Itron’s purpose is to create a more resourceful world. We do this by innovating new ways for utilities to manage energy and water and by engaging with communities around the globe to improve energy-water literacy, encourage conservation and inspire future innovators to help shape a more sustainable future. To that end, I’m excited to share a recent collaboration that I coordinated with students at the University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA). 

During the 2024 winter/spring semester at UTSA, Phil Cole and Sheila Kee (two Itron water experts) and I worked with a group of six students to analyze aggregated data collected through  Itron’s Temetra® Analysis solution, as part of their senior design project. The project explored the nuances of aggregating data from multiple structured and unstructured sources for the purpose of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques in order to gain unique insights. Students parsed through over 500 million rows of raw data and throughout the process, gained valuable career insights through direct mentorship and experience-based learning, while making meaningful workforce connections for future career paths and opportunities.  

A key element of Itron’s social responsibility strategy includes creating positive impact in the regions where we live, work and play. Itron’s collaboration with students at UTSA reinforces this by supporting the growth and development of the next generation of leaders in the water industry and deepening our investment in the San Antonio community, which is known for completing one of the largest smart water metering deployments in the country. While student education was the top priority of the project, our team is excited to have gained a fresh perspective that will undoubtedly drive innovation in our own smart water management technologies and solutions moving forward.  

At Itron, we are proud to invest in the future leaders of the water industry and look forward to building on these efforts in San Antonio and communities across the globe in the years to come. To learn more about our collaboration with the UTSA in addition to our modern water solutions that make every drop count, stop by Itron booth 2013 at the American Water Works Association’s 2024 Annual Conference & Expo in Anaheim, CA from June 10 – 13. To learn more about Itron’s CSR-led educational programs and initiatives, visit itron.com/social-responsibility.