David Edwards is the founder of Equilibrium Engines, a startup aiming to bring zero-carbon, affordable energy to small Arctic communities through an innovative generator design. He is growing the business in the Master of Business Creation (MBC) program at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business.
The seed of Equilibrium Engines was planted during Edwards’ travels in Russia. As he watched icebreakers carve through the river in St. Petersburg, he was struck by the fact that no matter how cold the air became, there was always heat available in the liquid water below a layer of ice. He developed this idea into the core technology of Equilibrium Engines, and he is now using the MBC program to build his startup and reshape energy access for remote Arctic communities.
“I was always interested in getting an MBA, but it just didn’t make sense for my startup. The MBC allows you to bring your business into class and develop it in class,” Edwards said. “In the MBC, I am able to pick up MBA skills that are relevant to my business, but efficiently and more directed to my personal needs.”
Growing up in Utah, Edwards always had a knack for mechanics and technology. As a teenager, he was always interested in alternative energy and building innovative things. He was a software developer and business executive in the transportation industry, who also learned various metalworking skills, worked in plumbing, and rebuilt motorcycles and other mechanical projects.
“All of my passions and skills from my background came together to create my business now,” he said.
Today, Equilibrium Engines focuses on bringing zero-carbon, affordable energy to small Arctic communities. These are towns that are hundreds of miles off-grid and currently rely on diesel power. His product is a generator that runs on very small temperature differences in the environment, particularly from the heat trapped under frozen lakes.
Similar technologies have been explored in tropical environments, but not in the Arctic. “It’s a harsh environment,” Edwards said. “No one has tried using the cold air above the ice and the warmer water below to generate power at scale.”
In 2024, they generated electricity for the first time using their proof-of-concept device, marking a big milestone for the startup. In October 2025, Edwards visited Alaska and met with energy managers to plan a pilot project. They are now developing a prototype to test in the field.
Their potential customers include over 10 million people who live in communities in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Norway, Finland, and Antarctica. The need is substantial, and Edwards is passionate about bringing his solution to the people of these towns.
The MBC program has played a huge role in helping Edwards with Equilibrium Engines.
“I love that there is someone able to hold me accountable in terms of networking and thinking outside of the box,” he said.
“My preceptor, Tom Georgis, has made himself very available with lots of check-ins and advice,” Edwards said. Through the MBC, Edwards is able to connect with other entrepreneurs and collaborate.
“Entrepreneurship can be lonely,” he said. “It’s nice to celebrate and share ideas with others.”
As Equilibrium Engines moves forward, Edwards remains focused on his mission that started it all. “I truly believe there’s a path forward,” he said. “Creative solutions can help communities thrive while we protect the planet.”
Learn more about Equilibrium Engines here equilibriumengines.com
