston Expertise Center (HEC), which delivers 24/7 remote support to its U.S. and Canadian energy sector customers with unmatched guidance, real-time data analytics, and quick response to power plant issues.

The HLC is part of Wärtsilä Global Logistics Services, operating in more than thirty countries with the central spare part distribution center based in Kampen, Netherlands, and satellite warehouses in Singapore; Ft. Lauderdale and Houston, U.S.; Quito, Ecuador, and Niteroi, Brazil.

Wärtsilä has a strong presence in the U.S., establishing its operations there in 1979. Wärtsilä North America, Inc. employs more than 900 professionals in 11 regional locations serving the energy, maritime, and oil & gas markets in the United States. The company has installed nearly 6 GW of power generation capacity in the U.S. and provides full lifecycle services for these industry segments.

Wärtsilä Energy |www.wartsila.com/energy

Aventis Energy Inc. (“Aventis” or the “Company”)(CSE: AVE | FRA: C0O0 | OTC: VBAMF), is pleased to announce that Mr. Michael Mulberry has been appointed to the board of directors of the Company. Mr. Mulberry has also been appointed as an independent member of the Audit Committee. Mr. Todd Hanas will be stepping down from his position as a board member, and the Company wishes him well in his future endeavors.

Mr. Mulberry, former Director and CEO at Medaro Mining Corp. (2022-2025) and President of Copper Cowboy Resources Inc. (2008-2022) and bringing over 20 years of experience working with mining exploration companies, commented, “I’m very excited to join Aventis Energy at this pivotal stage of its growth as it emerges as a potential prominent contributor to the energy transition. I believe my experience will strengthen the team’s ability to execute work programs and drive the Company forward.”

Mr. Mulberry’s background includes several management positions such as President, CEO and Director of Roogold Inc. (2018-2022), and director and/or officer at Secova Metals Corp., Westkam Gold Corp. and World Organics Inc. Additionally, Mr. Mulberry has provided geo-technical services, project management, logistics and technical support to numerous mining exploration companies. Most recently, Mr. Mulberry was Founder, Director and President of FenexOro Gold Corp. (2017-2020) and Founder, Director, and Chief Financial Officer of Benjamin Hill Gold Corp.

Mandeep Parmar, Interim Chief Executive Officer & Director of the Company, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Mulberry to our Board of Directors. We are confident that Mr. Mulberry’s experience and contributions will be of great benefit to the Company, and we are committed to continue building value for our shareholders. We would also like to thank Mr. Hanas for his contributions to the Company and wish him well in his future ventures.” 

Aventis Energy I https://aventisenergy.com/

The American Clean Power Association (ACP) announced that Tara Hupman will join ACP as Vice President of External Affairs, effective June 3. A talented congressional and public policy strategist, Hupman has strong expertise and experience across key congressional committees. She brings more than a decade of senior-level experience on Capitol Hill, and will strengthen ACP’s advocacy and political engagement at a critical time for the clean energy industry. 

“Tara is a highly respected leader with deep relationships across Congressional leadership and the committees that shape America’s energy future,” said Frank Macchiarola, ACP Chief Advocacy Officer. “Her skill and experience will be instrumental in advancing our advocacy priorities. Our industry is the fastest growing part of the energy sector and to meet growing electricity demand, we need policies in place to accelerate the deployment of additional clean power. Tara will play a critical role in helping to make this happen. I’m pleased to welcome Tara to the ACP team.” 

In her new role, Hupman will help lead ACP’s government affairs strategy, including federal outreach, PAC operations, and mobilization efforts. She will also work closely with ACP’s state affairs team to ensure alignment between state and federal advocacy priorities. 

Hupman most recently served as General Counsel to the House Republican Conference under Chairwoman Lisa McClain. She also previously served as Chief Counsel for the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee. Additionally, she held counsel roles on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Small Business Committee, and served as a professional staff member on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs. 

American Clean Power Association | cleanpower.org

SolarEdge Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: SEDG), a global leader in smart energy technology, announced a landmark achievement in its U.S. manufacturing operations: the production of its 250,000th solar inverter at the Flex (NASDAQ: FLEX) facility in Austin, Texas. The milestone marks a pivotal moment in SolarEdge’s strategic initiative to bolster domestic manufacturing, energy resilience, and job creation nationwide.

In recognition of this achievement, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has officially proclaimed June 2, 2025, as “SolarEdge-Flex Manufacturing Milestone Day.” This declaration honors the significant economic, environmental, and technological impact of the SolarEdge-Flex partnership in the Lone Star State.

“Texas leads the nation in advanced manufacturing and energy innovation,” said Governor Abbott. “The collaboration between SolarEdge and Flex reinforces our state’s position as the energy capital of the world. These innovative companies help create good-paying jobs, drive economic growth, and meet growing energy demands with products proudly made in Texas.”

SolarEdge has onshored its manufacturing and other operations, and has partnered with Flex, a global manufacturing leader headquartered in Austin, to build a robust domestic supply chain. The Austin facility has now produced a quarter of a million inverters used in rooftop solar installations across the U.S., which will soon join the SolarEdge products that have already been deployed on over 3.7 million homes and by more than half of Fortune 100 companies.

“This milestone is a testament to the power of American manufacturing,” said Marty Rogers, General Manager, SolarEdge. “Together with Flex, we are expanding industrial capabilities within the region and deploying advanced manufacturing technologies to meet growing demand, all while reinforcing the reliability and resilience of the U.S. energy grid.”

Key Impacts of the Austin, TX manufacturing site:

• 250,000 solar inverters produced
• Over 1,000 high-quality jobs created in Texas
• Strengthens supply reliability and access to American-manufactured products for SolarEdge's’ customer base of installers across the U.S.
• Advanced manufacturing technologies, including automation and robotics, deployed for efficient, high-quality production
• Strengthened U.S. energy infrastructure, reducing reliance on foreign components

"Flex’s partnership with SolarEdge highlights our shared commitment to delivering innovation to market with speed, resilience, and quality to support U.S. energy needs,” said Dennis Kirkpatrick, President of the Lifestyle, Consumer, and Core Industrial Businesses at Flex. “We thank SolarEdge for leveraging Flex’s expansive U.S. footprint and trusting us to rapidly scale domestic production of their solar inverters in Texas.”

As demand for clean, reliable energy continues to surge, SolarEdge and Flex are paving the way for future innovation and investment in domestic solar technologies while amplifying Texas' role as a cornerstone of America’s clean energy economy.

SolarEdge | www.solaredge.com

DEMCO and NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, are proud to announce that Amite Solar, LLC, is now operational. This milestone marks the launch of NextEra Energy Resources' first utility-scale energy facility in Louisiana, delivering reliable, American-made energy to local communities. The Amite Solar Energy Center is a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, one of the country's largest energy infrastructure developers.

"Thanks to this collaboration with NextEra Energy Resources, our members will benefit from dependable, low-cost, fixed-price energy for the next 25 years," said Randy Pierce, chief executive officer and general manager at DEMCO. "It's a smart, long-term partnership that reflects our shared commitment to delivering lasting value to the communities we serve."

Located in Tangipahoa Parish, the Amite Solar Energy Center has the capacity to generate up to 100 megawatts of energy, which is enough energy to power thousands of Louisiana homes and businesses. The energy center achieved commercial operations in March 2025 and is contributing dependable electricity to Louisiana's power grid.

"This is a monumental moment for our team, and we are proud to work with DEMCO to bring low-cost solar energy to their co-op members," said Stuart McCurdy, vice president of development at NextEra Energy Resources. "We're thrilled to deliver homegrown energy that supports local jobs and economic development, exemplifying the power of collaboration between energy infrastructure developers, the community and local utilities in meeting the unprecedented energy demand."

Construction lasted 15 months and generated a significant economic boost to Tangipahoa Parish and the state, by creating 200 construction jobs and stimulating the purchase of regional goods and services from local vendors. Over the next 30 years, the project is expected to generate approximately $16 million in additional tax revenue for Tangipahoa Parish.

"These funds can be used to strengthen local schools, improve roads and support other essential public services" added McCurdy. "This is about more than energy – it's about investing in the future of Louisiana communities."

A subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources built, owns and operates the Amite Solar Energy Center, ensuring long-term operational excellence and local economic impact.

NextEra Energy Resources | www.nexteraenergyresources.com  

DEMCO | https://demco.org/