Toyota Ventures

Autonomous and connected technologies shaping the future of the auto industry

Auto Tech

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 Nauto develops advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for commercial fleets and autonomous vehicles on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) basis. Its products include predictive collision alerts, driver behavior alerts, self-guided coaching, manager-led coaching, incident reporting, on-demand videos, and 
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 telematic capabilities for vehicle insights.
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 The solutions combine predictive artificial intelligence (AI), data science technologies, and more than 1 billion AI-analyzed video driving miles. The company claims to contribute to up to 80% reduction in distracted driving, collisions, and losses. Nauto is also reportedly the only AI-enabled platform that impacted driver behavior in real-time, which it claimed has led to the avoidance of 70,000+ collisions, resulting in a ~USD 300 million savings (as of February 2024).
 
 
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 The company had nearly 800 partnering customers worldwide as of February 2024. Its industry partners include Allianz, Toyota, SoftBank, Geotab, Orix, General Motors, BrightDrop, Herr Foods, and NAFA Fleet Management Association.
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19529">
 In June 2023,
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 Nauto secured a strategic investment from Stellantis Ventures, the venture capital arm of automaker Stellantis, to extend its safety benefits to more light commercial vehicles and, eventually, to consumer vehicles.
 
 
 
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Israeli startup Autobrains (formerly known as Cartica AI) develops patented artificial intelligence (AI)-based video perception technology for self-driving vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Autobrains offers a portfolio of hardware-agnostic perception software stacks, including 1) AB Entry, for entry-level ADAS Smart Cameras, targeting Level 1 to 2 automated driving levels; 2) AB Volume &amp; AB Premium, for premium front-facing ADAS smart-camera or entry-level ADAS Domain Control Unit (ADCU), for automated driving levels 2 and higher; and 3) AB Luxury, a scalable, modular software stack for higher level ADAS and AD Domain Controllers.&nbsp;Autobrains also launched 1)&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33947">“Air2Roads,”</a> a localization technology for ADAS and autonomous driving solutions, and 2)&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35108">“Skills,”</a> a product line for autonomous/automated driving that offers modular and scalable AI solutions for specific driving scenarios.The company aims to build technology with Level 4 and 5 autonomy (i.e., for fully autonomous vehicles limited to specific locations and/or conditions and for autonomous vehicles to navigate in all weather conditions without human interventions, respectively) by 2024. As of March 2022, Autobrains had more than 250 technology-related patents filed.Key customers and partnershipsAutobrains has product partnerships with companies such as CalAmp, a provider of internet of things (IoT) software applications, to integrate the latter’s plug-and-play on-board diagnostic (OBD) devices and telematics systems with Autobrains platform (June 2017); automotive parts manufacturer Continental, to develop ADAS and autonomous vehicle tech (June 2021); and Ambarella, an AI vision silicon company, to develop ADAS (December 2021). In January 2023, it partnered with Ambarella and Seeing Machines, a developer of vision-based monitoring technology, to offer combined front ADAS and driver monitoring solutions in a single box, using a single system-on-chip (SoC).&nbsp;

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 Recogni offers a visual perception platform for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and vehicles with Level 2 to Level 4 automation (i.e., Level 2 refers to vehicles that can control both the speed and the steering but require a vigilant safety driver; Level 4 refers to fully autonomous vehicles limited to specific locations and/or conditions). Recogni's AI-powered perception inference chip Scorpio reportedly enables object detection accuracy up to ~300m in real time under multiple road/environmental conditions. It can also process multiple streams of ultra-high resolution and very high frame rate cameras. The company also claims that the product has low latency and consumes less power.&nbsp;
 
 
 In 2023, Recogni launched the Phoenix ADAS/AD, a computing platform for autonomous driving and advanced driving assistance system applications for autonomous driving applications. The platform combines Scorpio AI processor and the Renesas R-Car V4H ASIL D support processor, for configurations up to 2,000 TOPS, reportedly the highest TOPS per watt capacity on the market. It also 
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 offers a software development kit
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 (SDK) for its high-performance computer (to be made available in Q3 2023).
 
 
 The company started initial customer field tests in 2022 and has operations in the US and in Germany.&nbsp;
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/26755">
 In February 2024,
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 Recogni raised USD 102 million in a Series C funding round co-led by Celesta Capital and GreatPoint Ventures, to develop its next-generation systems for AI inference solutions.
 
 
 
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Toyota and BMW-backed May Mobility develops self-driving technology pitched toward autonomous shuttle services for public transportation. Its proprietary multi-policy decision-making (MPDM) autonomous driving technology comes with a suite of sensors including LiDAR, radar, and cameras to create a 360-degree view of surroundings <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17125">(third-generation system released in March 2023) </a>. The technology can be integrated into multiple platforms such as buses or cars.As of February 2024, May Mobility had active autonomous shuttle services deployed in cities in Michigan, Minnesota, Texas, and&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17972">Arizona,</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/21984">California</a>. The company claimed to have completed 350,000+ autonomous rides as of October 2023 (includes now inactive deployments in geographies including Hiroshima [Japan] and Indiana). May Mobility was yet to commence commercial operations as of January 2024, and these rides were offered free of charge to customers, with costs being borne by partnering companies. The company has driverless operations in Sun City, Arizona&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/25063">in (December 2023)</a> and Ann Arbor, Michigan&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/36320">(November 2024).</a>However, <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/26710">in February 2024, </a>May Mobility announced layoffs of roughly 13% of its workforce (about 40 employees), to focus on its main business objectives.Key customers and partnershipsMay Mobility has product development partnerships with companies such as Toyota to retrofit its tech into Toyota’s vehicles <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/26500">(announced plans</a> to launch robotaxi services in Odaiba, Japan by mid 2024, and at Miyata factory in Fukuoka, Japan for employee and guest transportation in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/36762">December 2024);</a> Bridgestone Americas for tire technology (March 2022); and Aeva for LiDAR sensors&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23631">(November 2023).</a> The company also has partnerships with wheelchair-accessible van manufacturer BraunAbility to modify its fleet of Toyota Sienna vehicles to include wheelchair access (April 2022); SoftBank to obtain 5G network services for deployments in Japan (June 2022); Stantec, a design and engineering company, to develop autonomous micro-transit solutions&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17349">(March 2023);&nbsp;</a>mobility service provider, Moovit to integrate its urban mobility app and on-demand reservation and routing software&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17698">(April 2023)</a>; shared mobility solutions provider Liftango to create demand-responsive autonomous microtransit solutions&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23073">(October 2023)</a>; and Peachtree Corners, a smart city in Georgia for autonomous vehicle operations (<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/34064">September 2024</a>).&nbsp;The company has partnered with cities and authorities (e.g.,&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31213">Southwest Transit Commission,</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30371">City of Detroit Office of Mobility Innovation and the Michigan Mobility Collaborative,</a> City of Arlington, City of Grand Rapids, The Indiana Economic Development Corporation,&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33594">Contra Costa Transportation Authority),</a> universities (e.g., University of Texas, Arlington), transit tech and ride-hail companies (e.g.,&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17972">Via,</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35718">Lyft),</a> and nonprofits (e.g., Toyota Mobility Foundation, Energy Systems Network) for its active and past deployments. As announced&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23570">in November 2023,</a> NTT will have&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23510">exclusive rights</a> to sell May Mobility's self-driving system in Japan. The companies will also work with Toyota for autonomous vehicle testing in Japan.

AI, robotics, and IoT to streamline the flow of goods and information

Logistics Tech

Pickle Robot develops warehouse robotic solutions. It primarily offers AI-powered robotic arms that automate the process of trailer and container unloading. Its technology includes advancements in GenAI, machine vision, and robotic manipulation, which is designed to improve the efficiency and safety of operations. The system is capable of unloading 600+ boxes per hour, is mobile, and is claimed to set up in less than 10 minutes.The company offers its products for an implementation cost plus an annual fee. The system has been available commercially since June 2021, with shipments beginning in 2022.Key customers and partnershipsPickle Robot’s customers include&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24714">Yusen Logistics,</a> UPS, Puma, BJs, and RYOBI.

Third Wave Automation (TWA) is a developer of high-reach autonomous forklifts designed for warehouse automation. Its “TWA Reach” forklift offers the ability to operate in four different modes: 1) fully autonomous, 2) remote operation, 3) remote assist, and 4) manual operation. The forklift fleet is supported by a fleet management platform powered by machine learning and AI. The platform’s features include remote operation and assistance, intelligent fleet management, and visibility solutions for effective fleet management. The platform can be integrated with existing workflows by leveraging warehouse management systems. The company offers its products using a robots-as-a-service (RaaS) business model.Key customers and partnershipsTWA began pilot testing of its products in February 2023. As of May 2024, its solutions were actively used by customers like C.H. Robinson Worldwide and <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/29410">Holman Logistics.&nbsp;</a>The company has product partnerships with 1) forklift trucks and aftermarket parts manufacturer CLARK Material Handling Company to develop TWA Reach (March 2022) and 2) Toyota Industries to manufacture the forklifts (May 2021).&nbsp;

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 Boxbot develops automated sorting and storage solutions for warehouses. The company, which previously focused on developing autonomous delivery vehicles (ADVs) for 
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 last-mile delivery automation,
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 announced the shift in focus to develop warehouse robots 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/22292">
 in September 2023.
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 It offers intelligent 3D parcel handling conveyor systems, specifically designed to increase storage density within a smaller footprint. Its platform can store, sort, and sequence high-throughput payloads while requiring minimal physical space. The company claims the system can handle up to 4,000 parcels per hour. The system is powered by &ldquo;Boxbot OS,&rdquo; which provides advanced analytics, systems controls, and predictive maintenance features.
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 Boxbot was in discussions with partners and had identified several sites for testing its warehouse automation technology as of September 2023. The company has conducted pilot tests in various use cases and notes the technology can be deployed at last-mile delivery centers, bonded storage warehouses, and customer pickup locations.
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/22292">
 In September 2023,
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 Boxbot raised USD 12 million in a Series A funding round led by Playground Global to strengthen its engineering and business operations and accelerate its go-to-market approach.
 
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Technology providers that enhance satellite operations

Next-gen Satellites

Xona Space Systems is a commercial aerospace company developing Pulsar, a next-generation Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) designed to provide high-precision positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services. Pulsar's architecture uses a constellation of small but powerful satellites operating in low Earth orbit (LEO), over 20x closer to Earth than traditional GPS satellites. This proximity enables Pulsar to deliver centimeter-level accuracy, high levels of service availability, and robust signal security through advanced encryption and interference mitigation techniques.Xona's patented distributed atomic clock architecture allows the Pulsar constellation to maintain precise timing without relying on expensive atomic clocks on individual satellites. Instead, the satellites leverage timing inputs from various sources, including GPS, ground stations, and cross-links with other Pulsar satellites, enabling a cost-effective and scalable solution.In May 2022, Xona Space Systems launched Huginn, the first of two test satellites, to demonstrate its Pulsar constellation's precision navigation signals from LEO, aiming to validate core technology. Xona's second prototype satellite, Muninn, has been awarded a launch contract for deployment in early 2023.The company planned to deploy 300 satellites in three phases, with the first phase providing timing services and GNSS enhancements in North America and Europe by 2025. Subsequent phases would introduce positioning services in mid-latitudes and eventually offer global high-performance PNT services independent of GPS by 2027.&nbsp;In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/34128">September 2024</a>, Xona opened its first international office in Canada, which would&nbsp;focus on developing user equipment for Xona's Pulsar PNT service. As of September 2024, the company was set to launch its first satellite on SpaceX's Transporter 14 rideshare mission in June 2025.&nbsp;The firm also provides access to an ecosystem of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including Septentrio, Hexagon, and StarNav providing satellite navigation equipment for devices of all sizes for a range of applications, from asset trackers to autonomous cars and dog collars to deep water drilling. Additionally, Xona provides developer kits and has partnered with GNSS simulation equipment providers, including Spirent, Safran, and Syntony, enabling developers to test and refine its Pulsar signals product effectively.Key customers and partnershipsIn August 2023, the company partnered with Lockheed Martin, an aerospace and defense company, to strengthen the security and features of Xona's Pulsar services. During the same month, the company secured partnerships with the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the US Space Force, enabling the integration of Pulsar into the national security space architecture and addressing unique Department of Defense PNT requirements. In May 2024, Xona Space Systems partnered with Aerospacelab, a developer of a constellation of micro-satellites for Earth observation and imagery, to use Aerospacelab's Versatile Satellite Platform (VSP) capabilities to design, manufacture, and launch Xona Space Systems' upcoming navigation satellite, assist Xona Space Systems in obtaining the necessary operator license, and support launch operations for two years.In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35596">November 2024</a>, the company partnered with Astranis to develop a GPS backup system for the USSF.

Stoke Space is developing Nova, a medium-class rocket designed to be 100% reusable and capable of delivering 1.65 metric tons to low Earth orbit in reusable mode. The company's technology significantly reduces launch costs by 20x compared to existing methods while cutting atmospheric impact by 98%. The 30.5-meter tall Nova rocket features an innovative second stage with 30 discrete thrusters arranged in a ring formation, where the plumes merge to act as one in vacuum conditions. The second stage utilizes a regeneratively cooled heat shield with propellant flowing through small cavities in the metallic outer layer to manage reentry temperatures. In September 2023, the company completed a successful 15-second test flight of its Hopper2 prototype, which demonstrated the vehicle's landing capabilities, deep throttle control, and active cooling system functionality. In February 2024, Stoke Space conducted the first test of its full-size 30-thruster version engine. The company has also successfully proof-tested a shortened first-stage tank built to the full diameter of 3.7 meters in December 2023. In March 2023, Stoke Space was allocated Launch Complex 14 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida for its operations.

Apex - Spacecraft Manufacturing (Apex Space or Apex) is a spacecraft manufacturer that specializes in manufacturing satellite buses from a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware. Apex delivers payloads on its satellite buses for commercial and government customers.The company’s product portfolio comprises the Aries and geostationary orbit (GEO) Aries satellite buses, with the Nova and Comet buses in development as of September 2024.The Aries bus is a 100 kg satellite bus that can carry up to 150 kg payload of fuel. It comes in three classes of power: base, medium, and high and is equipped with either chemical or electric propulsion. The Aries launched in March 2024 as part of a rideshare mission aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base.The GEO Aries is a 175 kg satellite bus that can carry up to 120 kg for payload and fuel and will be available in two classes of power: base and high power. Apex unveiled the GEO Aries in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/32695">August 2024</a> and announced it would begin delivery in 2026.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33633">September 2024</a>, the company also unveiled the Nova satellite bus aimed at government customers. The product will be available in two versions, 1) the 250 kg base version with a 300 kg payload capacity and 2) the 400 kg heavy version with a 500 kg payload capacity. Apex announced it would begin delivery in 2025.Apex buses are delivered as standard base models or can be customized providing flexibility to customers with a selection of configuration packages for different performance needs. These additional services for the Aries and GEO Aries include payload integration and testing and launch vehicle integration, with plans to offer mission operations and Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) and Commissioning services as well.Key customers and partnershipsApex partnered with Astra Space in April 2023 to receive five Spacecraft Propulsion Kits for its satellite bus platform.The company delivered a customer payload for Booz Allen Hamilton in April 2024 as part of the Aries’ Call to Adventure Mission. The payload delivered was a technology for on-orbit space domain awareness (SDA) sensors and deep-space sensors.&nbsp;In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/34243">September 2024</a>, Apex was selected by Anduril Industries, a defense technology firm, to supply its Aries satellite bus for Anduril’s military space missions in 2025 to host AI-powered payloads for Edge data processing in orbit.

Using data and automation to achieve 24/7 production.

Smart Factory

Realtime Robotics offers a software platform designed for the automation of the programming, deployment, and control of industrial robots. It offers two main components: RapidPlan and RapidPlan Control. The first, RapidPlan, allows users to create digital twins of their workcells, import CAD files, and define targets. The software then automatically generates offline programs and interlock locations for the robots. The second, RapidPlan Control, enables collision-free operation of robotics on the factory floor by continuously monitoring and adjusting robot motions in real time.&nbsp;The company’s technology generates optimized motion plans using 3D sensors and interlocks to achieve shorter cycle time in single and multi-robot work-cells. Users can program multiple robots to work closely and avoid obstacles in unstructured and collaborative workspaces.Key customers and partnershipsThe company has entered several partnerships to develop its product offering. This includes partnerships with 1) Mitsubishi Electric (May 2024) to further integrate its technology into Mitsubishi Electric’s 3D simulators and factory automation (FA) control system devices, 2) Japan External Trade Organization (July 2023) to expand the use of industrial robots and standardize system integrator operations, 3)FANUC to integrate its plug-in Realtime’s solution RapidPlan, and DENSO, to improve its in-house flexibility in production units, for multi-robot assembly, inspection, and bin picking, 4) Siemens (September 2022) to integrate RapidPlan with Siemens Process Simulate, allowing customers to incorporate RapidPlan's capabilities directly into their existing workflow, and 5) Kawasaki Robotics (June 2022) to automate the programming, deployment and control of its industrial robots.&nbsp;In May 2023, Realtime Robotics was announced as the official supplier for the BMW Group, to utilize RapidPlan, to improve the speed and efficiency of industrial robot programming, deployment, and control.As of September 2024, the company served a number of enterprise customers, including Schaeffler, FFH, and Valiant TMS.

Elementary Robotics offers full-stack AI camera systems for quality assurance, from motor controls to the API, which apply machine learning and computer vision to help the inspection process. This enables finding defects in real time with the use of deep learning and improves traceability in workflows. Manufacturers can set up inspections in the cloud, and the systems can be traced and trained over time. The company claims that its solution can increase productivity by 50% and make 90% more detections.Key customers and partnershipsHaving made its products commercially available in July 2020, Elementary Robotics has entered multiple contracts with manufacturing companies, such as Toyota and Yamaha, and those in the aerospace, defense, and consumer packaged goods industries.

Making meat sustainable over the long term

Cell-cultured Meat

Future Fields is a Canadian biotech startup developing recombinant proteins using its patented EntoEngine™ technology. This tech uses the common fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) to create key biomolecules for various industries, including cultured meat, medical research, and biopharmaceuticals. The company claims this is faster, more sustainable, and more scalable than traditional bioreactors. The company’s current product lineup includes several serum-free growth factors (FGF2, ENTO-F, ENTO-TF) that can be used in the production of cultivated meat.Funding and financialsIn <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/16627">February 2023</a>, Future Fields raised USD 11.2 million in funding from venture capitalists and government contracts, including Bee Partners and Toyota Ventures. The funds raised were to be used to open a production facility and grow the team.

Vow, claimed to be the first Australian cell-cultured meat company, focuses on creating exotic cultured meat such as kangaroo, alpaca, and buffalo as opposed to traditional meats. The company’s first product Forged Parfait, a cultured Japanese quail product, is slated to reach restaurants in Singapore by 2024, pending regulatory approval. In October 2022, Vow opened its first production facility in Sydney (claimed to be the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere) with an annual capacity of 30 tonnes. The company already has plans to build a second, larger facility capable of producing 100x more meat than its Factory 1, which is expected to be operational in 2024.In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/16712">February 2023</a>, Vow began the regulatory approval process with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and announced plans to gain regulatory approval in the US as well. In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/28149">April 2024</a>, the company received regulatory approval for its cultivated quail product, Quailia, from the Singapore Food Agency. Further, in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/36221">November 2024</a>, Vow received regulatory approval from Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety to sell its cultured meat products and debuted its cultured foie gras product, Forged Gras, at The Aubrey in Mandarin Oriental.Key customers and partnershipsIn <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/5145">August 2021</a>, Vow partnered with Nourish Ingredients, a startup using fermented microorganisms to develop alternative animal-free fat, to produce blended alternative meat products.&nbsp;

Moving industry forward with next-gen advancements in energy storage and transmission

Alternative Energy

Avalanche Energy is a US-based company that was launched out of stealth in January 2022. As of February 2024, the company was designing, building, and testing micro-fusion reactors. The company’s 5 kWe power pack, called the “Orbitron,” is small enough to hold in your hand. The Orbitron design is based on specialized electrostatic ion traps operated at hundreds of kilovolts to confine fusion fuel ions in precessing elliptical orbits at extremely high velocities. The company envisions that its applications will include personal transportation and microgrid power.Since June 2021, Avalanche has operated two high-voltage reactor prototypes and, in May 2022, was awarded a prototype contract by the US Defense Innovation Unit to demonstrate the next generation of nuclear propulsion and power generation for spacecraft.In April 2023, Avalanche achieved a record of 200 kilovolts in its second prototype micro-fusion reactor, which made it the highest known operating voltage of any fusion device following the 190 kilovolts produced by the University of Wisconsin at Madison in a 2006 experiment.Key customers and partnershipsIn <a href="https://avalanchefusion.com/blog/fusion-powered-space-travel/">January 2024</a>, Avalanche reported that the company is developing Gen-3 and Gen-4 of its integrated fusion reactor, the Orbitron, under contract with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) for in-space applications.Funding and financialsAvalanche’s most recent funding was in <a href="https://avalanchefusion.com/blog/avalanche-fusion-nsf-grant/">October 2023</a>, when the company received a USD 275,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The company intended to use the funds to improve the efficiency of its Orbitron fusion device. Prior to this, in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17966">April 2023</a>, the company raised USD 40 million in a Series A funding round led by Lowercarbon Capital. The company intended to use the funding to continue its work to test, develop, and optimize its high-voltage Orbitron prototypes as well as miniaturize critical components for delivering a stand-alone micro-fusion reactor.

Based in Canada, e-Zinc is a developer and producer of electrochemical technology that uses zinc metal to store electrical energy. The technology serves as a low-cost alternative to other battery technologies and has the potential to store hundreds of hours of energy. Additionally, e-Zinc’s energy storage system is recyclable/reusable, fire resistant, flexible, scalable, has little to no reliance on cooling or heating systems, and retains 100% of its usable capacity throughout its lifetime.Key customers and partnershipse-Zinc’s partners include Sustainable Development Technology Canada, Energy Storage Canada, SunGrid, Faromor, Natural Resources Canada, Ontario Centre of Innovation, National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program, Toyota Tsusho, Schneider Electric, MaRS Cleantech, California Energy Commission, and Creative Destruction Lab.Funding and financialse-Zinc’s latest funding was in October 2022, when the company secured a USD 7 million debt financing facility from Silicon Valley Bank Canada. The funds were raised to further progress its commercialization efforts and execute commercial pilot projects.

Sustainably solving the food shortages of the future

Smart Farming

Agtonomy is a San-Francisco-based startup offering a hybrid autonomy and tele-assist platform that uses sensor technology to convert tractors and equipment into autonomous machines. Farmers can control and assign jobs to the tractors using a mobile phone app. Agtonomy’s solutions cover routine land maintenance operations, which include mowing, weeding and land clearing.The company adopts a B2B go-to-market approach where they develop the necessary software and partners with OEMs to transform the latter’s tractors and equipment. Agtonomy was running a small fleet of Proof-of-Concept (PoC) electric vehicles at his own farm (Trattore Farms) for a year and as of January 2022 reported plans to launch commercially in 2023, starting production for a few hundred tractors. At the time, the company also mentioned plans of conducting 50 trials for its autonomy and tele-assist platform.The company claims that its solution would provide farmers with autonomous tractors at a cost of USD 50,000, which would reportedly be below the cost of John Deere’s tractors priced in the range of USD 0.5-1 million. In January 2024, Agronomy unveiled <a href="https://www.equipmentworld.com/ag-equipment/article/15661513/bobcat-unveils-an-autonomous-electric-articulating-tractor-at-ces">AT450X</a>, its first autonomous, electric articulating tractor collaborating with Bobcat. In February 2024, The company has unveiled its <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/26650">Smart Farm Task Ecosystem</a> to remotely plan and autonomously execute daily field tasks in orchards, vineyards, berries, and specialty crops.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsIn <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/16324">February 2023 </a>, Agtonomy partnered with Silver Oak Cellars, a premium wine producer, to advance climate-smart farming technologies. During <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/16363">the same period, </a>the company partnered with Bobcat Company, a farm and construction equipment manufacturer, to advance Bobcat’s agricultural productivity in electrification, autonomous operation, and digital technology. In March 2023, the company partnered with <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/16919">Fixposition </a>, a Swiss company developing high-precision positioning solutions, to integrate Fixposition’s Vision Fusion Technology into Agtonomy’s TeleFarmer solution.&nbsp;

Burro (formerly known as Augean Robotics) offers the agriculture industry off-road autonomous solutions using AI, machine learning, and GPS technologies.&nbsp;The company's main product, Burro, is an “autonomous cart” that moves crops across the field after harvesting. Burro expects to further develop the technology to allow the robots to harvest the crops at the right time. Its solution includes a proprietary and patent-pending technology platform called “pop-up autonomy” that helps farmers navigate the cart through the field without prior training. It doesn’t require a centralized control or huge infrastructure installation either, which makes it easier to deploy.&nbsp;As of January 2024, Burro has more than 300 robots working as harvest assist robots in nurseries and permanent crops, covering 100–300 miles a day autonomously. Burros are priced at USD 16,999 (includes hardware cost and a three-year sales/support/software updates service contract).&nbsp;The company claims that a farm with one Burro can allow more than six farmworkers to harvest up to 48% more fruit per day and enjoy a return on investment in less than two months.Key customers and partnershipsIn June 2023, The company has partnered with <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19677">Pacific Ag Rentals (PAR)</a>, a California-based tractor and farm equipment rental company, to provide Burro's robotic platforms as part of PAR's equipment rentals with nationwide delivery.&nbsp;Funding and financialsIn January 2024, Burro raised USD 24 million in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/25328">Series B </a>funding co-led by Catalyst Investors and Translink Capital, to expand its commercial, product, and engineering teams, add more dealers, and launch new products, beginning with Burro Grande.

Hydrogen Economy

Syzygy Plasmonics (Syzygy) develops photocatalytic chemical reactors for fuel cell vehicles and small-scale industrial applications. The company’s technology replaces heat with light to trigger the necessary chemical reactions. This eliminates the need to burn fuel, and its ability to operate at low temperatures reduces costs and emissions.Syzygy’s first commercial product would be a hydrogen production system for small-scale users, such as manufacturers of semiconductors, LEDs, float glass, food oil, metals, and users of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. The company claims its technology has the potential to cut the cost of clean hydrogen in half, compared to other methods such as electrolysis. The company introduced a new reactor with <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/15138">light-activated catalysts</a> in December 2022, and in January 2024, the company announced that its Rigel cell is available for order. The Rigel cell is reportedly the world's first light-powered reactor cell for industrial chemical reactions, and can be ordered in stacks designed to produce up to 5 tons of hydrogen per day from ammonia. The company also plans to expand into other reactors such as carbon dioxide to value, fertilizer, and commodity chemicals.In October 2022, the company launched <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/13664">CarbonModel.com</a>, an online tool for calculating the carbon footprint and levelized cost of hydrogen production.Key customers and partnershipsIn August 2022, Syzygy entered into a <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/12644">joint development agreement</a> with LOTTE Chemical, LOTTE Fine Chemical (a South Korean chemical company), and Sumitomo Corporation of Americas (SCOA), an oil and energy company, to test an all-electric chemical reactor to produce clean hydrogen.In January 2023, the company announced a partnership with the nonprofit research institute RTI International to conduct a pilot project for sustainable fuel production (by converting carbon dioxide and methane into low-carbon fuels) at its facility in North Carolina.Funding and financialsSyzygy received a strategic investment from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) in October 2023. The investment gives MHI greater insight into Syzygy's strategic priorities and the ability to support its business execution plans. Prior to this, the company last raised funding in November 2022, when it raised <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14707">USD 73 million</a> in a Series C funding round led by Carbon Direct Capital. In April 2021, Syzygy raised USD 23 million in a Series B funding round led by Horizons Ventures. Proceeds are expected to be used for team expansion, product development, and commercialization.

Universal Hydrogen produces hydrogen fuel tanks for aircraft using its modular capsule technology. The company is also developing a conversion kit to retrofit existing aircraft with a hydrogen-electric powertrain.In March 2022, Universal Hydrogen announced plans to build a manufacturing and distribution facility for hydrogen storage modules in Albuquerque, New Mexico.The new plant was expected to begin full-scale manufacturing in 2024 and would produce both gaseous and liquid hydrogen, assemble aircraft retrofit kits, and provide aftermarket maintenance services.The company has an R&amp;D center in Toulouse, France, which facilitates the production of both gaseous and liquid hydrogen capsules. It also has a flight test center in Moses Lake, Washington. Universal Hydrogen was expected to begin supplying hydrogen to regional aircraft by 2025. The company also planned to expand its hydrogen offerings to larger single-aisle aircraft.Key customers and partnershipsIn November 2023, the company signed an MoU with Japan Airlines (JAL) and JAL Engineering Co. (JALEC) to replace JAL’s regional fleet with its ATR retrofit conversion kit solution, with JAL and JALEC contributing to the technical design and development of the conversion kits and the overall hydrogen value chain in Japan.In March 2022, Universal Hydrogen partnered with <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220315006284/en/Universal-Hydrogen-and-H3-Dynamics-Announce-Hydrogen-Aviation-Partnership">H3 Dynamics</a>, a Singapore-based AI and robotics company, to develop a range of unmanned and manned aircraft powered by hydrogen fuel logistics. In March 2023, the company <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230312005025/en/Universal-Hydrogen-Announces-Collaboration-in-Japan-to-Study-Green-Hydrogen-Supply-and-Logistics-Solutions-for-Japanese-Airlines">collaborated</a> with Sojitz Corporation, Mitsubishi HC Capital, and an undisclosed third Japanese partner to explore green hydrogen supply and logistics solutions for Japanese airlines. In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23439">October 2023</a>, Universal Hydrogen partnered with JBT AeroTech, a provider of airport ground support equipment, to design the H2AmpCartTM, a hydrogen fuel cell-powered mobile battery charger for electric airport support equipment.As of March 2023, the company had already received nearly 250 retrofit orders valued at more than USD 1 billion from 16 customers, including Air New Zealand.Funding and financialsThe company’s most recent funding was in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/13657">October 2022</a>, when it received a strategic investment from American Airlines. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. The proceeds were used for commercialization efforts.

Riding together toward a sustainable future

Shared Mobility

Bipi is a leading European car subscription startup based in Madrid, Spain. Founded in 2017, the company offers a hassle-free alternative to car ownership through flexible, all-inclusive monthly subscriptions for new and used cars. Customers can choose any vehicle from Bipi's fleet, paying a single monthly fee that covers the car, insurance, maintenance, taxes, and roadside assistance. The entire process is digital and 100% online, allowing users to subscribe, swap, or cancel their vehicle conveniently.
Bipi's key differentiator lies in its seamless and transparent digital experience, eliminating the need for financing, down payments, or long-term commitments associated with traditional car ownership or leasing. The company initially pivoted from its on-demand parking service before finding success with the subscription model. As of 2024, Bipi has served over 10,000 subscribers across Spain, France, and Italy, employing over 120 people.
In July 2021, Bipi was acquired by Renault Group, marking one of the largest car subscription exits in Europe. The company continues to operate as a standalone entity backed by Renault, offering its services through the bipicar.com platform.

Revel is a Brooklyn-based transportation company focused on accelerating electric vehicle (EV) adoption in cities through charging infrastructure and electric shared vehicle fleets. The company started with electric moped and e-bike rentals in 2018 and has since expanded into operating a fleet of electric rideshare vehicles and building EV fast charging "Superhubs" in New York City.
Revel's key offerings include an app-based electric rideshare service with a fleet of over 500 Tesla and Kia EVs operated by employee drivers, as well as a growing network of public fast charging stations. The company aims to provide the infrastructure needed for mass EV adoption, addressing the "chicken-and-egg" problem where lack of charging deters EV purchases and vice versa.
In 2021, Revel launched its flagship 25-stall Superhub in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, claimed to be the largest universal public fast charging depot in North America. By the end of 2023, the company plans to open additional Superhubs across New York City's five boroughs, including a 60-stall station in Maspeth, Queens that will be the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. These stations feature ultra-fast 150kW chargers and are open to all EV models 24/7 without parking fees or access restrictions.
Revel has raised over USD 165 million from investors including BlackRock, Toyota Ventures, and Shell Ventures to fund its charging network expansion. The company acquired the rights to build a 48-stall charging hub near LaGuardia Airport in March 2024, positioning it as a key enabler of New York City's Green Rides Initiative that mandates electric rideshare fleets by 2030.

A new generation for mobile connectivity with 5G and beyond

Next-gen Private Mobile Networks

Monogoto offers a software-defined connectivity platform that enables secure connections across public and private LTE/5G and satellite networks. Monogoto’s Private LTE/5G solution is designed for IoT and mobile applications and powered by the company’s global cellular cloud. It enables organizations to run their private networks on licensed spectrums, such as 3G and 4G LTE, including unlicensed or shared spectrums, such as 3.5 GHz CBRS.&nbsp;Monogoto’s self-service management tools include real-time management, network-based signaling, SMS, data firewall, and anomaly detection tools. It enables organizations to create network-slicing policies based on IP and signaling traffic for different SIM groups. Monogoto also offers a range of SIM card sizes for IoT applications, such as regular, embedded, and integrated SIM card form factors. Monogoto’s platform offers advanced power-saving technologies, such as Extended Discontinuous Reception and Power Saving Mode.As of November 2024, Monogoto’s IoT solutions were available across 550+ mobile networks in 180 countries. The company operates on a single subscription model.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsThe platform supports IoT deployments for various devices, such as streetlights, drones, and electric vehicles, and serves the retail, logistics, automotive, healthcare, micro-mobility, and telecommunication sectors.In March 2023, Monogoto partnered with SODAQ, a low-power tracking and sensing solutions provider, to launch a new asset-tracking trial kit utilizing Monogoto's connectivity and network. In the same month, Monogoto announced a new roaming agreement with non-terrestrial network operator Skylo Technologies, enabling developers using Monogoto’s platform to add satellite connectivity with a single API call.

Metawave develops advanced radar sensing and perception technologies for autonomous vehicles and systems and 5G connectivity solutions. Metawave's SABER (Smart Antenna for Beamforming Electromagnetic Radiation) antenna is engineered to focus radio frequency beams and rapidly direct them toward a specific device. SABER has an adjustable beam with very low side lobes that can be focused and steered over wide angles in real time, covering broad bandwidths from 4G to 5G frequencies.&nbsp;SABER’s phase-shifting architecture is developed with proprietary adaptive metamaterials.&nbsp;SABER leverages antenna polarization and spatial multiplexing to scale networks efficiently, enhancing data speeds and supporting many users within a cell. It uses a single feed to operate across new frequencies and can integrate with wireless and network algorithms, including hybrid analog/digital beamforming, nulling, and MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output), to manage line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight scenarios with multipath interference.

Exploring the limitless possibilities of AI

Generative AI Applications

Artificial Agency is an AI startup based in Canada, that develops a behavior engine to bring generative behavior to gaming experiences. The company's flagship product is an AI engine that enables game developers to integrate runtime decision-making capabilities into various aspects of a game. This technology allows for the creation of non-playable characters (NPCs) and other interactive systems that exhibit lifelike behaviors, perceptions, actions, personalities, and goals, resulting in an immersive and individualized gaming experience for players.The behavior engine allows developers to add varying degrees of improvisation to scripted interactions, facilitate emergent gameplay through full improvisation, create artificial players, and even implement high-level gamekeeper systems that control pacing, spawn encounters, and guide players toward overlooked game elements.The company expects its engine to be widely available for game studios in 2025.

Common Sense Machines (CSM) focuses on translating visual inputs into 3D simulations. The primary offering from CSM is an AI platform named "Cube," which is capable of transforming any input into game engine-ready 3D assets, facilitating the creation of 3D content. The platform allows users to upload 2D images and convert them into fully immersive 3D images. A key differentiator for CSM is its ability to turn photos and videos into 3D worlds, bridging the gap between 2D and 3D content creation​​.

Quantum information processing is slowly becoming a reality, ushering in a new technological era.

Quantum Computing

Haiqu is a quantum computing software startup that develops platform-agnostic technology to enhance the performance of quantum processors. The company aims to address the foundational bottlenecks precluding the adoption of quantum applications, such as the limited number of qubits and the high noise sensitivity of near-term quantum processors. Haiqu's software extends quantum hardware capability by orders of magnitude, enabling a broader set of practical use-cases in finance, chemistry, life sciences, mobility, and other domains.Haiqu leverages expertise in quantum complexity, artificial intelligence (AI), and high-performance computing to create a product that can streamline the entire quantum computing industry. The company's technology maps large-scale quantum computing applications to small, error-prone quantum processors, effectively maximizing the capacity of quantum hardware and reducing algorithms' sensitivity to noise.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30770">June 2024</a>, the company launched Rivet, an open-source toolkit designed to help developers streamline the execution of modern quantum workflows like error mitigation and quantum machine learning. Rivet can be accessed for free, and the company plans to release a companion mobile app for iOS and Android.

Helping restaurants become more safe, more profitable, and more interesting.

Restaurant Industry Robotics

YPC Technologies is a Canadian company that specializes in building a robotic kitchen claimed to be capable of cooking “thousands of recipes” (eg: vegetable soups, risottos, etc.) using fresh ingredients. The robot integrates cooking appliances with robotics, computer vision, and artificial intelligence (AI). The system is available as a Kitchen-as-a-Service (KaaS) for restaurants and cafeterias, with subscriptions ranging between CAD 3,000–CAD 10,000 (USD 2,350–USD 7,850) per month.In October 2020, the company raised CAD 1.8 million (approximately USD 1.37 million) in a seed round co-led by Hike Ventures and Real Ventures. The funds will be utilized to expand its engineering team and to launch the beta version of the robot. In December 2020, the company announced its plans to launch a pilot program with an undisclosed multinational and set up a test center in a commercial kitchen in 2021.

A concentration of wealth and a willingness to adopt age-in-place technologies present new opportunities.

Age Tech

Israel-based Intuition Robotics provides digital companionship to elderly people through its in-home digital robot, ElliQ. ElliQ is a voice assistant which utilizes the company’s cognitive artificial intelligence (AI) platform “Q” to function. The company also provides this patented technology to third-party devices. ElliQ engages with the elderly through health reminders, conversations, cognitive games, and other features. The device provides personalized suggestions, adapting to user preferences over time. ElliQ is built to be more proactive than standard voice assistants.In January 2024 Intuition Robotics launched ElliQ 3, a new version of its established companion robot. Announced at CES Las Vegas, ElliQ 3 is designed to assist in eldercare facilities by fostering social wellness, reducing feelings of loneliness, and reinforcing a sense of recognition. The latest model, ElliQ 3, features a range of enhancements, including improved design, more robust hardware, and GenAI integration. The design is now more compact, featuring an upgraded onboard MediaTek octa-core processor and an expanded memory. A key component of its updated package is the integration of LLMs (large language models), which elevate the robot's conversational competence in both structured and open-ended conversations.Key customers and partnershipsThe company commercially launched its companion robot ElliQ in August 2023 following and partnered with government agencies nationwide. The company started programs to provide ElliQ at no cost to end users through partnerships with bodies helping seniors in New York, Florida, Washington, and California. Intuition Robotics also signed its first agreement with a Medicare-focused Managed Care Organization.

Clear the air on carbon capture, reuse, and storage

Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage (CCUS)

Air Company uses CO2 to produce consumer and industrial products. The company’s patented and proprietary AIRMADE technology integrates captured CO2, water, and renewable energy by using the company’s Carbon Conversion Reactor to produce sustainable alcohols and fuels. The company’s three consumer products include AIR Vodka, AIR Hand Sanitizer, and AIR Eau de Parfum. Air Company also trials SAF made from CO2.Key customers and partnershipsIn September 2022, the company announced its initial launch of AIRMADE SAF produced from captured CO2. Global aviation companies including JetBlue (25 million gallons), Virgin Atlantic (100 million gallons), and Boom Supersonic (five million gallons) have agreed to purchase over one billion gallons of SAF.In February 2023, Air Company inked a USD 65 million agreement with the US Air Force to explore and test SAF production and deploy the infrastructure and technology needed for the Air Force to produce SAF.

Information to create a more efficient, cleaner and safer way to travel in the city of the future

Smart Mobility Information

<div>
 
 Nauto provides an AI-powered driver and fleet safety platform. The platform applies computer vision and proprietary algorithms to its AI-enabled dual-facing dash camera. This monitors driver behavior and vehicle surroundings to predict high-risk events and send real-time in-vehicle alerts (IVA) to prevent pedestrian collisions, speeding and intersection violations, and distracted driving. In November 2019, the firm introduced self-coaching tools for drivers to improve distracted driving and manager-led coaching modules for commercial fleet managers. The firm claimed its tools had helped reduce distraction events by more than 35% on average. 
 
 The firm claimed to be the only AI-enabled platform that impacted driver behavior in real-time, which it claimed has led to the avoidance of 70,000+ collisions, resulting in a ~USD 300 million savings. 
 
 
 In November 2021, Nauto introduced a driver drowsiness detector system that monitors real-time multiple drowsiness indicators such as yawning, blink rate, drooping shoulders, etc. which will trigger in-vehicle alert (IVA) systems when a certain threshold is reached. 
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 
 As of February 2022, Nauto&rsquo;s platform was used by 800+ brands including Allegiant, Flexibus, Sprint, Edge, Phillips. 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19521">
 In June 2023,
 </a>
 Nauto secured a strategic investment from Stellantis Ventures, the venture capital arm of automaker Stellantis, to extend its safety benefits to more light commercial vehicles and, eventually, to consumer vehicles. The firm has also attracted investor interest from automakers like General Motor Ventures, Toyota AI Ventures, and BMW iVentures. It is believed that the firm's data can be leveraged for the development of self-driving cars in the future.
 
</div>

Unlocking the potential of olfaction through technology

Smell Tech

Moodify is a leading global Scent Tech company that develops AI-powered scent technologies enabling the dynamic creation and delivery of new scent experiences. The company's core offerings include AI-based fragrance design software solutions for malodor control and fragrance creation. Moodify's multi-patented Scent AI technologies combine deep scent industry expertise with advanced machine learning, physics, chemistry, neuroscience, and fragrance design to revolutionize how scents are developed, tested, and brought to market.
One of Moodify's flagship products is Moodify White, an AI-based fragrance design software solution utilized by Procter & Gamble's fragrance development group since September 2023. This marked a significant milestone in the use of AI for large-scale malodor control and fragrance design. Moodify's technology has radically reduced time and cost to market, enabling scalable, sustainable, and compliant production.
In the pet care segment, Moodify offers an elegant cat litter deodorizer called Moodify Pet, which effectively eradicates cat litter box odor through a ceramic pendant impregnated with a Moodify-generated malodor control formula. The company had a new cat repellent product under development and customer testing.
Moodify's solutions span various sectors, including packaged goods, personal care, home care, and dynamic scent experiences for industries like entertainment, retail, and consumer electronics. The company's scent formulation software is based on over a decade of academic research at the Weizmann Olfactory Research Group, combined with cutting-edge industry knowledge.

Alternative Living

Bumblebee Spaces is a San Francisco-based tech startup that has developed an innovative robotic furniture system to optimize living spaces. Founded in 2017 by Prahlad Athreya and Sankarshan Murthy, a former Apple and Tesla engineer, the company aims to address the housing shortage and space constraints faced by urban dwellers.
The core product offered by Bumblebee Spaces is a modular ceiling system that stores various types of furniture, such as beds, desks, and storage units, within the typically unused ceiling space. Through voice commands, a dedicated app, or pre-set routines, users can summon the desired furniture from the ceiling, transforming a single room into a multi-functional space. For instance, a bedroom can instantly become a living room or an office by lowering or raising the appropriate furniture modules.
Bumblebee's system leverages artificial intelligence and object recognition technology to learn users' preferences and behaviors, enabling seamless adaptation of the room's layout. Additionally, it incorporates safety features like depth sensors to prevent accidents during furniture movements.
The company's business model primarily focuses on partnerships with real estate developers, integrating its system into existing or new apartment units. However, Bumblebee Spaces also offers its services to individual homeowners seeking to maximize their living spaces.
Key customers and partnerships
By 2023, Bumblebee Spaces had installed its robotic furniture systems in over 30 buildings worldwide, including nine in New York City. Notable customers include apartments at the Smile rental building in East Harlem, where studio units under 650 square feet can function as one-bedroom spaces with the help of Bumblebee's technology.
Furthermore, the company has partnerships with real estate developers to outfit units with its electromechanical solutions. Approximately 70% of Bumblebee's business stemmed from such partnerships as of 2023.
Additionally, Ashton Kutcher, an investor in the company, has installed Bumblebee's furniture in his personal residence, highlighting its appeal among affluent customers seeking customized and modernized living spaces.

Technology to explore opportunities beyond Earth

Space Travel and Exploration Tech

Headquartered in Washington, Starfish Space is an on-orbit satellite servicing company, founded by former Blue Origin and NASA engineers.As of September 2024, the startup had developed The Otter, a small space tug that supports cost-effective and adaptable satellite service missions, including extending the lives of large geostationary spacecraft and removing space debris from low-Earth orbit. In June 2023, Starfish launched its Otter Pup demonstration mission, which was unsuccessful due to a propulsion failure. In April 2024, the company successfully launched its rendezvous mission between the Otter Pup and D-Orbit’s ION satellite.As of 2024, Starfish Space was also developing its patented CEPHALOPOD software, which had not been commercialized. The software is an autonomous RPOD software that can use electric propulsion, enabling small RPOD spacecraft, which the startup claims can give small servicing vehicles 8x more maneuvering capability.Key customers and partnershipsIn May 2021, Starfish Space partnered with Benchmark Space Systems to support precision on-orbit services including on-orbit refueling and docking capabilities. In April 2021, the company partnered with Accion Systems to test two TILE 2 propulsion system units for LEO and proximity operations maneuvers using Starfish Space software aboard SpaceX’s rideshare launch.&nbsp;To support its Otter Pup mission, the company partnered with Redwire in February 2023 to receive Redwire’s ARGUS space domain awareness camera.&nbsp;In May 2024, Starfish Space received a USD 37.5 million Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) contract to build an Otter spacecraft for the US Department of Defense. In June 2024, the company signed a contract with Intelsat to provide life extension services via a Starfish Otter for an Intelsat satellite in 2026.&nbsp;In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/34081">September 2024</a>, Starfish Space received a USD 15 million Phase III SBIR contract for the Small Spacecraft Propulsion and Inspection Capability (SSPICY) mission, scheduled to launch in 2026.

Technology to customize and procure furniture

Furniture Tech

Bumblebee Spaces is a San Francisco-based tech startup that has developed a modular ceiling system utilizing robotics and artificial intelligence to optimize living spaces. Founded in 2017 by Prahlad Athreya and Sankarshan Murthy, a former Apple and Tesla engineer, the company aims to counter the housing shortage in urban areas like San Francisco.
Inspired by the efficient organization of space within beehives, Bumblebee Spaces has created a system that stores furniture in the typically unused ceiling space. The system comprises a modular structure that raises and lowers different types of furniture from the ceiling based on the user's needs, controlled through voice commands or the Bumblebee app. The furniture units, including beds, desks, consoles, and workstations, are designed to slide out like Tetris blocks, transforming a single room into a multi-functional space.
Equipped with AI technology, the system learns user behavior and preferences, automatically adjusting the room layout based on routines or voice commands. It also incorporates object recognition to help users locate their belongings stored within the system. Bumblebee Spaces offers custom-fitted modules for various unit layouts, catering to different lifestyles.
While primarily working with real estate developers to integrate its system into existing and new apartments, the company also provides services to individual homeowners. As of June 2022, Bumblebee Spaces had installed its retractable furniture in luxury buildings like the Chorus and The Landing in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Deriving insights from uncommon data streams

Alternative Data

Near Space Labs is an Earth observation company that provides high-resolution imagery captured by its proprietary stratospheric balloon technology called Swifty. The company offers 10-centimeter resolution imagery, which enables customers to discern details like roofing conditions, vegetation patterns, and even objects as small as a soccer ball on the ground. Near Space Labs' Swiftys fly at altitudes between 65,000 to 80,000 feet and can capture 400 to 1,000 square kilometers of imagery per flight. This large-scale, high-frequency data collection capability allows the company to provide updated imagery on a quarterly basis or more frequently upon request.
Near Space Labs primarily serves businesses, government agencies, and researchers across various sectors, including insurance, urban planning, conservation, mobility, and utilities. Its technology offers a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional aerial and satellite imagery providers. In February 2022, the company announced the availability of its 10-centimeter resolution imagery at the same affordable price point as its previous 30-centimeter offering. Near Space Labs was acquired by an undisclosed company in 2024.

Clean, congestion-free air travel gets liftoff

Passenger eVTOL Aircraft

Joby Aviation is developing eVTOL aircraft designed for urban air mobility, offering speeds up to 200 mph and a range of 150 miles per charge. These aircraft are engineered to be 100x quieter and 5x more energy-efficient than traditional helicopters. Joby plans to launch operations with the Department of Defense in 2024, followed by commercial passenger services in 2025. To support its growth, the company is establishing manufacturing facilities, including a site in Marina, California, and another in Dayton, Ohio, acquired in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27288">March 2024</a> for parts production.Joby has reached major operational milestones, including FAA authorization for electric air taxi flight tests in&nbsp;<a href="https://yqqqphhcg2hvaaua-test001.pj-initial.net/updates/19754">June 2023</a> and its first hydrogen-electric test flight in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31414">July 2024</a>. At the Farnborough Airshow the&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31804">same month</a>, Joby unveiled its four-passenger air taxi, marking its debut in Europe. Internationally, Joby applied for certification in the UAE in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33450">September 2024</a> and conducted a demonstration in Japan in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35599">November 2024</a>, emphasizing the low-noise performance critical for urban air mobility.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsIn 2012, Joby Aviation partnered with NASA on electric flight projects such as the X-57 and LEAPTech, advancing eVTOL research. In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jobyaviation.com/news/joby-and-toyota-expand-partnership-long-term-supply-agreement/">April 2023</a>, Joby collaborated with Toyota, its largest external investor, on factory design and manufacturing processes to enhance production efficiency. In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/36410">November 2024</a>, the company partnered with Microsoft to integrate its eVTOL aircraft into Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.In January 2024, Joby collaborated with&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/25283">Clay Lacy Aviation</a> to establish electric air taxi charging stations at John Wayne Airport (SNA) and with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jobyaviation.com/news/joby-and-atlantic-aviation-collaborate-electrify-infrastructure/">Atlantic Aviation</a> to establish charging networks in New York and Southern California. These initiatives focus on advancing eVTOL infrastructure for urban mobility development.&nbsp;In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/28864">April 2024,</a> Joby signed an MoU with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport to establish air taxi services in the region, highlighting the company’s efforts to expand international operations. Later that year, in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/37211">December 2024</a>, Joby partnered with Jetex to integrate electric air taxi services across private terminals in the Middle East.

Enhancing seed and crop traits via biotechnology

Crop Biotech

<div>
 
 Living Carbon is a climate biotech startup that develops genetically modified (GM) trees designed to capture more CO2 from the atmosphere than standard trees. The company uses tissue culture, omics technologies, real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) technology, enzymology, and protein engineering. Living Carbon&rsquo;s technology involves inserting three genes, including one from squash and one from green algae, to reduce photorespiration in the trees and increase energy into growth.&nbsp;
 
 
 The company's primary focus is on creating a hybrid poplar tree, a cross between the common aspen and white poplar, with enhanced photosynthetic performance. Living Carbon claims that its GM trees can accumulate up to 53% more biomass and absorb 27% more CO2 compared with conventional trees. In addition to carbon capture, Living Carbon was working on enhancing trees' ability to accumulate metals like nickel or copper from toxic soils to better resist fungal decay.
 
 
 As of 2023, Living Carbon aimed to supply more than 4 million seedlings to companies in the US by 2024. To fund its GM trees, the company sells carbon credits to entities looking to offset their emissions.&nbsp;
 
</div>

Using autonomous, green, IoT, and digital technologies to shape the future of ocean-based transportation

Shipping Tech

Sea Machines Robotics is a pioneering company that develops autonomous command and control systems, as well as advanced perception technology for the maritime industry. Their flagship product, the SM300 Autonomous Command and Control System, enables vessels to seamlessly transition between unmanned autonomous mode and human manual navigation. It employs cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, computer vision, and sensor fusion to facilitate precise control over vessel position, steering, speed, route planning, obstacle avoidance, and data collection during voyages.
In April 2024, Sea Machines unveiled SELKIE, an unmanned surface vessel (USV) designed for various applications such as hydrographic surveys, offshore asset inspections, environmental studies, and security missions. The SELKIE 7, a 7-meter HDPE hull vessel powered by the SM300 system, boasts impressive range and endurance capabilities, with a capacity of up to 500 nautical miles and 15 days of operation. Its robust autonomous functions, intuitive user interface, and survey-ready features, including sonar mounts and payload deployment capabilities, make it a versatile and efficient solution for marine operations.
Sea Machines' technology has demonstrated its potential in groundbreaking achievements. In October 2021, the autonomous tug Nellie Bly, equipped with the SM300 system, successfully completed the world's first 1,000-plus-nautical-mile autonomous and remotely commanded voyage of a commercial vessel at sea, covering 96.9% of the journey in fully autonomous mode.
The company's innovations have garnered significant interest and investments. In February 2024, Sea Machines secured a USD 12 million funding round led by Emerald Technology Ventures and other prominent investors, enabling further technological advancements and market expansion. Additionally, Sea Machines has collaborated with the US Coast Guard (USCG) to evaluate and refine its computer vision technology for maritime domain awareness, collision avoidance, and target detection on USCG vessels.

Technologies and processes that revolutionize the traditional construction industry

Construction Tech

Agorus is a construction technology company founded in 2019 that aims to revolutionize the homebuilding industry through digitization and automation. The company's proprietary software platform digitizes building plans into complete virtual models with integrated structural engineering. This technology enables precision off-site manufacturing of customized housing components including walls, floors, roofs, and stairs. Agorus utilizes a "panelization" approach, where custom 2D panels are manufactured in a factory setting and then assembled on-site. This method allows for the construction of various housing types, from accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to multi-family apartments.
The company's process begins with automated upfront pricing and includes collaborative virtual reality (VR) walkthroughs for plan review. Once finalized, Agorus software guides precision robotics to build customized solutions using high-quality materials in climate-controlled facilities. This level of precision results in products that can be installed on-site in 5-10 days, significantly reducing construction time compared to traditional methods. As of July 2022, Agorus had completed approximately 100 units across Southern California and Arizona. The company operates a manufacturing facility in El Cajon and employed about 60 workers as of June 2022.
Agorus' technology aims to address several challenges in the construction industry, including labor shortages, inefficiencies, and sustainability concerns. The company claims its approach can reduce waste, cut energy consumption in homes, and potentially help meet sustainability targets in the building sector. Agorus envisions scaling its operations to become a major player in the residential construction market, with a goal of being able to produce a single housing unit every few hours at full capacity.

Taking commercial activities to new heights

Commercial Drone Tech

Paladin Drones is a software and drone manufacturer specializing in drone-as-first-responder (DFR) solutions for public safety agencies. The company's primary offering is the Paladin EXT, an LTE module that integrates with DJI's Matrice 300 and Matrice 30 drones, enabling extended range and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights. This technology allows drones to fly safely beyond a 3-mile radius, overcoming the limitations of traditional radio-based drones. The LTE connection provides a 3:1 coverage compared to radio-controlled drones, reducing the need for larger fleets and remote-pilots-in-command.Paladin's product lineup also includes the Knighthawk autonomous drone, which features an LTE connection for BVLOS flight, and the Watchtower DFR software. The Watchtower platform manages drone flight, multi-device live video feed, and data management in a single interface. These solutions aim to provide first responders with real-time overhead views of emergency scenes, enhancing situational awareness and response times.The company's technology is designed to assist public safety departments in establishing DFR programs more efficiently. Paladin's LTE-enabled drones can be deployed in response to 911 calls, offering live aerial footage to first responders before they arrive on the scene. This capability is particularly valuable in scenarios such as fires, where rapid assessment and response are critical.By integrating with existing DJI drone hardware, Paladin's solutions allow departments to implement advanced DFR programs without necessarily purchasing new equipment.Key customers and partnershipsPaladin Drones' key customers include police departments in various states, such as the Memorial Villages Police Department in Houston and the Elizabeth Police Department in New Jersey. These law enforcement agencies use Paladin's technology to enhance their drone operations, enabling faster deployment to emergency scenes and improved situational awareness. The company's technology has been integrated with existing police drone fleets, allowing for remote control and advanced features like license plate reader integration.

Next-gen packaging solutions for enhanced product tracking, inspection solutions and freshness monitoring

Smart Packaging Tech

Elementary Robotics is an AI-driven quality assurance platform for manufacturing that uses machine learning-based visual inspection to improve product quality and derive insights from real-time production quality data. Elementary Robotics's visual inspection platform comprehensively identifies and classifies defects, even those not explicitly programmed to be detected. The system leverages remote cameras coupled with Edge and cloud processing to enable manufacturers to remotely access inspection stations, securely manage and update them from anywhere, and collect data from multiple connected devices to understand defect trends and root causes. The platform's capabilities include automating traceability scans and incorporating AI, machine vision, and automation. The system also provides data, insight into operational efficiency, and ongoing support after deployment.Key customers and partnerships&nbsp;As of February 2024, its customers included leading manufacturers like Milwaukee, Yamaha, Toyota, and Rapid Robotics.&nbsp;Funding and financials&nbsp;In December 2021, the company raised USD 30 million in a Series B funding round led by Tiger Global to support customer demand and scale the company's solution globally with existing and new customers.

The toolkit to build machine learning applications at scale

Machine Learning Infrastructure

Parallel Domain offers a platform as well as APIs to generate synthetic labeled data sets, simulation worlds, and controllable sensor feeds to train and test perception models, allowing ML teams to carry out supervised learning and testing without having to manually label data. The platform supports several use cases, including advanced driver assistance, L4/L5 autonomy, and drones/aerials.As of January 2023, the company operated in the US, Europe, and Asia.Key customers and partnershipsAs of January 2024, the company served several notable customers including Adobe, Apple, Microsoft, Tesla, Toyota, and Pixar. Funding and financialsIn November 2022, the company raised USD 30 million in a Series B funding round led by March Capital. The funds were utilized to expand its operations and business reach.

Technology for a regenerative future in agriculture

Regenerative Agriculture Platforms

Yard Stick PBC, founded in 2021 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is developing innovative soil carbon measurement technology to enable large-scale carbon sequestration in agricultural soils. The company's proprietary hardware and software solution aims to dramatically reduce the cost and complexity of measuring soil organic carbon, a critical component for verifying carbon offset projects and helping companies reduce emissions in their agricultural supply chains.
Yard Stick's technology uses in-situ reflectance spectroscopy to measure soil carbon content in real-time in the field. Their handheld probe device can measure soil organic carbon up to one meter in depth without removing soil samples. This data is then processed through Yard Stick's software platform, which provides analytics and reporting capabilities. The company claims their approach can reduce soil carbon measurement costs by over 90% compared to conventional lab-based methods while improving accuracy.
As of 2023, Yard Stick offers its soil sampling and measurement services on a per-acre basis to project developers, agricultural brands, and land managers. The company has secured multi-year contracts worth over USD 17 million in revenue and has conducted fieldwork across hundreds of thousands of acres in 26 US states. Their technology is already compliant with voluntary carbon market crediting programs. Yard Stick was also awarded USD 18 million in funding from the USDA's Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program in September 2022 to support soil carbon measurement for various agricultural research projects.
Key customers and partnerships
Yard Stick's customers include project developers working on soil carbon offset initiatives as well as food and agriculture companies looking to reduce emissions in their supply chains. Some notable customers and partners include Organic Valley, which is using Yard Stick's technology to measure soil carbon on dairy farms in its supply network. The company is also working with research institutions - for example, they signed an USD 11 million contract with a university to support a large-scale project studying low-carbon beef production methods.
Yard Stick has formed partnerships with key players in the soil carbon and regenerative agriculture space. They collaborate closely with scientists at the Soil Health Institute, including Dr. Cristine Morgan, who conducted much of the original research on soil carbon spectroscopy that Yard Stick's technology is based on. The company also works with agricultural cooperatives and project developers to implement their measurement solutions at scale across farming operations.

Optimizing the future of energy with software solutions

Energy Optimization & Management Software

Relectrify, founded in 2015 in Melbourne, Australia, is a pioneering company in the energy storage sector. The company's core technology, CellSwitch, revolutionizes battery storage systems by replacing conventional battery management systems and inverters with a single electronics system. This patented technology allows for granular control of individual cells to generate grid-compliant alternating current directly from a battery pack. Relectrify's approach increases battery lifetime by up to 30%, improves safety, and reduces power electronic costs by up to 30% compared to conventional systems.
The company's flagship product, ReVolve, is an innovative battery energy storage system with a capacity ranging from 120kWh to 2MWh. In March 2023, Relectrify achieved a significant milestone when ReVolve became the first commercial and industrial scale storage product using cell-level control to be certified to internationally recognized IEC standards. This certification marks a global first for a storage product using repurposed second-life electric vehicle batteries for on-grid deployment in Australia.
Relectrify's technology is applicable across residential, industrial, and grid storage applications, and has been successfully applied to various battery types, including new lithium-ion cells, second-life lithium-ion cells, and non-lithium electrochemistries. The company's innovative approach to battery management and storage has earned it recognition as Asia-Pacific's leading Cleantech Company in the 2022 Global Cleantech 100, with a repeat inclusion in 2024.

Holyheld is an app-based cryptocurrency financial services platform. An application that allows you to easily trade, store, send, and earn interest on cryptocurrency in a simple wallet using a debit card.

Ecolectro is bringing scalable, low-cost, clean green hydrogen energy to the very near future. Our electrolyzers integrate patented polymers into durable, high performance stacks. Our scientists and engineers design and build units with our exceptional membranes and electrodes, delivering high production rates and efficiency of pure hydrogen without the need for platinum, iridium and titanium. We continue to push the limits of electrolysis technology with an emphasis on research and willingness to challenge assumptions.

Starfish Space builds small space tugs to provide an on-demand in-space transportation service. The company's space tug can perform a variety of satellite servicing missions. These include life extension, relocation, disposal, inspection, and more.

Pickle Robot is a low cost, collaborative package handling robot that automates several key tasks along the e-commerce supply chain. Package handling is a physically demanding job with extremely high rates of turnover. The rising costs of shipping, comprised of 2/3rds labor, have become a major bottleneck to continued growth in e-commerce.  Dill is the first robot from the Pickle Robot Company. It works multiple shifts, communicates with its human collaborators, and is rapidly developing new skills in handling e-commerce parcels: such as loading/unloading of feeder trucks, palletizing/depalletizing, and preloading of last mile delivery vans, trucks, and parcel cars.

Matter Intelligence is a remote sensing company that makes sensors that use hyperspectral imaging, which captures hundreds of small spectral bands of light to discern between different material qualities.

They have built a simple system to give first responders instant situational awareness. Seconds after a 911 call comes in, their software automatically dispatches a drone to the scene of the emergency, and streams a live video feed back to our app. Their software handles everything else in the background: security, safety, weather, video, route planning, and more.

Agtonomy is a hybrid autonomous and tele-assist platform that specializes in advanced autonomous and AI solutions for agriculture. It focuses on addressing the pressing challenges of labor scarcity, sustainability, and shrinking profit margins faced by farmers. It partners with established equipment developers to transform tractors and agriculture machines into autonomous and remote-controlled equipment that is accessible to local farmers.

Monogoto is a cloud-based cellular network. Its API-driven Infrastructure-as-a-Service was designed from the ground up with simplicity in mind to enable cellular connectivity with existing enterprise IT infrastructure. With hundreds of ready-to-use APIs, Monogoto offers cellular connectivity with edge to the cloud security for IoT, Private LTE, and 5G use cases. Its services include full audit for all network events with anomaly detection and alerts automation. Monogoto’s enterprise-friendly solution enables customers to consume advanced cellular VAS with zero CAPEX and an “as-a-Service” business model. The Monogoto network is distributed globally with public connectivity in 180 countries. Helping companies to comply with regulation, the Monogoto solution supports on-premise local breakout topology for private LTE/5G networks.

Zeno is a climate conscious motor company that offers eco-friendly motorcycles.

Air Company is a carbon utilization company creating consumer and industrial products from carbon dioxide (CO2). The company’s patented and proprietary Carbon Conversion Reactor mimics photosynthesis, using only air (CO2), water, and sun (renewable energy) to create carbon-negative alcohols and fuels from CO2. With three consumer products (AIR Vodka, AIR Hand Sanitizer, and AIR Eau de Parfum) brought to market thus far, Air Company is moving towards world-scale impact with its latest innovation – CO2-derived sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The company’s AIRMADE™ SAF will be certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) and the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC).  Air Company has received $40MM in venture capital funding to date and won an incredible amount of highly acclaimed awards: TIME Best Inventions, Fast Company World Changing Ideas, the NASA CO2 Conversion Challenge, R&D World’s R&D 100, and most recently, the Keeling Curve Prize, among others. Air Company is the future of carbon technologies. It is redefining what a regenerative future that works with nature, rather than against it, could look like.

Oxylus Energy provides new carbon utilization technology for the generation of e-fuels It strives to make CO2 capture and conversion competitive, scalable, and circular for a decarbonized future.

Renewabl is a next-generation procurement and analytics tool supporting companies in their journey to achieve 100% renewable energy.

e-Zinc is a corporation that has developed a breakthrough electrochemical technology for storing energy in zinc metal. This low-cost, flexible, and long-duration energy storage solution will provide the platform for the world’s energy markets to be fully powered by renewable energy, enabling a zero-carbon energy future.

Apex is a manufacturer of commercial orbital transportation services spacecraft satellite buses that are designed to provide an approach to space. The company specializes in a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware for spacecraft manufacture, allowing space enterprises to execute their missions by communicating with and launching vehicles using spacecraft.

Artificial Agency is an AI firm that is pioneering generative behavior in gaming. Artificial Agency pioneering AI-powered behavior engine, designed for game creators and studios of all sizes, incorporates runtime decision-making into game dynamics, resulting in an experience that feels fully alive.

Relectrify develops and supplies advanced battery control solutions, which increase the lifetime and reduce the cost of battery storage systems. The company's cell-level battery management and inverter technology is used in battery storage globally including for homes, industry and the grid, and is suitable for both second-life and new batteries.

BurnBot is a collaborator, bringing the best in forestry and fire technology to scale wildfire mitigation and vegetation management services systematically.

From sustainable fuels, to carbon capture, to harmful chemical removal from the environment, Orbital Materials develops and commercialises technologies that keep earth our home forever. At the core of our company is a foundation model for atoms, built by world experts in generative AI and large language models.

River is an electric vehicle manufacturer whose goal is to generate and improve livelihoods. The company specializes in the manufacture of high-quality mobility motor vehicles in the form of utility electric mopeds, allowing clients to purchase economical vehicles that can be used for work, recreation, and any other duty in between.

Zymochem provides a carbon-efficient bio-manufacturing platform that converts renewable feedstocks into bio-based materials without compromising price, performance, scale, or sustainability while minimizing CO2 loss during production. It also accelerates a real-zero economy by relieving carbon emissions in product development, use, and end-of-life.

Burro is a developer of an autonomous farming platform for farm use and in other outdoor environments. It follows people and can autonomously run cargo around, relieving people of strenuous tasks which add little value, so that they can focus on more valuable work.

Atomic Industries is a computational manufacturing company building an AI-powered tool and die maker.

AM Batteries manufactures Li-ion batteries using solvent-free electrode manufacturing technology. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Chelmsford, Massachusetts.

May Mobility specializes in autonomous vehicle technology development and deployment. The company's technology studies the city's traffic and commuter flow, identifying bottlenecks and gaps in the current public transit schema to design the optimal routes for communities. The company also offers a fleet operation service and provides daily transit by deploying autonomous shuttles to reduce human error in driving, reduce pollution, and create greater economic benefit for communities and riders, enabling public transportation systems to create a safer, greener, more efficient environment.

Stoke Space is a developer of reusable rockets that provide access to and from any orbit to the satellite industry. These reusable rockets are designed to make space access sustainable and scalable. They are also used to deliver satellites, that can be reused, are low-cost, on-demand, and designed to fly daily. These reusable rockets help clients launch space missions and deliver new satellites to space in a sustainable and cost-efficient manner.

Scentian Bio operates as a platform that provides ultimate sensing solution.

Boxbot’s proprietary software and hardware platform transforms package handling by making ordinary conveyors three-dimensional. Headquartered in Alameda, CA, Boxbot’s modular solution can store, sort, and sequence size-agnostic, high throughput payloads while requiring a minimal physical footprint. Boxbot is driving down the costs of last mile delivery by enabling faster, more intelligent, and denser routing of packages at the warehouse.

Intuition Robotics designs social companion technologies that positively impact the lives of older adults. Its technology utilizes artificial intelligence to develop robots, enabling older adults to connect seamlessly with family and friends, making technology accessible and intuitive, and proactively promoting an active lifestyle.

Yard Stick measures soil carbon. Scientists and farmers alike know that climate-friendly agricultural practices have the potential to remove atmospheric CO2 at gigaton/year scale. When these practices are adopted, more carbon is stored in soils, improving soil health and fighting climate change. But significant measurement challenges have held soil carbon efforts back - until now. By reducing the cost of soil carbon measurement by 90%+, Yard Stick will dramatically expand the opportunities for evidence-based regenerative practices to simultaneously improve ecosystem health, increase farmer income, and combat climate change.

Haiqu Inc. is a quantum computing software firm focusing on the development of enabling technology to improve the performance of modern quantum hardware. Their software addresses the adoption obstacles that prevent scalable quantum applications from being realized, allowing for a broader variety of practical use cases in finance, life sciences, mobility, and other fields.

Nori is a carbon dioxide removal marketplace. It is building a transparent and secure platform that will allow anyone in the world to pay to remove excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Their voluntary marketplace will enable carbon removal suppliers to connect directly with buyers, improving efficiency, and reducing costs.

Avalanche Energy is a fusion energy startup that develops micro-fusion reactors for distributed energy and mobility. The company's modular reactor architecture can be stacked for limitless power applications and energy density, allowing it to offer clean energy while also decarbonizing the planet. It provides quick iterations of design, build, test, and fix cycles, allowing for speedier development and the rapid scaling required by the world.

Future Fields is committed to producing sustainable components for science through insect biotechnology. Its EntoEngine™ platform is the first to harness the genetic prowess of fruit flies to produce Earth’s most environmentally and economically sustainable biomolecules. Founded in 2018, Future Fields is headquartered in Edmonton, Canada and proudly backed by marquee venture capital firms and investors from Silicon Valley and beyond. Learn more about how Future Fields is enabling great science at https://futurefields.io/.

The goal of the public benefit corporation Living Carbon is to restore equilibrium to the planet's metabolic process. We address this urgency by fusing cutting-edge biotechnology with plants' natural ability to capture and store carbon. Living Carbon is a public benefit corporation with the goal of rebalancing the planet's metabolic system. In order to fulfill this need, tey combine cutting-edge biotechnology with plants' natural ability to capture and store carbon. The company was established in 2019 by Maddie Hall and Patrick Mellor in San Francisco, California.

Syzygy Plasmonics is a developer of a photocatalytic reactor designed for fuel cell vehicles and small-scale industrial applications.The company's reactor is powered by light and operates at over 1,000°F lower temperature than conventional chemical reactor technology that helps in reducing maintenance costs and is able to start or stop production near instantaneously, enabling fuel cell vehicle companies to produce ultra-low-cost hydrogen gas on-site at customer locations.

Vow is defining a new category of food using cultured meat technology. Rather than breeding and slaughtering animals, Vow is a producer of meat aimed to make their product from meat cells. The company's animal biopsies are used in a cultivator with the assistance of a nutrient-dense medium. This method allows the company to save natural resources. Vow was established in April 2013 by George Peppou in Sydney, New South Wales.

Zeti is a digital financing platform that connects operators of business-critical vehicle fleets to facilitate clean mobility. The company sits at the intersection of fintech, mobility, and sustainability, unlocking the potential of technology to revolutionize the financing of transport and support the goals of business and society. It was founded in 2020 and is located in London, England.

Xona Space Systems creates space systems for the smart transportation and smart infrastructure industries. The company's space systems include a constellation of low-cost low-Earth orbiting satellites that provide clients with navigation for autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), mobile robotics, and other location-critical applications. The constellation they are developing is designed to provide secure navigation and timing services with the resilience and accuracy that modern intelligent systems, such as autonomous vehicles and drones, need to operate safely at scale.

Kolors is a technological platform that focuses on providing intelligent intercity mobility of bus transportation in the region.

Slamcore’s mission is to make commercial-grade spatial intelligence accessible to all The team of world-leading spatial intelligence experts have developed advanced SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) software that allows robots and machines to truly understand the space around them. Spun out from Imperial College London, Slamcore has created real-time, commercial grade, location, mapping and perception (SLAM) software for use in industrial robots, autonomous robots, and consumer products. The Slamcore SDK enables fast prototyping and development of commercial products using visual SLAM software for autonomous location, mapping and perception. The software runs in real-time on standard compute/sensors and can be customized for commercial products using cost-effective custom compute/sensors.  Through partnership with OEMs, Slamcore provides the core technology that allows robots to become a meaningful part of everyday life.

Alora is an ocean agriculture company building the technology of today to bring peace tomorrow. The company solution genetically fortifies their crops so that they may grow in the oceans, similar to hydroponics. They create a cellular cycle of original and independent genes to promote a system that works together, rather than alone, distributing the pressure of saltwater over a more capable group of genes. Agri design mimics nature and recreates these natural effects using the genetic material already found in their land crops. Their farms are designed with spatial optimization and a hydroponic basis in mind, wave motion is mitigated and the plant roots are positioned to absorb the necessary nutrients directly from the surrounding saltwater.

Brilliant Planet is unlocking the power of algae as an affordable method of permanently and quantifiably sequestering carbon at the gigaton scale. The company's innovative process enables vast quantities of microalgae to grow in open-air pond-based systems on coastal desert land.

We’re developing the software and automation required to streamline and optimize residential construction. By eliminating many of the risks and inefficiencies associated with traditional homebuilding, we are improving how the world builds homes. We believe homes should be built as efficiently as cars while still providing the customization for your dream home.

Teller Finance is a blockchain project for decentralized lending. Teller connects to your bank account to offer risk-assessed loans, without the need for collateral.

In America's dense cities, EV adoption is stuck in neutral. Reliable charging access is scarce, so drivers can't comfortably switch to EVs. And without enough EVs on the road, charging developers can't justify investing in costly urban cores.  Revel is solving this problem through a combined EV infrastructure and rideshare business, bringing captive demand for fast charging in the most active ride-hailing markets. Today, Revel is the leading provider of public fast charging in New York City, and is undergoing an expansion to quadruple its NYC footprint in 2025 and develop sites in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Revel also operates the country's only all-electric rideshare service with 550 EVs, which has provided 3.5 million rides to New Yorkers since 2021, offsetting 7 million kilograms of carbon emissions. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York.

Ion Storage Systems is focused on developing the most energy dense, safest batteries that can be deployed in any environment. Breakthroughs in solid state battery technology have led to a battery that meets the mission critical needs for the defense and aerospace industries; and safer more efficient for consumer electronics and electric vehicles.

Elementary is a full-stack robotics startup that tackles Machine Learning for robotic hardware from the ground up with the goal to create assistive tools to improve the human output of repetitive tasks. Elementary provides easy-to-use software, deep learning AI, and camera systems are built to capture visual data, deliver fast and reliable real-time judgments, and provide lasting value to the business. Elementary builds a hardware and software platform for applying machine learning and computer vision for intelligent automation of quality and traceability workflows in manufacturing and logistics.

Universal Hydrogen is dedicated to making hydrogen aviation a near-term reality. The company is building a hydrogen ecosystem for aviation through strategic partnerships and new technologies for hydrogen distribution and propulsion. Universal Hydrogen was founded in 2020 and is based in Hawthorne, CA.

Burro is a mobile application for Android and iOS devices that offers delivery and on-demand moving services to its users. The application enables its users to request pickups by filling up their personal information and items required. The platform offers its services to individuals and businesses. Its delivery portfolio consists of household goods, carpets, wood, and retail store items. Burro was launched in 2014 by Jason Ervin and Ethan Hurtado and is based in Texas.

Near Space Labs is an aerial imagery and earth observation company, Near Space Labs' imagery makes it easy to monitor assets and gain remote access over broad or specific areas.  Near Space Labs offers cloud-based delivery of fully processed images through its API. The company provides frictionless, affordable imaging for insurance, utilities, infrastructure, conservation, smart cities, retail, energy, government, and disaster response.

Moodify transforms the way scents are made to make better, more effective and sustainable consumer products, making the design and manufacturing faster, more scalable, accurate, cost effective and compliant. This, by harnessing 15 years of neuroscience research by the Weizmann Institute, together with cutting edge bioinformatics machine learning technologies.

Third Wave Automation develops the Shared Autonomy Platform, integrating machine learning with autonomous reach trucks. This system allows human operators to oversee operations while intervening only when needed, enhancing safety and efficiency.

Realtime Robotics is a developer of a specialized processor for generating safe robot motion plans in micro-seconds. They are transforming automation in its broadest sense by enabling machines to recognize, respond and decide how and where to move in milliseconds, even in variable environments. Their RapidPlan processor harnesses cutting-edge computer processing and software to end the trade-off between speed and safety that’s holding automation back today. Realtime Robotics is resolving these limitations with specialized hardware enabling fast, collision-free motion in unstructured environments, enabling vastly broader applications of robotics in industry, and autonomous vehicles that drive naturally, enabling more rapid adoption and proliferation.

Recogni develops AI-based inference processing solutions for Generative AI and intelligent autonomous platforms. Recogni delivers solutions for high compute, low power, and scalability.

Parallel Domain is a synthetic data generation platform for computer vision and autonomy. It provides a smart way to prepare both machines and human operators for the real world while minimizing the time and miles spent. Users can connect to the Parallel Domain API and tap into the power of synthetic data to accelerate their autonomous system development. Parallel Domain generates synthetic labeled data sets, simulation worlds, and controllable sensor feeds so users can develop, train, and test their algorithms safely before putting these systems into the real world.

Carbice is a maker of Carbice Carbon, a product that lowers device temperatures and dissipates heat away from product packaging. It sets the standard for performance, reliability, and low-cost assembly within the world’s most important electronic, energy, and industrial products. Carbice Corporation was founded in January 2017 by Georgia Tech Professor Baratunde Cola, who first worked on thermal applications of advanced carbon materials in 2001 and later spent time as a test and development engineer at Intel; and co-founded by a team of leading Georgia Tech researchers in electronic device power management and product innovation. The company also has an office in London and one coming soon to Toulouse, France.

SummerBio has created an end-to-end COVID-19 test system designed from the ground up to massively automate the existing gold-standard RT-qPCR regimen based on commercially available and scalable consumables.

Sea Machines Robotics develops autonomous control systems for commercial vessels. The technology enables navigation in marine environments. The focus is on applications in sectors such as shipping, offshore energy, and maritime logistics.

Bipi is a car subscription startup offering consumers a hassle-free alternative to car ownership with fully-flexible, all-inclusive monthly subscriptions to quality new and used cars for a single, all-inclusive monthly payment and a digital-first, 100% online transaction process. Its platform lets users book cars, subscribe, swap, and cancel it at any point in time that enables customers to revolutionize the way they access cars. Bipi was co-founded by Hans Christ and Alejandro Vigaray in 2017 and it is headquartered in Madrid, Spain.

YPC Technologies is a Montreal based startup in food robotics with the vision to make good food more accessible. They are doing this by bringing small scale robotic automation to the cooking processes. Their food kiosks can prepare gourmet food at low cost with great consistency.

Drishti provides AI-powered video analytics technology that gives visibility and insights for manual assembly line improvement, Its training function uses AI, video and best practices reinforcement to train new employees, cross-train existing employees and identify what it considers “brilliant outliers”: creative line associates who excel in certain roles or develop new ways to improve standardized work.

Common Sense Machines is building artificial intelligence that learns to translate the world into a 3D simulation.

Ziva Dynamics is a software company that specializes in character creation and human simulation. It provides a technology platform that empowers virtual humans and characters for all digital media. Ziva’s proprietary technology simulates the laws of real-world physics and anatomy, enabling virtual characters to move, jiggle, and flex the way audiences expect. Paired with Ziva’s robust machine learning processes, the Ziva Character Platform automates character creation and enables high-fidelity characters to transfer from film and TV into interactive, real-time games, VR, AR, and MR experiences. Ziva Dynamics building the next wave of character simulation and animation tools for film, game, and retail. The company fundamentally changes the character creation process, while providing greater control, speed, and capabilities. ‍ It was founded in 2015 by Academy Award-winner James Jacobs, Dr. Jernej Barbic, and Chris Godsall.

Joby Aviation is a transportation company developing an all-electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft which it intends to operate as part of a fast, quiet, and convenient air taxi service beginning in 2024. The aircraft, which has a range of 150 miles on a single charge, can transport a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph. It is designed to help reduce urban congestion and accelerate the shift to sustainable modes of transit.

Apex.AI specializes in developing operating systems for autonomous vehicles. Its software products are based on open-source software such as ROS or Eclipse iceoryx.

Bumblebee Spaces is creating a new way to live by thinking about space in cubic feet instead of square feet.  The company multiplies usable space by using modular robotics systems to store and retrieve objects in the ceiling. Combining this with AI, sensor fusion and contextual awareness, Bumblebee Spaces safely and intelligently organizes your life, making space for what matters. Using smart robots and an AI stack, the company increases usable space and reduce footprint by storing, managing, and retrieving objects on-demand in your ceiling.

Skip Scooters operates shared electric scooters for reliable last-mile transportation.  The company works with cities to ensure our fleets are operated with the support of the surrounding communities, and they stand behind their riders by providing vehicles, safety education, and training, and world-class support. The scooter rental company is based in San Francisco, California. It is formerly known by its Y Combinator codename, Waybots.

Autobrains revolutionary automotive visual intelligence platform is built on the foundation of a mature self-learning technology backed by more than 200 patents. Utilizing robust signature-based representation structures coupled with unsupervised learning methodologies, Cartica’s visual intelligence platform garners a comprehensive and detailed understanding of the vehicle’s environment.

Freedom Robotics is a software company that creates powerful control and monitoring software for modern robotics companies. It also creates mission-critical software infrastructure to enable the next generation of robotics companies to build, operate, support, and scale robots and robotic fleets. The company offers is designed for out-of-the-box operation, with businesses able to customize the offering using its API. Freedom Robotics enables operators to orchestrate fleets of machines from desktops, smartphones, or via an API. It also provides the building blocks for operating, prototyping, scaling, and building robot fleets. Freedom Robotics was founded in 2018 by Dimitri Onistsuk, Hans Lee, and Joshua Wilson and is headquartered in San Francisco, California, USA.

Toyota Ventures is a San Francisco Bay Area-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups from around the world. Founded in July 2017, its mission is to discover what’s next for Toyota by helping startups bring disruptive technologies and business models to market quickly. With more than $500 million in assets under management, the firm’s funds include the Toyota Ventures Frontier Fund focused on artificial intelligence, cloud computing, autonomy, mobility, robotics, smart cities, digital health, financial technologies, materials, and energy; and the Toyota Ventures Climate Fund focused on innovative solutions for carbon neutrality.

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