UT Student Secured Grant For Energy Technology Project

Oluwaseyi Amisu received $63,000 to develop an artificial intelligence-driven microgrid control system.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Energy

Isometric editorial illustration of modular circuit breakers connected by a central power bus, representing microgrid technology. — University of Tennessee doctoral student Oluwaseyi Amisu secured a $63,000 grant to develop an AI-driven control system for hybrid microgrids. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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University of Tennessee doctoral student Oluwaseyi Amisu has secured $63,000 in grant funding for his research into energy technology. The project focuses on an AI-driven hybrid microgrid system designed to better coordinate renewable energy and battery storage.

Why it matters

This funding supports the development of advanced control systems necessary for improving how renewable energy is integrated into local power grids. The project aims to enhance the reliability of decentralized energy systems by optimizing power resource management.

The funding includes a $50,000 award from the National Science Foundation's National I-Corps programme and $13,000 from the Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium.

The players

Oluwaseyi Amisu

He is a doctoral student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville who is researching energy technology solutions.

National Science Foundation

This is a United States government agency that supports fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of science and engineering.

Launch Tennessee

This is a public-private partnership focused on supporting the development of high-growth companies and entrepreneurs across the state.

The details

The project utilizes artificial intelligence to manage a hybrid microgrid, coordinating power from renewable sources and battery storage systems. It represents a significant effort to streamline the integration of various energy inputs into a unified grid.

October 8, 2026: Grant funding was officially announced.
2026: Launch Tennessee identified the project as a Proof-of-Concept awardee.

The Big Picture

This project follows the research and commercialization model fostered by the National Science Foundation's National I-Corps programme. It reflects a broader trend of leveraging academic research to solve modern energy infrastructure challenges.

This technology could eventually lead to more stable and efficient energy storage systems for residential or community use. Improved grid control software may result in lower energy waste and more reliable integration of intermittent solar or wind power.

The takeaway

Advancing microgrid technology is essential for the transition toward decentralized and renewable energy reliance. Researchers continue to look for ways to harmonize disparate power sources through software automation.