Pittsburgh Coastal Energy Market Research Report

Background

Company Overview

Pittsburgh Coastal Energy is an innovative startup specializing in harnessing ocean wave and current energy to power autonomous maritime systems. Founded in 2024 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company focuses on developing sustainable energy solutions for underwater vehicles, sensors, and communication relays. Their flagship product, the Subsea Energy Recharging Platform Enabled by Nanogenerator Technology (SERPENT), utilizes cutting-edge nanogenerator technology to provide persistent, onboard power to these systems.

Mission and Vision

Pittsburgh Coastal Energy's mission is to revolutionize the U.S. ocean energy industry by developing innovative energy conversion technologies that extend the operational endurance of autonomous maritime systems. Their vision is to be recognized as a leader in sustainable ocean energy solutions, enhancing the capabilities and reliability of underwater technologies.

Industry Significance

The company operates within the renewable energy sector, specifically focusing on marine energy. By addressing the critical need for reliable, persistent energy sources for autonomous maritime systems, Pittsburgh Coastal Energy contributes to the advancement of ocean-based renewable energy technologies, supporting both defense and commercial applications.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Sustainable Energy Solutions: Develop technologies that harness ocean energy to provide continuous power to underwater systems.

• Operational Endurance: Enhance the deployment duration and reliability of autonomous maritime assets.

• Logistical Efficiency: Reduce the need for frequent energy resupply missions, minimizing operational costs and risks.

Areas of Specialization

• Ocean Energy Harvesting: Utilizing ocean waves and currents to generate electricity.

• Nanogenerator Technology: Developing and deploying Polar Ionic Nanogenerators (PINGs) for energy conversion.

• Autonomous Maritime Systems: Providing energy solutions for unmanned underwater vehicles and sensors.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Polar Ionic Nanogenerators (PINGs): A novel type of Distributed Embedded Energy Converter Technology (DEEC-tec) that captures mechanical energy from ocean movements to generate electricity.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Defense Sector: Enhancing mission endurance and stealth capabilities of underwater military assets.

• Commercial Sector: Supporting long-range monitoring and data collection for environmental research, underwater exploration, and offshore infrastructure inspection.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As of December 2025, Pittsburgh Coastal Energy has secured over $100,000 in non-dilutive funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. This funding has been utilized to develop and prototype their core technology, the Polar Ionic Nanogenerator (PING).

Recent Funding Rounds

• InDEEP Contest: In May 2025, the company was named a grand prize winner in the U.S. Department of Energy's Innovating Distributed Embedded Energy Prize (InDEEP), receiving a $200,000 cash prize to further develop their technology.

Notable Investors

While specific investor details are not publicly disclosed, the company's funding sources include government grants and prizes from energy innovation competitions.

Utilization of Capital

The capital raised is primarily allocated towards:

• Technology Development: Advancing the design and efficiency of PINGs.

• Prototype Deployment: Building and testing prototypes for underwater applications.

• Operational Expansion: Scaling operations to meet the needs of defense and commercial clients.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

• SERPENT Platform: The primary product, utilizing PINGs to provide continuous energy to autonomous maritime systems.

Stages of Development

• Prototype Phase: Completed initial bench-top demonstrations of PING technology.

• Testing Phase: Plans to deploy prototypes for underwater testing by the end of 2025.

Target Conditions

• Ocean Depths: Effective at depths up to 100 meters.

• Operational Duration: Designed for maintenance-free operation for up to one year.

Anticipated Milestones

• Prototype Deployment: End of 2025.

• Commercial Partnerships: Ongoing discussions with defense and commercial entities to integrate SERPENT into operational systems.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Polar Ionic Nanogenerators (PINGs): A modular, scalable technology that converts mechanical energy from ocean waves into electricity without relying on bulky mechanical systems.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Distributed Embedded Energy Converter Technology (DEEC-tec): An innovative approach that integrates multiple small-scale energy converters to create a resilient and adaptable energy harvesting system.

Leadership Team

Priscilla Prem

• Position: Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer

• Background: PhD candidate at the University of Pittsburgh; inventor of PING technology; former U.S. Navy service member.

• Contributions: Leading the company's strategic direction and technological development.

Bobby Karnavas

• Position: Co-founder, Chief Technology Officer

• Background: Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh; former submarine reactor operator in the U.S. Navy.

• Contributions: Overseeing mechanical design and energy converter testing efforts.

Theresa Baughman

• Position: Operations Manager

• Background: Bachelor's degree in Studio Art with a concentration in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh.

• Contributions: Guiding internal structure, strategy, and goal tracking.

Patrick Bales-Parks

• Position: Lead Electrical Engineer

• Background: BS in Electrical Engineering and MS in Computer Engineering; Senior Software Engineer in the aerospace industry.

• Contributions: Advancing the company's mission of harnessing ocean wave energy through innovative engineering solutions.

Carlan Gray

• Position: Business Development Manager

• Background: Experience in consulting and operational challenges faced by startups.

• Contributions: Supporting the company's growth beyond its technical capabilities.

Connor Leckie-Ewing

• Position: Electrical Systems Engineer

• Background: BS in Electrical Engineering; experience in engineering and innovation challenges.

• Contributions: Developing PINGs into a practical energy source for marine systems.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The marine energy sector is emerging as a sustainable alternative to traditional power sources for autonomous maritime systems. The demand for reliable, persistent energy solutions is growing, driven by advancements in underwater technology and the need for extended operational capabilities.

Competitor Analysis

• Colony Robotics: Developing autonomous ocean drones.

• Witt Energy: Innovative technology to harness tidal and wave energy.

• Newlight Marine Technologies, Inc.: Pioneering sustainable shipping solutions.

• kWantera: Connecting buyers and sellers of electricity and natural gas.

• Powersea: Energy storage solutions.

• CorPower Ocean AB: Wave power technology.

• Seatrec: Energy harvesting solutions.

• WITT Energy Limited: Power from motion technology.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Pittsburgh Coastal Energy has engaged in various competitions and showcases to validate and promote their technology, including:

• InDEEP Contest: Phase 1 and Phase 2 winners.

• EnergyTech University Prize: Water Power Technologies Office Bonus Prize winner.

• Kuzneski Innovation Cup: Grand prize winner.

• Defense TechConnect Innovation Challenge: Selected for Spotlight Showcase.

Operational Insights

Pittsburgh Coastal Energy differentiates itself through its innovative PING technology, offering a modular and scalable solution for ocean energy harvesting. Their focus on autonomous maritime systems positions them uniquely in the market, catering to both defense and commercial sectors.