StormImpact is a pioneering startup co-founded by Steven Quiring, Byrd Center principal investigator and professor in The Ohio State University's Department of Geography, Senior Researcher Brent McRoberts, and former astronomy graduate Scott Hull. Specializing in reducing the impact and frequency of power outages caused by severe weather conditions, StormImpact integrates weather science, data analysis, machine learning, and technical expertise and provides valuable insights to power companies, mitigating outages, disturbances, and repairs.

StormImpact has developed advanced models that equip utilities with crucial information for informed decision-making, thus minimizing the repercussions of severe storms. Leveraging historical data and geographic specifics, StormImpact adopts a proactive approach to severe weather response. Through customized machine learning models, the startup analyzes numerous factors to provide practical insights on potential service interruptions and infrastructure damage ahead of severe storms, resulting in an average cost reduction of 20% for storm response expenses. StormImpact utilizes the platform alongside Over 20 operating companies, including those owned by FirstEnergy, Southern Company, and American Electric Power.

The Ohio State University's Technology Commercialization Office (TCO) was crucial in licensing StormImpact's technology. Collaborating with numerous researchers, the TCO transforms innovations into tangible solutions that profoundly impact lives. Quiring acknowledged Ohio State's pivotal role in StormImpact's inception, emphasizing the support from research staff and collaborative efforts that paved the way for their success.

The startup's initial product, highly valued by utilities, has the potential for further growth to serve a broader range of sectors.

To learn more, visit the Office of Innovation and Economic Development.