BRITE Energy Innovators

Power to Protect: Intwine Connect’s Vision for a Resilient Ohio

Dave Martin of Intwine Connect helping a customer at his trade show booth

Intwine Connect revolutionizes how communities and businesses stay connected and safeguarded through their integrated connectivity platform. By pioneering smarter energy management solutions and strengthening security frameworks, Intwine Connect empowers the most vulnerable sectors to thrive amidst challenges. Supported by BRITE’s state-of-the-art laboratory, deep-seated industry relationships, and expert insights, Intwine Connect has solidified their position as an innovative leader in Ohio’s connectivity landscape.

From Vision to Venture

Intwine Connect initially entered the industrial internet-of-things (iIOT) market, crafting a suite of hardware, software, and services designed to link industrial manufacturers’ equipment to the internet. This advancement was crucial as it enabled real-time data monitoring, predictive maintenance, and efficiency optimization, thereby reducing downtime and resource wastage significantly.

After establishing a solid foundation in this sector, Intwine saw the need for an expanded operational footprint to accommodate production upscaling and further innovation. Transitioning from their initial setup to BRITE’s expansive office and lab space in Warren, Ohio, Intwine enhanced their capabilities by tapping into the talent pool of the Mahoning Valley. Grounded in their commitment to fostering local economy, Intwine remains proudly headquartered in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, reinforcing their dedication to the community that fuels their growth.

Scaling Up

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Intwine Connect recognized a new opportunity—a chance to serve as a digital lifeline for local communities grappling with the newfound reliance on virtual interaction. Intwine repurposed their hardware to bridge the digital divide in local school districts hit hardest by the sudden necessity of remote learning. Within weeks, Intwine was not only designated a state-certified remote learning service provider but also earned a place on the respected Broadband Ohio connectivity registry. Before long, hundreds of orders poured in from across the state.

“I remember a day when Rick Stockburger (BRITE’s CEO) and I went into the lab at BRITE and had to set up folding tables so we could have space to work to keep up with our orders. We had customers buying hundreds of units at a time.” – Dave Martin, Founder & CEO, Intwine Connect

Armed with space, support, and connections gained through BRITE, Intwine graduated into the broader commercial market. With this strategic pivot, Intwine engaged further with BRITE’s experts in residence (EIRs) to successfully raise essential funds to sustain their growth.

Community Impact

In the face of national grid resiliency challenges, where power outages pose significant threats to crucial community pillars like schools and restaurants, Dave and Intwine Connect envision a resilient future. By integrating Intwine’s monitoring solutions into more school districts across Ohio, Dave and his team can assure the stability of cold storage systems, hence, securing the food supply that the children depend upon.

“There’s not just a digital divide, there’s a food divide in some places. Many communities have large populations that are dependent upon schools to feed their children, and we support them.” – Dave Martin

This not only mitigates food waste but also shields the schools from unforeseen grid-related disruptions, allowing them to reallocate resources toward further enriching student experiences. Extending this vision, Dave aspires for more restaurants to embrace Intwine’s innovation, providing small business owners with a steadfast ally against the volatility of energy infrastructure. In essence, Intwine’s technology extends beyond mere functionality; it ensures that the vital needs of communities are met with unwavering reliability and efficiency.

Looking Forward

“BRITE’s team is competent and strong. They listen to the founders to understand specifically what their need is, formulate a plan, follow through, and execute on that. They truly meet founders where they are. Everyone at BRITE is very results driven – for the community, people, and businesses involved.” – Dave Martin

By integrating into BRITE’s ecosystem, Intwine Connect found not only a physical place to conduct operations but also a newfound partnership to champion innovation and serve the larger movement toward sustainability and efficiency. Their technologies enable profound enhancements in energy management by providing detailed insights into equipment usage and power consumption. Such innovations are critical in transforming building infrastructure to be smart and energy-efficient, eventually leading to reduced operational costs and boosted environmental stewardship. Partnering with BRITE helped to amplify Intwine Connect’s reach, moving vulnerable communities toward a more inclusive, resource-conscious, and empowered future.

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