

Before joining SIP, Gilford was Principal at HR&A Advisors and co-founder of the Broadband Equity Partnership. Before that, he co-founded the Connected Communities practice at Intersection, developing technology strategies for neighborhood-scale real estate developments. He also served as Vice President for Urban Innovation & Sustainability for the New York City Economic Development Corporation.
What is Infrastructure?
David Gilford opens the conversation by redefining infrastructure as the systems that enable society to function—spanning from roads and bridges to wireless networks and software. SIP emerged as an innovative response to the outdated infrastructure landscape, bridging the gap between traditional infrastructure investment and the rapid innovation seen in venture capital.
Originally part of Alphabet (Google’s parent company), SIP spun out five years ago to pursue independent funding and partnerships, tapping into global investors like the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan and StepStone. With a mission to modernize infrastructure for sustainability and resilience, SIP blends policy, technology, and capital to address the complex challenges of the 21st century.
Image courtesy: Verrus
Key Projects Transforming the Landscape
- Renew Home: SIP’s groundbreaking virtual power plant initiative merges Google Nest’s energy assets with OhmConnect, optimizing energy use in hundreds of thousands of households. The program integrates smart thermostats, electric vehicle chargers, and heat pumps to balance grid demands, saving billions of dollars while significantly reducing carbon emissions.
- Verrus: SIP’s new venture focuses on flexible, energy-efficient data centers. With demand for data skyrocketing, Verrus integrates microgrids and storage solutions, turning data centers into adaptive energy consumers. This approach supports grid reliability, renewable energy adoption, and sustainable industrial development.
- Scaling Urban Infrastructure: At Governors Island in New York, the City of New York is exploring how innovative infrastructure solutions can address climate resilience. By using the island as a testbed, the pilot program aims to scale impactful technologies while balancing the needs of local communities and long-term urban planning.
David Gilford’s Unique Perspective
Drawing from a career spanning public and private sectors, including leadership roles at the NYC Economic Development Corporation and the Broadband Equity Partnership, Gilford brings a nuanced understanding of infrastructure challenges. His ability to navigate policy complexities and align stakeholders has been critical in advancing SIP’s mission.
Looking Ahead
David emphasizes the collaborative nature of SIP’s work, highlighting partnerships with government and private stakeholders. As climate and economic challenges converge, SIP is committed to transforming infrastructure into a driver of resilience and sustainability.