For entrepreneurs with a provocative vision for energy & IT; NGP is the only utility venture & innovation fund that taps into the global network of National Grid, accelerating companies with investment, innovation, incubation & biz dev; realizing the full potential of energy.

National Grid Partners

Artificial intelligence is transforming nearly every industry, and the energy sector is no exception. As data centers rapidly grow – not just in number but in size – utilities face serious new strains. Long connection delays and manual planning methods are roadblocks to progress. To meet this unprecedented demand, the energy grid needs to become faster, smarter, and more adaptive. 

At National Grid Partners, we’re committed to accelerating the future of affordable, reliable, and resilient energy at scale. That mission drives our investment strategy: Supporting companies and founders who are rethinking how the grid works. GridCARE is one of those companies. 

The Grid Challenge Behind the AI Boom

The Silicon Valley-based startup is redefining grid planning – combining artificial intelligence with a deep understanding of grid physics to unlock capacity traditional methods overlook. The platform helps utilities identify available capacity on their networks, locate the best sites to accommodate new demand loads, and streamline collaboration with developers. 

Building a new substation or transmission line can’t just happen overnight – not only for cost reasons but also because new infrastructure has to be planned in careful coordination with regulators and communities.  Traditionally, utilities and developers have been stuck with fragmented processes, unclear capacity data, and multi-year connection timelines.

GridCARE, by contrast, reveals hidden capacity on existing assets, accelerates interconnections, and de-risks future infrastructure investments. 

By making the interconnection process faster and more transparent, GridCARE helps data centers and other large loads get powered sooner, with fewer delays and better use of existing grid infrastructure. What once took years can now happen in a matter of months. 

It’s not just about speed. It’s about unlocking “hidden” capacity on the grid—in a way that benefits everyone. Historically, utilities recoup infrastructure costs over time by incorporating them into customer rates. But if load growth can be served with less new infrastructure, that can help keep rates from rising.

What GridCARE Makes Possible 

GridCARE is led by Amit Narayan, a seasoned entrepreneur with deep experience at the intersection of energy and AI. He previously founded and ran AutoGrid, which helps utilities automatically aggregate power from distributed energy resources (like electric vehicles, rooftop solar and wind turbines) into Virtual Power Plants. Amit has spent his career scaling impactful technologies in the smart grid space. After AutoGrid’s purchase by Schneider Electric in 2022, Amit launched Aina Climate AI Ventures, a “venture studio” that seeds startups at the intersection of energy and artificial intelligence. GridCARE is his first such seedling. 

Amit’s ability to bring together world-class teams and execute bold ideas makes him exactly the kind of founder we want to support. 

Our excitement about GridCARE is rooted in strategic alignment and clear market need. We see a direct fit with our goals of modernizing electric networks affordably, scaling renewable energy, and applying AI to drive efficiency. 

But beyond alignment, we see traction. GridCARE is already working with utilities , helping speed up real projects and create real impact. We’re proud to support their growth—not just with capital, but with hands-on collaboration as they scale. 

Backing a Proven Leader

Power is no longer just infrastructure: It’s the foundation for innovation in AI, cloud, electrification, and beyond. GridCARE helps ensure this foundation is ready for what’s coming next. 

As the pace of technological change accelerates, the grid must evolve just as quickly. With GridCARE, we’re one step closer to that future. 

Pradeep Tagare is Vice President and Head of Investments at National Grid Partners, the venture investment and innovation arm of National Grid.

Looking Ahead

By: Pradeep Tagare, National Grid Partners

Powering AI’s Future with GridCARE