Boeing HorizonX Ventures

Additive manufacturing makes objects by systematically adding material via a CAD program

Additive Manufacturing

<div>
 
 Digital Alloys is a company that specializes in metal 3D printing technology. Its flagship product is the Joule Printing system developed based on its patented technology, which uses wire feedstock and an electric current to rapidly heat and melt the metal, enabling faster and more efficient metal 3D printing. Digital Alloys also offers a range of other services, including training, installation, and maintenance of its 3D printing systems. The company Digital Alloys serves customers in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and medical.&nbsp;
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 In August 2018, Digital Alloys raised USD 12.9 million in a series B round to expand operations.&nbsp;
 
 
 
</div>

<div>
 
 Morf3D offers a range of additive manufacturing (AM) solutions like on-demand manufacturing, material parameter development, materials testing and statistical analysis, post-printing solution, and inspection for the aerospace and defense industries. The company is a subsidiary of Japan&rsquo;s Nikon corporation after it acquired the majority of the company in April 2022 to drive the industrialization of digital manufacturing.
 
 
 Morf3D also operates the Applied Digital Manufacturing Center (ADMC), a 90,000 sq ft facility that aims to drive the industrialization of digital manufacturing in high-growth markets by conducting advanced research, serial production, and developing new industry partnerships. ADMC includes several key players in the industry including Starburst Aerospace and DMG MORI.
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 In April 2022, Morf3D partnered with Siemens Advanta to integrate Siemens&rsquo; IoT consultancy and solutions to conduct new research to optimize AM capabilities for the aerospace industry. During the same period, the company became one of ten companies to be accredited by the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program (Nadcap), which certified Morf3D&rsquo;s conformity to industry-wide standards. It also has several other technology partnerships with other AM companies like nTopology, HRL Laboratories, and Sigma Labs.
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 Morf3D received an undisclosed amount of funding from Boeing in August 2019 to accelerate AM innovation, targeting the aerospace industry.
 
 
 
</div>

Technology to explore opportunities beyond Earth

Space Travel and Exploration Tech

<div>
 
 Founded by Richard Branson, Virgin Galactic constructs commercial spacecraft with the goal of providing space travelers with suborbital spaceflights. Virgin Galactic is the first commercial spaceline created for space travel. Its feather technology allows its spaceship to fold in half, with the wings moving upward, offering unobstructed views of space. Virgin Galactic's suborbital aircraft are launched from beneath VMS Eve mothership (previously known as White Knight Two), a carrier plane. Virgin Galactic's VSS Unity spacecraft made its first spaceflight in 2018. Founder Richard Branson and three other colleagues boarded a flight as passengers in July 2021.
 
 
 In February 2022, the startup opened ticket sales to the public. A trip that lasts around 90 minutes costs USD 450,000 and was slated to commence in Q1 2023. Up to six passengers and two pilots can go to suborbital space at a time in a flight. In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/16466">
 February 2023
 </a>
 , the VMS Eve mothership took to the skies for the first time after undergoing mechanical upgrades. Although the results were not disclosed, according to flight tracking data the test flight lasted over two and a half hours and reached an altitude of 12,650 meters. In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/18896">
 May 2023
 </a>
 , conducted its first suborbital launch after a nearly two-year hiatus with the Unity 25 mission. It carried a crew of six and two pilots to an altitude of 44,500 ft for 90 minutes. Following this, in 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19794">
 June 2023
 </a>
 , the company completed the maiden launch of its commercial spaceflight, VSS Unity. Named Galactic 01, the mission carried 13 research payloads and a three-member crew. The company expected to launch monthly commercial flights after the Galactic 02 mission which was slated for August 2023.
 
 
 In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30285">
 June 2024
 </a>
 , Virgin Galactic launched its VSS Unity spacecraft with 6 crew members for its Galactic 07 mission, also marking its second launch mission in 2024.&nbsp;
 
 
 In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31351">
 July 2024
 </a>
 , the company concluded the construction of its new manufacturing facility and hangar complex at the Mesa Gateway Airport. The new facility would begin assembling the Delta spaceships by 2025.&nbsp;
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 In April 2020, the company entered into a space act agreement with NASA relating to the development of high-speed point-to-point travel technologies and into a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Rolls-Royce in August 2020 to join in designing and developing engine propulsion technology for high-speed commercial aircraft. In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14264">
 November 2022
 </a>
 , the company partnered with space infrastructure developer Axiom Space, to conduct microgravity research and training missions.
 
 
 Virgin Galactic partnered with Axiom Space again in May 2024 to deliver the Axiom Mission 3 backup and a Turkish Space Agency (TUA) astronaut on a suborbital flight for microgravity research. 
 
</div>

X-Bow Systems specializes in advanced manufacturing of solid rocket motors (SRMs) and hypersonic technologies. The company employs additive manufacturing techniques and proprietary technology to produce solid rocket propellants and motors. Using 3D printing and digital twin technology, X-Bow's manufacturing process allows for rapid design iterations and production of rocket motors ranging from 2-inch to over 60-inch diameters. The company's Advanced Manufactured Solid Propellant (AMSP) technology reduces traditional production timelines from 3-6 years to approximately 12 months, with the ability to switch between different motor sizes through software changes. In July 2024, X-Bow successfully tested the Ballesta-34 (XB-32), the world's largest advanced manufactured solid propellant motor at 34 inches in diameter. The company operates production facilities in Texas, with its Luling gigafactory capable of delivering over three million pounds of total propellant force annually across three production lines, equivalent to producing more than 300 hypersonic weapons or thousands of smaller tactical rockets per year.
Key customers and partnerships
X-Bow has collaborated with several government agencies and organizations. The company works with the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) on the Rapid Energetics & Advanced Rocket Manufacturing (RE-ARM) program, demonstrating manufacturing technologies at Edwards Air Force Base. In October 2024, X-Bow partnered with Los Alamos National Labs for multiple missions of its Bolt rocket family. The company has also worked with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), US Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Redwire, New Mexico Tech, and DARPA. X-Bow secured a follow-on contract with AFRL to develop advanced energetic manufacturing capabilities through the "Gen-0" system.

Clean, congestion-free air travel gets liftoff

Passenger eVTOL Aircraft

<div>
 
 Headquartered in Pennsylvania, Near Earth bridges the gap between aerospace and robotics fields by providing comprehensive systems that enhance the efficiency, performance, and safety across a wide spectrum of aircraft, spanning from compact drones to full-scale helicopters. Near Earth's cutting-edge technology empowers aircraft to autonomously execute safe takeoffs, flights, and landings, regardless of GPS availability. Its innovative solutions unlock the potential of aerial mobility for partners in both commercial and defense sectors. Its technology is customizable, scalable, and includes sensors, computing, software, and user experience (UX).&nbsp;&nbsp;
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 In 
 <a href="https://www.volocopter.com/newsroom/volocopter-and-near-earth-autonomy-partner-on-autonomous-flight-capabilities-for-the-volodrone/">
 2021
 </a>
 , the company partnered with Volocopter to test Near Earth Autonomy&rsquo;s autonomous flight technology on Volocopter&rsquo;s eVTOL VoloDrone aircraft.
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 In 
 <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LuxYsHZ95KYCmNDBFkgQ7dlbNSuHXF3a/view">
 June 2022
 </a>
 , Kaman Corporation (NYSE: KAMN) invested USD 10 million in Near Earth Autonomy in exchange for a minority interest in the outstanding equity of the company and one seat on its board of directors. The investment was aimed at accelerating Near Earth&rsquo;s technology to establish an industry-standard in autonomous solutions for the next generation of aviation.
 
 
 
 
 
</div>

<div>
 
 Electric Power Systems (EP Systems) is a leading provider of certifiable, high-power, and scalable powertrains for electrified aviation. The company specializes in developing energy storage systems, DC fast-charging stations, and electric propulsion products specifically designed for aerospace applications.The company develops lithium battery modules for use in a variety of aviation applications, including eVTOL aircraft. EP Systems has successfully deployed numerous battery systems that currently power customer flight demonstrator vehicles, such as the NASA X-57, Bell Nexus, Aurora Flight Sciences Pegasus, Embraer Ipanema, and Boeing CAV. As of 2023, the company is collaborating with the FAA to certify batteries for general aviation aircraft, with plans to complete its first Technical Standard Order (TSO) in the same year.
 
 
 The company released its EPiC battery module family in 
 <a href="https://epsenergy.com/ep-systems-announces-its-epic-battery-module-family-during-vfs-interview/">
 2021
 </a>
 . The battery modules are known for their lightweight and cost-effective design while maintaining a high-power output, according to the company. The modules will be FAA- and EASA-certified to the highest industry safety standards. With the ability to handle thermal runway situations and a packaging overhead of less than 20% of the module's mass, the EPiC modules effectively manage heat. The company's lineup of energy, power, and ultra-power modules caters to various applications, including all-electric, hybrid-electric, and micro-hybrid systems.&nbsp;
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 EP Systems&rsquo; customers include NASA, the FAA, Boeing, Safran, Bell Textron, Diamond Aircraft, Embraer, Aura Aero, VoltAero, and Supernal.
 
 
 In 
 <a href="https://epsenergy.com/supernal-and-electric-power-systems-partner-to-advance-evtol-battery-capabilities/">
 July 2022
 </a>
 , the company partnered with Supernal (part of the Hyundai Motor Group) to accelerate the development and production of safe, lighter-weight, and certifiable eVTOL vehicle batteries.&nbsp;
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 In 
 <a href="https://epsenergy.com/boeing-safran-investment/">
 2019
 </a>
 , EP Systems received investments from Boeing and Safran, followed by additional investments from both companies in 2021. Additionally, in 
 <a href="https://epsenergy.com/jetblue-invests-in-battery-developer-for-electric-aircraft/">
 2022
 </a>
 , JetBlue joined the investment by participating in a USD 13 million fundraising round through an undisclosed amount, further strengthening EP Systems' financial backing.
 
</div>

Taking commercial activities to new heights

Commercial Drone Tech

Robotic Skies is a global network of maintenance service centers for commercial Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft. The company offers aviation-grade field service programs that meet the regulatory maintenance requirements for complex commercial drone operations like autonomous package delivery and beyond-line-of-sight missions. In October 2022, Robotic Skies launched its cloud-based SPAN software platform, powered by CORRIDOR Aviation Service Software, to manage and track UAS and AAM service and repair projects for its commercial OEM and aircraft operator customers across its global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) network. The SPAN platform facilitates scheduled and ad hoc maintenance activity management while tracking aircraft compliance, enabling customers to establish optimal maintenance intervals and improve aircraft reliability. Robotic Skies' business model involves providing aviation-grade software tools and workflows to OEMs and repair stations, positioning the company to expand into data analytics services such as predictive maintenance and supply chain optimization. As of January 2019, Robotic Skies had over 170 civil aviation authority-certified repair stations in its network. In August 2022, Robotic Skies entered a strategic partnership with Continuum Applied Technology to combine CORRIDOR's aviation maintenance platform with Robotic Skies' global MRO network for UAS and AAM aircraft.
Key customers and partnerships
Robotic Skies announced a service partnership with Australian drone technology company Emesent in January 2022. Under this partnership, Robotic Skies' network of over 140 service centers across the Americas will provide maintenance and repair services for Emesent's products, including its flagship Hovermap autonomy and mapping payload.

Aloft Technologies is a leading provider of drone fleet management and airspace management solutions. Founded in 2015, the company has developed a patented dynamic airspace platform, which is an integral part of its Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system. Aloft's UTM system has powered over 1 million airspace authorizations to date. The company's core offering is the Air Control platform, a centralized system for managing drone operations, pilots, assets, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Key features include real-time live video streaming, airspace authorization through LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability), and advanced UTM capabilities. Aloft's solutions cater to a diverse user base spanning recreational, commercial, government, law enforcement, and advanced air mobility sectors. In March 2024, Terra Drone Corporation, a Japanese drone and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technology provider, invested in Aloft, making it the largest shareholder and marking Aloft's entry into the US market.
Key customers and partnerships
Aloft has formed strategic partnerships with various industry leaders to enhance its offerings and expand its reach. In April 2024, Aloft announced a collaboration with Anzu Robotics to launch the Raptor drone series, integrating Aloft's Air Control platform natively into the drones. This partnership aims to provide secure, compliant drone operations for industries such as inspection and public safety. Additionally, Aloft joined forces with Skydio in April 2024 to integrate live UTM telemetry, enabling real-time tracking of Skydio drones within Aloft's airspace maps and applications. This integration is expected to pave the way for advanced UTM solutions supporting thousands of drones flying simultaneously in US skies.
In April 2024, Aloft, Terra Drone, and Unifly, a Belgium-based UTM provider, launched a joint development initiative focused on UTM for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) targeting global markets. This collaboration marks the world's first joint UTM development for AAMs by multiple companies with extensive track records in UTM implementation and operation.
Aloft has also partnered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), powering the agency's official airspace safety app, B4UFLY, which allows drone operators to check airspace advisories before flights.

Automation and robotics are finally creating solutions for the complexities of doorstep deliveries.

Last-mile Delivery Automation

Matternet offers drone-based deliveries for healthcare, ecommerce, and logistics sectors. Matternet develops both drone units (the latest version called M2) and operates a cloud platform handling delivery operations (including route planning and monitoring). Its drones are capable of carrying a payload of 4.4 lbs, within a 12-mile radius, cruising at a speed of 22 mph. It also offers “Matternet Station,” designed for safe and fully automated payload exchanges. These stations enable hospitals and their supply partners to transport items between their facilities. The company charges a fixed subscription from the retailers for its service.Matternet received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approvals to conduct commercial on-demand drone-based deliveries in the US (Part 135 certification) in October 2019 (for Matternet-UPS joint operations) and in May 2023 (for Matternet-Ameriflight joint operations). The joint operation with UPS also obtained the FAA’s approval to conduct beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights in<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/21584"> September 2023.</a> Matternet also received an FAA waiver to test 20 drones per pilot<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17484"> (April 2023),</a> FAA Type Certification (approves aircraft design and components about safety and reliability), and Production Certification (verifies that the company possesses the necessary quality management and manufacturing capabilities) for its upgraded M2 drones in<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23408"> (November 2023).</a> <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24883">In December 2023,</a> Matternet gained approval from Germany's Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), for beyond visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) flights in Berlin and, <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33421">in September 2024,</a> received the Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC) from Switzerland's Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) for similar operations.The company’s drone units were in production as of November 2023, with plans to scale operations throughout the US, Europe, and the Middle East. As of August 2021, the company had reported completion of more than 13,000 commercial deliveries in the US and Switzerland.Key customers and partnershipsThe company’s US operations are conducted in partnership with UPS (under UPS’s Flight Forward Program), and with cargo airline <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/18950">Ameriflight.</a> UPS and Matternet deliver medical supplies and lab samples for 1) WakeMed’s flagship hospital and campus in Raleigh, North Carolina) 2) CVS Pharmacy in the Villages, a retirement community in Florida (since April 2020), and 3) The Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health medical campus, North Carolina (since July 2020).The company also serves hospitals and pharmacy chains in Europe including the EOC Hospital in Lugano and the University of Zurich Hospital, both in partnership with Swiss Post (January 2020), Labor Berlin in Germany <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33">(November 2020),</a> and Stadspital Zurich, a municipal central hospital owned by the city of Zurich <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/15437">(December 2022)</a> for various drone-based medical supplies and lab sample deliveries. Matternet also has partnerships with Japan Airlines (to expand to Japan; <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/11">September 2020),</a> and logistics company SkyGo (to expand to Aby Dhabi, UAE; <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/5700">September 2021).</a>The company partnered with NRA Technologies, a UAS traffic management solutions provider, in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35909">November 2024</a> to enhance airspace management for urban drone delivery networks.

Using data and automation to achieve 24/7 production.

Smart Factory

Avathon (formerly SparkCognition) offers a suite of AI-powered data analytics solutions for businesses, specializing in the industrial sector. The company’s offerings include: 1) Industrial AI Suite, which enables users to connect datasets with configurable AI models, identify and contextualize risks to equipment, analyze maintenance actions, monitor performance, and visualize multi-asset systems, without requiring coding experience, and 2) Visual AI Advisor, which leverages computer vision to analyze real-time data from existing camera infrastructure for a number of different use cases, such as safety monitoring, visual inspection, and machine monitoring.&nbsp;In May 2023, the company launched the Generative AI Suite, a solution specifically tailored for the industrial sector, which enables users to build and deploy custom large language models (LLMs) on either private or on-premise cloud environments. Users also autonomously augment data sets by generating text, images, audio, and other signals and create imagery for use in simulated real-world environments. It claims to&nbsp;reduce the foundational information needed for decision-making by up to 20x.Since 2021, the company has acquired a number of companies to further develop its product offering. This includes Indian visual AI startup&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/9370?industryIds=6">Integration Wizards</a> (March 2022) to expand its intellectual property (IP) portfolio to improve vision capabilities as well as digital knowledge platform Maana (July 2021), software developer for the renewable energy industry Ensemble Energy (May 2021), and financial technology company AIM2 (February 2021).&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/34997">In October 2024,&nbsp;</a>Avathon unveiled a new system-level AI platform that provides solutions for managing and monitoring critical industrial infrastructure. The AI platform addresses various industrial issues, including maximizing the uptime of capital-intensive assets, enabling efficient manufacturing ramp-up, and ensuring worker safety in industrial settings.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsSparkCognition’s clientele comprises large companies such as Boeing, Hitachi, and British Petroleum. It has also built partnerships with Google for cloud platform services, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise to offer AI predictive maintenance on HPE Edgeline Converged Edge Systems, and OSIsoft to integrate SparkCognition’s machine learning technology with OSIsoft’s PI system to improve data and process data analytics.&nbsp;

New technology allows individuals and organizations to become carbon intelligent

Carbon Management Software

<div>
 
 UK-based Circulor provides a blockchain-based SaaS solution for businesses to trace the sustainability of their raw materials across the supply chain. Specific use cases include tracking the use of recycled materials along the supply chain and ensuring that raw materials are sourced from verified suppliers.&nbsp;
 
 
 Circulor collects information on material flows and verifies that they follow the rules pre-defined by businesses. These may include information such as elapsed time, mass balance calculations, responsible sourcing standards, or energy use. After collecting and verifying the information, Circulor records the findings on a distributed ledger, which can then be accessed by any party that has permission.&nbsp;
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 The company had onboarded several high-profile customers, including automakers Mercedes and Volvo, which use Circulor to trace the sustainability of their electric vehicle battery materials. Other known customers include 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/6254">
 Urbix
 </a>
 (a battery-grade graphite processor), 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/6449">
 North Coal
 </a>
 (a Canadian steel maker), 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/8199">
 Element 25
 </a>
 (an Australian producer of manganese products) and 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/10553">
 BlackEarth
 </a>
 (an Australian producer of graphite products).&nbsp;
 
 
 In January 2023, Circulor partnered with StoreDot to track the origin and CO2 emissions of raw materials used in battery cells, enhancing transparency and supporting regulatory compliance. In February 2023, Circulor collaborated with Sociedad Qu&iacute;mica y Minera (SQM) to provide traceability for lithium, enabling downstream automakers like Volvo Cars to access information from source to final product and track emissions. In March 2023, Circulor partnered with Deloitte to assist organizations in implementing supply chain transparency, monitoring environmental and human impacts, promoting responsible sourcing, and enabling circular economy business models. The company entered into a similar collaboration with KPMG in May 2023. In January 2024, Circulor partnered with Automotive Cells Company (
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/25640">
 ACC
 </a>
 ) to assess the carbon emissions of EV battery cells.
 
 
 Funding and Financials&nbsp;
 
 
 Circulor&rsquo;s most recent funding round was in 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/11455">
 June 2022
 </a>
 , when it raised USD 25 million in a Series B funding round led by Westly Group. Previously in June 2021 the company raised USD 14 million in a Series A funding round led by The Westly Group to drive innovation and extend its presence in North America and Asia. Prior to this, in July and December 2020 and March 2021, Circulor raised undisclosed amounts from InMotion Ventures, Volvo, Total Carbon Neutrality Ventures, SYSTEMIQ, and Plug and Play
 
</div>

Bringing the benefits of blockchain to the enterprise

Enterprise Blockchain Solutions

Circulor offers a blockchain-based solution to track materials, emissions, and compliance, thereby assisting companies in gaining visibility into their supply chains. This increased visibility allows businesses to demonstrate responsible sourcing, improve their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, manage supply chain risks, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions​​.Circulor's product offerings can be divided into three core areas: Traceability, Sustainability, and Risk Management. Traceability products track the origin and flow of raw materials through production processes within manufacturing and recycling supply chains. This granular, real-time data enables the tracking of emissions and associated ESG data, demonstrating responsible sourcing, sustainability, and circularity​​.Its Sustainability products enable clients to dynamically measure their attributed and inherited emissions at each stage of the supply chain, enhancing current lifecycle assessment approaches. This allows businesses to define their ESG KPIs, measure and compare the sustainability credentials of their suppliers, and benchmark against overall ESG targets​​.In the area of Risk Management, Circulor’s products augment traceability data with data from third-party sources to investigate supply chain participants and identify potential risks. This includes identifying anomalies and deviations across the supply chain, flagging to the responsible organization, and downstream participants for corrective action with a full audit trail on the blockchain​​.Key customers and partnershipsCirculor partnered with Polestar, an electric performance car manufacturer, in June 2020 to help the latter track a wide range of raw materials, aiming to achieve more sustainable supply chains and provide transparency to consumers​​.In January 2023, Circulor partnered with StoreDot to track the origin and CO2 emissions of raw materials used in battery cells, enhancing transparency and supporting regulatory compliance. In February 2023, Circulor collaborated with Sociedad Química y Minera (SQM) to provide traceability for lithium, enabling downstream automakers like Volvo Cars to access information from source to final product and track emissions. In March 2023, Circulor partnered with Deloitte to assist organizations in implementing supply chain transparency, monitoring environmental and human impacts, promoting responsible sourcing, and enabling circular economy business models.Funding and financialsThe company raised USD 25.0 million in Series B funding in June 2022 led by the Westly Group. The investor pool included both new and existing investors, including corporate venture capital funds from the likes of Volvo Cars, BHP, and Salesforce. The proceeds were used for geographic expansion, primarily focusing on the North American market.

Using AI to mimic and understand human language

Natural Language Processing Tools

SparkCognition is an artificial intelligence company founded in 2013 that develops AI-powered software solutions for various industries. The company's product portfolio includes machine learning, deep neural networks, natural language processing, and knowledge graph technologies aimed at predicting outcomes, prescribing actions, and enhancing safety across sectors like industrial, oil and gas, renewables, financial services, transportation, and government. SparkCognition's solutions address challenges such as preventing unexpected downtime, maximizing asset performance, optimizing resources, and proactively addressing safety and cybersecurity issues.
In March 2023, SparkCognition launched its Generative AI Platform, specifically designed for the industrial sector. This platform enables organizations to apply AI even with sparse datasets by autonomously augmenting data sets and generating high-quality synthetic content. The company is also developing industry-specific large language models to enhance its offerings. SparkCognition's Industrial AI Suite for Renewables provides asset performance management capabilities for renewable energy projects, helping operators detect underperformance, improve planning decisions, and streamline reporting processes.

Technology providers that enhance satellite operations

Next-gen Satellites

X-Bow Systems is dedicated to providing affordable access to orbit for commercial and government payloads.

Empowering efficiency, visibility and collaboration throughout supply networks

Supply Chain Tech

Circulor offers a blockchain-based solution that enables companies to gain visibility into their supply chains, thereby helping track materials, emissions, and compliance. The company’s product offerings can be divided into three core areas: traceability, sustainability, and risk management. Traceability products track the origin and flow of raw materials through production processes within manufacturing and recycling supply chains. This granular, real-time data enables the tracking of emissions and associated ESG data, enabling responsible sourcing, sustainability, and circularity​​.Its sustainability products enable clients to dynamically measure their attributes and inherited emissions at each stage of the supply chain, enhancing current life cycle assessment approaches. This allows businesses to define their ESG KPIs, measure and compare the sustainability credentials of their suppliers, and benchmark against overall ESG targets​​.In the area of risk management, Circulor’s products augment traceability data with data from third-party sources to investigate supply chain participants and identify potential risks. This includes identifying anomalies and deviations across the supply chain and flagging them to the responsible organization and downstream participants for corrective action with a full audit trail on the blockchain​​.Key customers and partnershipsThe company offers its platform and solutions to leading companies including Sky, Boeing, Polestar, Volvo, Polstar, Posco Chemical, and Finnish Mineral Group .In October 2024, Circulor&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/34313">partnered</a> with Rockwell Automation, an industrial automation company, to improve supply chain transparency. The collaboration aims to offer advanced traceability solutions for manufacturers in auto, tire, and battery industries. Earlier, In January 2024, Circulor partnered with Automotive Cells Co (ACC), a European battery maker, to trace supply chains' sustainability and carbon emissions. As part of the collaboration, Circulor and ACC was to track the origins and carbon emissions of the raw materials used in ACC's electric vehicle battery cells. This partnership intended to validate their supply chain operations, ensuring they are sustainable and responsible. This initiative was taken in anticipation of Europe's planned "battery passport" that will require transparency about the environmental impact of batteries sold within the region.Funding and financialsThe company raised USD 25.0 million in Series B funding in June 2022 led by the Westly Group. The investor pool included new and existing investors, including corporate venture capital funds from Volvo Cars, BHP, and Salesforce. The proceeds were used for geographic expansion, primarily focusing on the North American market.&nbsp;

Empowering the modern soldier with cutting-edge technology

Military Tech

SparkCognition is a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) software solutions, founded in 2013 by Amir Husain. The company develops AI technologies to predict outcomes, prescribe next best actions, and automate workflows across various industries. SparkCognition's product portfolio includes machine learning, deep neural networks, natural language processing, and computer vision technologies. The company's solutions are designed to minimize downtime, maximize asset performance, optimize resources, and proactively address safety concerns.
SparkCognition's flagship offering is the Industrial AI Suite, which provides asset performance management (APM) solutions for industries such as energy, manufacturing, and defense. In March 2023, the company launched its Generative AI Platform, specifically tailored for the industrial sector. This platform enables organizations to apply AI even with sparse data sets, enhancing and accelerating outcomes. The technology can autonomously augment data sets by generating synthetic text, images, audio, and other signals, allowing customers to reduce the amount of foundational information needed for decision-making by up to 20 times.
The company has expanded its reach through acquisitions and strategic partnerships. In 2021, SparkCognition completed three acquisitions to break into new markets, including the purchase of Ensemble Energy to expand its offerings in the energy sector. SparkCognition also operates two subsidiaries: SparkCognition Government Systems (SGS), which focuses on AI solutions for government and national defense, and SkyGrid, a joint venture with Boeing that develops AI and blockchain solutions for airspace management of drones and unmanned aircraft.
Key customers and partnerships
SparkCognition serves clients across various industries, including defense, finance, manufacturing, automotive, telecommunications, and energy. Notable customers include Boeing, Hitachi High-Technologies, and Aker BP. In June 2024, National Grid Renewables selected SparkCognition's Industrial AI Suite for Renewables to optimize the performance and efficiency of its solar, onshore wind, battery energy storage systems, and hybrid projects.
The company has also formed partnerships to expand its reach in different sectors. In May 2024, SparkCognition Government Systems partnered with Carahsoft to enhance public safety with visual AI-driven security solutions. This collaboration aims to bring SparkCognition's AI technologies to government agencies and national security leaders, focusing on mission readiness and asset performance optimization.

X-Bow Launch Systems is a producer of advanced manufactured solid rocket motors and hypersonic technologies for commercial and government payloads. It offers an end-to-end experience in building, testing, and launching solid rocket motors, using additive manufacturing technology to create customizable, low-cost motors.

Immfly is an award-winning provider of Connected Digital Services and Best in Class In-flight Entertainment. Immfly S.L. is headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, with global offices serving full service, low cost and regional airlines worldwide. Immfly’s digital services reach millions of passengers across hundreds of destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia and North and South America.

Circulor uses blockchain and AI to cut the cost of traceability and due diligence in raw materials supply chains. Its pioneer customers include car manufacturers, EV battery manufacturers, commodity traders, and miners who collectively want to pioneer more effective approaches to responsible sourcing. Circulor was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in London, England.

The Hedera hashgraph platform will offer a distributed public ledger that enables anyone to easily develop globally decentralized applications. Developers can build secure, fair, blazing-fast decentralized applications on top of the Hedera hashgraph platform.

Productive Machines that enable machining companies to be faster to the best part, first time, in an automated way. Unlike competitors who are stuck in a labour intensive iterative cycle to produce parts. Productive Machines have a digital twin of the physics, mechanics, dynamics, distortion and vibration of the machining process for metal cutting, enabling the company to test millions of parameters in simulation to enhance CAM and Gcode to improve productivity and part quality. Productive Machines is a spin out from the UK Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC)

One Device. All Networks. No Compromise. The world’s first smart terminal delivers total communications convergence. ALL.SPACE, formerly Isotropic Systems, has developed the 5th generation smart terminal, capable of linking with all satellites, all networks, in all orbits, all at once. Our ground-breaking software-defined service enablement platform integrates intelligent routing, edge computing and on-demand services to deliver unprecedented network resilience and application performance. Whether you're on land, sea or air, we ensure that you stay connected. Our S2000 range is customisable across a range of sizes, Tx/Rx ratios, aperture combinations and scan ranges with up to 8,100 unique configurable options. Our modular architecture allows you to pick the exact terminal configuration to meet your requirements.

Myriota manufactures satellite connectivity products to offer secure data transmission for IoT applications. Its low-power modules integrate into various IoT devices to communicate directly with the satellite network.

Accion Systems specializes in in-space propulsion systems for satellites. It developed the Tiled Ionic Liquid Electrospray (TILE) technology, which offers efficient, scalable electric propulsion. TILE is designed to support various satellite maneuvers, including attitude control, collision avoidance, orbit changes, and deorbiting. This propulsion system can be used on a range of spacecraft, from small cubesats to large platforms.

Avathon is an artificial intelligence technology startup that builds AI technology solutions for industrial applications. A highly awarded company recognized for cutting-edge technology, Avathon develops AI-Powered cyber-physical software for the safety, security, and reliability of IT, OT, and the IoT.  The company's technology is capable of harnessing real-time sensor data and learning from it continuously, allowing for more accurate risk mitigation and prevention policies to intervene and avert disasters. Avathon cognitive software, DeepArmor, is utilized to prevent and detect malware with a high level of accuracy and efficacy by using advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence. They help customers analyze complex data, empower decision making, and transform human and industrial productivity with award-winning machine learning technology and expert teams focused on defense, IIoT, and finance.

Virgin Galactic is a commercial spaceline that creates commercial spacecraft. It provides suborbital spaceflights to space tourists, suborbital launches for space science missions, and orbital human spaceflights. It democratizes access to space for the benefit of life on Earth. The astronaut experience will include weightlessness and stunning views of Earth from space onboard SpaceShipOne and SpaceShipTwo, spacecrafts designed by aerospace pioneer Scaled Composites. LauncherOne, Virgin Galactic's orbital launch vehicle, can carry satellites as large as 500 pounds into Earth orbit for historically low prices.

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a leading provider of high power scalable powertrains that are certifiable for electrified aviation. It develops energy storage systems, DC fast-charging stations, and electric propulsion products for Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, Marine, and Industrial Traction industries.  EPS has numerous battery systems currently powering customer flight demonstrator vehicles (e.g., NASA X-57 and Bell Nexus). Advanced features produce safer battery systems resulting in a perfect safety record in the field.

At Morf3D their mission is to provide a sustainable eco-system that delivers innovative solutions to solve complex design and manufacturing challenges that fully exploit the benefits of additive manufacturing. They provide a variety of fully-integrated additive design and manufacturing services including conceptualization, parameter optimization, metallic 3D printing, finishing, metallurgical examination, certification and data analysis. Morf3D is AS9100:D and ISO 9001:2008 certified and ITAR Registered.

Robotic Skies is a brokered global network of more than 150 independently-owned and operated repair stations that have the aviation expertise to provide maintenance and repairs on commercial unmanned systems. It draws on only the best FAA-and aviation authority-approved maintenance organizations currently maintaining manned aircraft to offer comprehensive field service programs designed to keep UAS flying safely, efficiently, and affordably.

BridgeComm is a satellite communications provider of optical wireless communications systems and services. The company has created the managed optical communication array hardware and software technology. MOCA technology enables multi-domain capabilities for sharing large amounts of data and collaborating significantly faster while maintaining increased security.

Digital Alloys develops high-speed, multi-metal additive manufacturing systems that print production quality parts, in almost any metal, at a fraction of the cost of other systems, making metal 3D metal printing economical for a greatly expanded mix of applications. Digital Alloys metal 3D printers have the unique ability to mix multiple metals in a solid part, enabling customers to push the limits of design and create new products with optimized thermal, electrical, magnetic, and mechanical properties. It was formed in January 2017 as a spinout from the NVLabs division of New Valence Robotics, Inc. (NVBOTS). The company is led by an experienced management team, and backed by Khosla Ventures. Digital Alloys is based in Burlington, Massachusetts.

Merxius (mer-she-us) uses Extended Reality tech to solve business problems across industries in innovative and sustainable ways.

ZestIoT connects people, places, assets, and operations, delivering various use cases for various industries to improve resource utilization, make operations safer and more secure, and inspect product quality, allowing customers to realize a higher return on investment. It provides complete end-to-end solutions to customer problems with a clear focus on ROI, decision-making tools to realize benefits, and powerful UI/UX to reduce the risk of adoption through its product and OEM partners. It collaborates with various partners to bring the right technology that strikes a balance between cost, resilience, and durability..

Aloft unifies the mission, aircraft, and data to make drone operations safe and reliable. Aloft streamlines the disconnected collection of tools and technologies into a unified drone operation that makes flight safer and more valuable. They offer a full stack solution with web tools, API integrations, custom webhooks, and support services to get you up and running fast

Matternet is the leading developer of commercial drone delivery systems for urban and suburban environments. The company ships the Matternet M2 drone and Matternet Software Platform and operates its technology directly for customers or in partnership with logistics organizations, such as UPS. In 2017, Matternet became the first company in the world to be authorized for commercial Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations of drone logistics networks over cities in Switzerland. In 2019, Matternet and UPS partnered to launch drone delivery services in the U.S. and together started the first revenue drone delivery operations in the U.S. In 2022, Matternet M2 became the first drone delivery system to achieve standard Type Certification and Production Certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the U.S. To date, Matternet technology has enabled over 20,000 commercial flights.

Agylstor’s high-performance computing platform includes software and in-system hardware acceleration for compression, parity RAID, encryption and other services, while Agylstor’s distributed software architecture provides maximum performance by distributing workloads across the processing and storage fabric. The company’s technology provides secure data storage and transfer for video and film production, geoscience, infrastructure mapping, and aerospace applications, including more capable piloted and autonomous systems.

Reaction Engines is a privately held company based in the United Kingdom developing an advanced combined cycle air-breathing rocket engine called SABRE (Synergetic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine).   This new class of aerospace engine is designed to enable aircraft to operate from standstill on the runway to hypersonic speeds of over five times the speed of sound in the atmosphere.   If higher speeds are required, SABRE can then transition to a rocket mode of operation, allowing spaceflight at speeds up to orbital velocity, equivalent to twenty five times the speed of sound. Reaction Engines’ technology has undergone extensive independent technical assessments which have confirmed its viability and potential vehicle applications.  REL's world leading heat exchange and advanced manufacturing capabilities have numerous applications in aerospace, cleantech, energy and other applications

Upskill provides wearable technology to connect hands-on workers from the factory to the warehouse to the jobsite. Its robust platform, Skylight, connects the industrial workforce with the people, processes, information, and equipment they need to do their jobs with greater efficiency and fewer errors, leaving them hands free to focus on their tasks at hand, and their tools. For organizations in the competitive global market looking to increase productivity, improve quality, reduce costs, train new workers, retain tribal knowledge, and provide a strong foundation for further investments, the future starts with Upskill.

Singularity University is a benefit corporation that provides educational programs, innovative partnerships, and a startup accelerator to help individuals, businesses, institutions, investors, NGOs, and governments understand cutting-edge technologies and how to utilize these technologies to positively impact billions of people. Singularity University permits individuals from more than 85 countries to apply growing technologies, including artificial intelligence and robotics, biotechnology, nanotechnology and digital fabrication, networks and computing systems, and medicine and neuroscience in order to address humanity’s major challenges such as education, energy, environment, food, global health, poverty, security, space, and water. Its educational programs consist of the graduate studies program, <a href=''https://www.dissertationcorp.co.uk/''>Dissertation Help</a> , the executive program, and exponential conferences. Singularity University was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in NASA Research Park, Silicon Valley.

Cuberg is a U.S.-based battery technology company delivering high-performance lithium metal cells produced on existing lithium-ion manufacturing lines for electromobility solutions.

Code Platoon is a non-profit coding bootcamp that helps veterans transition into the civilian workforce by providing technical training and career placement. Code boot camps are full-time immersive programs (roughly 10 - 14 hours a day, 6 days a week) that teach software development skills to beginners with little or no technical background.

Gamma Alloys offers lightweight aluminum alloys, reinforced with nanotechnology. It develops the next generation of lightweight alloys. It also patented manufacturing procedures, utilizing nanotechnology, to reinforce metal alloys, such as aluminum, magnesium, and titanium alloys. Its materials now display properties previously unreachable and enable applications so far unimagined. They can deliver customized products, from extruded bars to finished, machined components. It was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Santa Clarita, California.

Near Earth Autonomy is creating a future where autonomous flight is commonplace and safe. Their work enables a range of unmanned aircraft (i.e., sub-meter to full scale) to operate across multiple applications.

C360 Technologies is a video technology that delivers quality non-stitched immersive video products to date. C360 is a different kind of 360/VR company. Unlike most, they don’t stitch or require multi-headed cameras to deliver our stunning 6K immersive broadcast and streaming video.  They've worked in the industry since 2008 pioneering original 360 technologies that continue to deliver the highest quality, non-stitched immersive video in the world. Their live output for linear broadcast and OTT streaming platforms coupled with the industry's smallest pro-grade immersive camera is unique compared to others. C360 delivers multiple HD-SDI outputs directly to the broadcast backhaul for live television events while simultaneously delivering a 4K stream to the OTT platform for distribution across VR and second screen (magic screen) applications. Unlimited users are now empowered to independently control their camera location and P/T/Z during the live event. The company was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Wexford, Pennsylvania.

Imagine leaving your doorstep in San Jose at 7 AM and making it to a 9:30 AM meeting in Pasadena. With Zunum Aero, simply drive to a nearby airfield and walk to your aircraft with bags in tow, for a trip that will take half the time and at a much lower fare. Or skip the meeting altogether, and be on the slopes in Tahoe by 8:40 AM for $100 round-trip, and back home the same evening.  We are a land of towns and communities, many with airports, but few with regular air service. Our stock of 13,500 airports is the largest in the world, yet just 140 of the largest hubs carry over 97% of air traffic. This has left many of us with long drives to catch a flight, while on shorter trips we skip air travel altogether. Communities without good air service also struggle to attract investment and create jobs.  Electric aircraft of varying sizes are ideally suited to this critical need, requiring little support other than a GPS flight path and a quick recharge or swap facility on the tarmac. Be it Moses Lake, Beaumont, Santa Fe or Butte: prepare for the convenience of frequent electric air service.  Did you know that short-haul flights produce over 40% of aviation emissions? With our aircraft, we believe these will be largely eliminated within twenty years. Our aircraft are “hybrids to electrics” that sip fuel only when they have to, will use even less over time as batteries upgrade, and will one day go completely without — so that flying will be kind to the Earth.

HorizonX Ventures' investment team focuses on identifying startups developing revolutionary concepts around the world. Bringing together a diverse background of Boeing knowledge and larger market experience, the team provides funding to chosen startups, connecting them with global network of Boeing resources to get their ideas off the ground. The firm was founded in 2017 and is comprised of a global team based in Chicago, Menlo Park, Los Angeles, Seattle, St. Louis, Washington DC, and Israel.

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