The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.
At General Autonomy Inc. (Gen Auto AI), we are dedicated to pioneering safe, explainable AI technologies to foster trustworthy general autonomy, aimed at enhancing urban living through the use of robots. Our commitment to safety is the cornerstone of our approach, ensuring that every solution we develop meets the highest standards of reliability and security. Our innovative autonomy solutions are designed to seamlessly integrate into urban environments, offering advanced capabilities for autonomous robotic vehicles, connected and autonomous vehicles, and industrial mobile robots. Understanding the critical importance of trust in the adoption of autonomous technologies, we leverage explainable AI to ensure our systems are not only effective but also transparent and understandable. This approach empowers us to build confidence in our technologies, paving the way for a future where urban life is significantly improved through intelligent, autonomous assistance. With a focus on enhancing safety and operational efficiency, our solutions are tailored to meet the diverse needs of urban settings. Whether it’s improving transportation with connected and autonomous vehicles, optimizing logistics with industrial mobile robots, or introducing autonomous robotic vehicles to assist with urban tasks, Gen Auto AI is at the forefront of transforming urban landscapes. We are excited about the future and are diligently working to bring our services to you soon. Stay tuned for groundbreaking advancements in general autonomy from Gen Auto Ai, where safety leads and innovation transforms urban living.
Gen Auto AI
Pre Seed Round in 2023
At General Autonomy Inc. (Gen Auto AI), we are dedicated to pioneering safe, explainable AI technologies to foster trustworthy general autonomy, aimed at enhancing urban living through the use of robots. Our commitment to safety is the cornerstone of our approach, ensuring that every solution we develop meets the highest standards of reliability and security. Our innovative autonomy solutions are designed to seamlessly integrate into urban environments, offering advanced capabilities for autonomous robotic vehicles, connected and autonomous vehicles, and industrial mobile robots. Understanding the critical importance of trust in the adoption of autonomous technologies, we leverage explainable AI to ensure our systems are not only effective but also transparent and understandable. This approach empowers us to build confidence in our technologies, paving the way for a future where urban life is significantly improved through intelligent, autonomous assistance. With a focus on enhancing safety and operational efficiency, our solutions are tailored to meet the diverse needs of urban settings. Whether it’s improving transportation with connected and autonomous vehicles, optimizing logistics with industrial mobile robots, or introducing autonomous robotic vehicles to assist with urban tasks, Gen Auto AI is at the forefront of transforming urban landscapes. We are excited about the future and are diligently working to bring our services to you soon. Stay tuned for groundbreaking advancements in general autonomy from Gen Auto Ai, where safety leads and innovation transforms urban living.
MCity
Grant in 2022
Mcity is an autonomous vehicle research center located on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It serves as a unique urban test facility that facilitates collaboration among industry, government, and academia to enhance transportation safety, sustainability, and accessibility. Mcity combines early-stage research with real-world testing and on-road vehicle deployments to validate and advance new technologies in the mobility sector. The center is staffed by renowned researchers and aims to contribute to the development of safer and more efficient transportation systems for the benefit of society.
Xona Space Systems
Grant in 2022
Xona Space Systems, Inc. specializes in developing and manufacturing position, navigation, and timing (PNT) satellite solutions. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, the company is focused on creating a constellation of low-cost, low-Earth orbiting satellites designed to enhance navigation for various applications, including autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and mobile robotics. Their flagship product, the Xona Pulsar, delivers high-power signals from low Earth orbit, ensuring secure and accurate navigation and timing services. This innovative approach aims to meet the demands of smart transportation and smart infrastructure, providing the resilience and precision necessary for modern intelligent systems to operate safely and efficiently at scale.
Obsidian Sensors
Grant in 2022
Obsidian Sensors is a company based in La Jolla, California, founded in 2017, that specializes in developing glass microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) aimed at enhancing the thermal sensor industry. Their technology utilizes infrared imaging for various applications, including security cameras and autonomous vehicles. By focusing on manufacturing processes that lower costs while maintaining or exceeding industry standards, Obsidian Sensors provides businesses with an efficient alternative to traditional silicon MEMS-based sensors.
Inception Robotics
Grant in 2022
Inception Robotics focuses on accelerating the development of autonomous mobile robotics applications through a suite of cloud-based tools designed for early-stage robotics companies. Their platform offers comprehensive resources that enable users to streamline the development process and reduce research and development costs. The company also specializes in creating autonomous robots capable of navigating public spaces for tasks such as contactless deliveries and indoor localization. This technology allows businesses to integrate small robots into their operations, enhancing productivity while lowering overall labor costs.
Circle Optics
Grant in 2022
Circle Optics, Inc. specializes in developing innovative camera technology that enables real-time, high-definition virtual reality video. Its parallax-free camera utilizes multiple polygonal lenses to capture panoramic images seamlessly, eliminating the need for image stitching. This technology serves a variety of sectors, including aerospace, autonomous systems, and entertainment. By providing an accurate representation of scenes without post-processing, Circle Optics enhances the delivery of critical resources, ensures safety in aerospace applications, improves surveillance capabilities, and transforms immersive experiences for content creators.
Ladon Robotics
Grant in 2022
Ladon Robotics specializes in the development of autonomous cargo vessels that harness wind and solar power for efficient transportation. By integrating sails coated with advanced solar cells, these vessels can charge batteries that sustain operations even in the absence of wind. This innovative approach allows Ladon Robotics to offer a reliable and cost-effective alternative to conventional cargo ships, enabling clients to significantly reduce fuel and labor expenses. The company's focus on automation and swarm logistics further enhances the efficiency of cargo services, positioning it as a leader in sustainable maritime logistics.
Voltela
Grant in 2021
Voltela specializes in connectivity assurance for commercial drones, facilitating their operation beyond visual line of sight. The company develops communication technologies and scalable platforms that ensure guaranteed connectivity for autonomous vehicles. By utilizing a patent-pending system that transmits data through voice channels in mobile networks, Voltela offers prioritized links with low latency. This innovation enables drone operators to navigate safely while relying on existing communication services, thereby supporting the growth and scalability of the drone industry.
Anello Photonics
Grant in 2021
Anello Photonics, based in Silicon Valley, specializes in developing advanced sensors that deliver optical gyroscope performance at an affordable price. Founded by experts in silicon photonics and inertial navigation, the company has created a patented technology known as the Anello SiPhOG gyroscope. This innovative sensor leverages an integrated photonic system-on-chip that utilizes a proprietary waveguide process, which simulates the characteristics of optical fiber within a compact chip. Anello's technology aims to redefine navigation systems with next-generation capabilities, positioning the company as a leader in the mass-market sensor industry. The company has garnered support from prominent venture capital firms to propel its growth and technological advancements.
OWL Autonomous Imaging
Grant in 2021
Owl Autonomous Imaging, Inc. is a technology company based in Fairport, New York, founded in 2018. The company specializes in developing advanced imaging solutions, including a two-color infrared camera for the US Air Force and a 4D-camera that integrates 1550nm Flash-LiDAR and thermal imaging within a single solid-state megapixel focal plane. These innovations are aimed at enhancing safety in the automotive mobility sector, particularly for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles. Their proprietary Monocular 3D Thermal Ranging™ technology employs optical fusion and deep learning techniques to generate dense range maps from heat signatures without the need for additional illumination. Co-founder Chuck Gershman brings over 30 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, having held leadership roles in multiple startups, three of which he led to successful acquisitions.
AMBOTS
Grant in 2021
AMBOTS Inc. specializes in advancing swarm 3D printing and assembly technologies, focusing on automating manufacturing processes through a fleet of smart, autonomous mobile robots. This innovative approach allows for the collaborative execution of tasks similar to how bees or wasps construct their nests. By leveraging these robots, AMBOTS aims to manufacture a wide range of products, from everyday items to larger infrastructures, based on digital models and on-demand requirements. The company's technology is designed to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, facilitating a smoother transition to fully autonomous manufacturing for its clients.
Inzio
Grant in 2021
Inzio is a technology company focused on advancing the construction industry through automation and digitization. It offers a platform that develops conversion kits and software workflows to automate concrete and material forming processes. By transforming traditional excavators into autonomous concrete forming platforms, Inzio enhances the efficiency of construction workflows. The company's technology also digitizes building information modeling, resulting in a comprehensive design and construction process. This innovation provides significant benefits to construction developers, including affordability, improved structural integrity, reduced labor costs, and greater flexibility in formwork design. Inzio's solutions aim to make automated construction more accessible by retrofitting existing standard equipment, thereby facilitating a smoother transition to automated building practices.
Silicon Assurance
Grant in 2021
Silicon Assurance specializes in hardware security software aimed at enhancing security and trust in silicon chips through a zero trust model. Founded in 2021 and based in Gainesville, Florida, the company offers automated tools designed to streamline the security assessment of chip designs, thereby minimizing the risk of data leakage and protecting revenue for businesses. Silicon Assurance focuses on addressing challenges related to reverse engineering and identifying both intentional and unintentional design flaws in semiconductor components, including system-on-chips (SoCs) and printed circuit boards (PCBs). Their solutions are particularly relevant for the electronics supply chain, supporting the security needs of smart-connected devices such as self-driving cars, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, and smart grid technologies.
Aura Intelligent Systems
Grant in 2021
Aura Intelligent Systems specializes in advanced solutions within the domains of radio technology, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The company has developed patented digital imaging radar technology that offers high-resolution spatial sensing, addressing issues of interference and latency commonly faced by existing radar systems. Their innovative approach combines a 5G hardware architecture with intelligent, programmable software, facilitating 5D situational awareness while minimizing harmful effects such as jamming and multipath interference. This software-defined radar not only achieves longer operational ranges but also maintains low power consumption, providing a cost-effective solution for automotive and robotics applications.
TRIC Robotics
Grant in 2020
TRIC Robotics, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Newark, DE, specializes in developing robotic technology aimed at automating agricultural practices, specifically for strawberry farms. The company focuses on providing an autonomous, non-chemical pesticide alternative that enhances farming efficiency. Its modular robotic systems are equipped with capabilities for event monitoring, infrared detection, chemical detection, pipe inspection, and environmental sensing. This innovative approach allows farmers to access effective treatment options that increase profitability while reducing labor demands.
Mapless AI
Grant in 2020
Mapless AI is a research company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, focused on developing safe alternatives for transportation systems. The company has created a remote vehicle operations platform tailored for autonomous driving applications. This platform features a proprietary fail-operational safety system and optimized low-latency connectivity, allowing for safe and scalable solutions. Additionally, it offers a fleet-friendly retrofit that can be easily installed on existing vehicles, enabling customers to deploy and operate autonomous vehicles efficiently and cost-effectively. Through its innovations, Mapless AI aims to accelerate the adoption of autonomous vehicles without the necessity of human drivers.
Circle Optics
Grant in 2020
Circle Optics, Inc. specializes in developing innovative camera technology that enables real-time, high-definition virtual reality video. Its parallax-free camera utilizes multiple polygonal lenses to capture panoramic images seamlessly, eliminating the need for image stitching. This technology serves a variety of sectors, including aerospace, autonomous systems, and entertainment. By providing an accurate representation of scenes without post-processing, Circle Optics enhances the delivery of critical resources, ensures safety in aerospace applications, improves surveillance capabilities, and transforms immersive experiences for content creators.
Clean Earth Rovers
Pre Seed Round in 2020
Clean Earth Rovers specializes in innovative technology aimed at addressing the marine debris crisis. The company has developed a system that operates similarly to a robotic vacuum, specifically designed for marinas. This technology autonomously skims for trash, collects oil, and gathers real-time water data, streamlining the cleanup process and reducing the reliance on manual labor. Additionally, it provides predictive analytics to anticipate pollution events, enhancing operational efficiency for waterfront businesses. Clean Earth Rovers focuses on both visible and invisible pollutants, including plastics, oils, and toxins, which contribute to harmful algal blooms. By enabling proactive monitoring and cleanup, the company supports marinas and governments in safeguarding marine ecosystems and maintaining water quality.
Xona Space Systems
Grant in 2020
Xona Space Systems, Inc. specializes in developing and manufacturing position, navigation, and timing (PNT) satellite solutions. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, the company is focused on creating a constellation of low-cost, low-Earth orbiting satellites designed to enhance navigation for various applications, including autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and mobile robotics. Their flagship product, the Xona Pulsar, delivers high-power signals from low Earth orbit, ensuring secure and accurate navigation and timing services. This innovative approach aims to meet the demands of smart transportation and smart infrastructure, providing the resilience and precision necessary for modern intelligent systems to operate safely and efficiently at scale.
Obsidian Sensors
Grant in 2020
Obsidian Sensors is a company based in La Jolla, California, founded in 2017, that specializes in developing glass microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) aimed at enhancing the thermal sensor industry. Their technology utilizes infrared imaging for various applications, including security cameras and autonomous vehicles. By focusing on manufacturing processes that lower costs while maintaining or exceeding industry standards, Obsidian Sensors provides businesses with an efficient alternative to traditional silicon MEMS-based sensors.
OAM Photonics
Grant in 2020
OAM Photonics specializes in photonic sensing solutions that leverage the orbital angular momentum of light for 3D imaging applications. The company's technology is particularly relevant for industries such as autonomous driving, drone navigation, and robotics. OAM Photonics develops photonic integrated circuits and coherent optical systems, enhancing sensing and imaging capabilities. Currently, the company operates in stealth mode, indicating a focus on research and development to refine its innovative offerings.
OWL Autonomous Imaging
Grant in 2020
Owl Autonomous Imaging, Inc. is a technology company based in Fairport, New York, founded in 2018. The company specializes in developing advanced imaging solutions, including a two-color infrared camera for the US Air Force and a 4D-camera that integrates 1550nm Flash-LiDAR and thermal imaging within a single solid-state megapixel focal plane. These innovations are aimed at enhancing safety in the automotive mobility sector, particularly for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles. Their proprietary Monocular 3D Thermal Ranging™ technology employs optical fusion and deep learning techniques to generate dense range maps from heat signatures without the need for additional illumination. Co-founder Chuck Gershman brings over 30 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, having held leadership roles in multiple startups, three of which he led to successful acquisitions.
Parallel Flight Technologies
Grant in 2020
Parallel Flight Technologies is focused on developing advanced drone technology aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency in various applications. The company specializes in designing heavy-lift unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that utilize proprietary parallel hybrid technology. This innovative approach includes a unique feature that allows drones to maintain flight stability in the event of engine failures, thereby improving safety for large unmanned systems. Through its technology, Parallel Flight Technologies aims to contribute positively to society by saving lives, protecting property, and benefiting the environment.
Berkeley Marine Robotics
Grant in 2020
Berkeley Marine Robotics specializes in the development of autonomous underwater swarm robotic systems aimed at enhancing ocean exploration and conservation. The company has created unmanned underwater vehicles that enable efficient inspections of ships entering ports, facilitating fast and cost-effective evaluations through underwater wireless communication. Its technology measures hull-fouling levels, allowing for optimized cleaning schedules and improved coating performance. By leveraging swarm robotics, underwater laser communication, and machine learning for vision models, Berkeley Marine Robotics addresses challenges in GPS-denied and degraded marine environments. This innovation helps shipping operators lower fuel costs and minimize emissions related to biofouling, while also contributing to the protection of marine ecosystems.
Akrobotix
Grant in 2019
Akrobotix is a research and product development startup that specializes in autonomous systems and robotics technology across various domains, including space, air, land, and sea. The company has developed an autopilot system tailored for fully autonomous unmanned aerial, ground, and marine vehicles. By integrating multi-modal situational awareness information, Akrobotix creates reliable and reproducible mission plans specific to various applications. This technology aims to enhance operational safety and efficiency, providing businesses with mission planning software that is focused on industry-specific needs.
SkyMul
Grant in 2019
SkyMul is an Atlanta-based robotics company that specializes in developing industrial manipulation drones aimed at transforming the construction industry. The company focuses on automating physically demanding tasks traditionally performed manually on concrete construction sites, significantly enhancing efficiency and productivity. Its flagship product, SkyTy, consists of a swarm of modular drones capable of autonomously flying over rebar installations to tie intersections. This innovative technology is designed to handle flat rebar configurations such as slabs, bridge decks, and continuously reinforced pavements, and is scalable to meet varying project demands. By utilizing advanced computer vision capabilities, SkyMul's drones can quickly identify rebar intersections without the need for CAD files or manual programming, allowing construction companies to operate in parallel and increase overall throughput.
Akabotics
Grant in 2019
Akabotics is a company based in Honolulu, Hawaii, specializing in an autonomous robotic platform for continuous maintenance dredging in shallow waterways. Its innovative system features two robotic platforms that collaboratively detect and remove sediment buildups, transforming waterway maintenance from an intermittent task into a seamless operation. This approach significantly reduces mobilization, labor, and energy costs, allowing for more efficient and effective management of aquatic environments.
AMBOTS
Grant in 2019
AMBOTS Inc. specializes in advancing swarm 3D printing and assembly technologies, focusing on automating manufacturing processes through a fleet of smart, autonomous mobile robots. This innovative approach allows for the collaborative execution of tasks similar to how bees or wasps construct their nests. By leveraging these robots, AMBOTS aims to manufacture a wide range of products, from everyday items to larger infrastructures, based on digital models and on-demand requirements. The company's technology is designed to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, facilitating a smoother transition to fully autonomous manufacturing for its clients.
Mirada
Grant in 2019
Mirada Technologies Inc., established in 2017 and headquartered in San Francisco, specializes in developing and selling LiDAR sensor components. These components are integral to advanced driver safety systems and autonomous vehicles, primarily serving automotive suppliers. Mirada's core offerings include innovative laser scanning and detector technology, with its flagship product being a state-of-the-art laser scanner that ensures accurate ranging distance, wide field of view, reliability, and scalable volume production.
SurfaSense
Grant in 2019
SurfaSense provides research and development in nanotechnology, biotechnology, physical engineering, and life sciences. They provide technologies for autonomous robotics.
Manifold Robotics
Grant in 2019
Manifold Robotics specializes in developing advanced drone technology that enhances safety and simplifies operations in complex environments. The company focuses on creating technical payloads that utilize electromagnetic fields (EMF) from power lines as a navigational aid, allowing drones to navigate autonomously along electric utility rights-of-way. This innovative approach enables automated power line inspections, significantly improving efficiency and reducing costs by up to 50%. By facilitating beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) flight, Manifold Robotics provides practical solutions that enhance the operational capabilities of drones, making them safer and more effective for various industries.
Autonomous Healthcare
Grant in 2018
Autonomous Healthcare is a medical technology company focused on transforming clinical care workflows through automation. By developing advanced healthcare technologies, it aims to revolutionize critical care and peri-operative care. The company's solutions continuously analyze bedside monitoring data to identify and address adverse events, thereby enhancing patient safety and care efficiency. This innovative approach enables healthcare professionals to reduce hospital lengths of stay for patients, ultimately improving overall healthcare outcomes.
LYT
Grant in 2018
LYT is a cloud-based software platform that leverages advanced connected vehicle and machine learning technologies to enhance traffic flow in urban environments. The platform connects vehicle telemetry with traffic light infrastructure, facilitating real-time applications that improve mobility and support autonomous vehicle communication. By optimizing the movement of public transport, emergency vehicles, and other traffic, LYT aims to reduce travel times, alleviate congestion, and enhance air quality, ultimately leading to more reliable mass transit solutions.
BirdBrain Technologies
Grant in 2018
BirdBrain Technologies LLC is focused on enhancing creativity and computational thinking through innovative educational products that engage students and teachers in programming and robotics. The company is known for its Finch Robot, which provides a physical representation of coding for learners, and the Hummingbird Robotics Kit, which allows students to build and program robots using electronic components and craft materials. These products have been utilized by numerous students to explore various applications of computer programming, from creative projects to interactive games. Originating from research initiatives at Carnegie Mellon University’s CREATE Lab, BirdBrain Technologies aims to support educators in advancing computer science and engineering in both classroom and informal settings. Their mission emphasizes collaboration with teaching professionals to improve educational tools and resources, ultimately making STEM learning accessible and enjoyable for students worldwide.
Enertia Micro
Grant in 2018
Enertia Micro, established in 2014 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializes in manufacturing micro inertial sensors. These sensors, based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, are designed to provide precise motion detection for autonomous vehicles. The company's focus is on developing miniature gyroscopes that outperform conventional MEMS sensors, catering to the evolving needs of the mobility industry and ensuring safe, reliable navigation in autonomous vehicles.
Apollo AI
Grant in 2018
Apollo AI builds super-safe self-driving systems and HD maps. They offer mapping, object detection, tracking, and classification, as well as decision-making and path optimization. They also offer information theory, control systems, detection and estimation, machine learning, neural networks, communication and signal processing systems, systems design, and navigation.
Aware Vehicles
Grant in 2018
Aware Vehicles, founded in 2017 and based in Kansas City, Missouri, specializes in the development of autonomous drones that capture and analyze spectral aerial images. These drones leverage advanced imaging technology and artificial intelligence to serve various sectors, including precision agriculture, defense, disaster response, logistics, and infrastructure. By providing precise asset inspections and enhancing emergency response and communication capabilities, Aware Vehicles aims to meet the diverse needs of its clients through innovative aerial solutions.
Realtime Robotics
Grant in 2018
Realtime Robotics, Inc. is focused on developing advanced motion planning and control processors that enable robots and autonomous vehicles to react instantaneously to their surroundings. Founded in 2016 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, the company offers a collision-free motion planning platform that allows for safe operation of single or multiple robots in unstructured environments. Their specialized RapidPlan processor generates safe motion plans in microseconds, effectively eliminating the trade-off between speed and safety in automation. This innovative technology accommodates real-time changes in dynamic environments, enabling robots to navigate around both known static objects and other moving entities while performing various tasks. By addressing the limitations of traditional automation, Realtime Robotics is broadening the applications of robotics across industries and facilitating the adoption of autonomous vehicles.
DeepScale
Grant in 2018
DeepScale, Inc. is a technology company specializing in perceptual system software for semi-autonomous and autonomous vehicles. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, the company focuses on enabling automakers to utilize low-wattage processors for improved perception capabilities. DeepScale's technology incorporates artificial intelligence and deep learning algorithms to create advanced driver-assistance systems. The company develops a visual perception platform that utilizes training data and innovative deep neural network architectures to enhance vehicle awareness of their surroundings in real time. In 2019, DeepScale became a subsidiary of Tesla, further integrating its advanced perception technologies into the evolving landscape of autonomous driving.
Planck Aerosystems
Grant in 2018
Planck Aerosystems Inc. is an autonomous drone company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2014. It specializes in developing innovative drone-based surveillance software named Shearwater, which is designed for various applications including survey and mapping, emergency response, safety and surveillance, and scientific research. The company integrates artificial intelligence into its drone technology, enabling advanced capabilities such as vision-based navigation and control. This technology allows drones to autonomously launch and land on moving vehicles and vessels, significantly enhancing operational applications in sectors such as security, defense, maritime, and logistics. Planck Aerosystems primarily serves government agencies and industrial maritime operators, providing them with cutting-edge solutions for drone autonomy and mobility.
Mentium Technologies
Grant in 2017
Mentium Technologies Inc. specializes in the development of artificial intelligence processors tailored for power electronics, including cameras, sensors, microphones, and wearable devices. Founded in 2016 and located in Santa Barbara, California, the company focuses on creating ultra-high efficiency AI chips that enable complex video analytics in edge applications. By leveraging a unique approach centered on non-volatile memory devices, Mentium's technology facilitates analog in-memory computation, ensuring high speed, quality, and reliability for mission-critical AI inference. Their solutions aim to achieve optimal accuracy and performance, making them particularly valuable in applications that demand resilience to temperature and device variations, such as autonomous vehicles and cloud computing.
AutoModality
Grant in 2017
AutoModality Inc. is a company that specializes in developing flight control software for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), enabling them to operate autonomously in environments where GPS signals are unavailable. Founded in 2014 and based in Syracuse, New York, AutoModality manufactures drone platforms that utilize off-the-shelf components to facilitate automated inspections. Their technology is particularly focused on the agriculture and infrastructure sectors, allowing for close-up inspections of structures such as bridges, culverts, rolling stock, and cell towers. The company's advanced navigation software and integrated sensors enable drones to approach inspection sites closely, providing real-time quality streaming from onboard cameras to handheld devices. This capability allows users to gather critical data in challenging locations that are often difficult to access. AutoModality is also recognized for its innovative contributions to the drone industry, exemplified by Team Autero, which won the 2016 DJI SDK Challenge.
Mirada
Grant in 2017
Mirada Technologies Inc., established in 2017 and headquartered in San Francisco, specializes in developing and selling LiDAR sensor components. These components are integral to advanced driver safety systems and autonomous vehicles, primarily serving automotive suppliers. Mirada's core offerings include innovative laser scanning and detector technology, with its flagship product being a state-of-the-art laser scanner that ensures accurate ranging distance, wide field of view, reliability, and scalable volume production.
Perceptive Automata
Grant in 2017
Perceptive Automata, Inc. specializes in developing machine learning and computer vision solutions focused on human behavior prediction for automated vehicles. Founded in 2014 and based in Somerville, Massachusetts, the company addresses critical challenges in the safe deployment of highly automated and fully autonomous vehicles, particularly in urban settings. Its technology enables these vehicles to anticipate the actions of pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers, allowing for safe navigation in human-dominated environments. By employing advanced AI inference models, Perceptive Automata enhances the driving experience, facilitating smoother and more natural interactions between autonomous vehicles and their surroundings. The company collaborates with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), suppliers, and technology firms in the development of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving technologies, leveraging expertise from leading institutions such as Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.
Z-senz
Grant in 2017
Z-senz develops the next leap in LIDAR to enable safety and reliability in autonomous vehicles. The company's headquarters are in Washington, D.C. Founded in 2015 by a group of scientists with expertise in optics, lasers, material science, physics, and manufacturing,
Akabotics
Grant in 2017
Akabotics is a company based in Honolulu, Hawaii, specializing in an autonomous robotic platform for continuous maintenance dredging in shallow waterways. Its innovative system features two robotic platforms that collaboratively detect and remove sediment buildups, transforming waterway maintenance from an intermittent task into a seamless operation. This approach significantly reduces mobilization, labor, and energy costs, allowing for more efficient and effective management of aquatic environments.
Hydronalix
Grant in 2017
Founded in 2009, Hydronalix has become recognized as a leader and international symbol in robotics innovation for beach and flood rescue with Their successful patented EMILY product line. Their Mission is to provide enhanced value added capabilities to first responders, earth scientists, military, and safety to the maritime industry. Their focus is on development of small expendable maritime robotic technologies to support missions ranging from search and rescue, bathymetric mapping and underwater ISR, to meteorological station keeping and data gathering, in challenging open ocean and littoral marine environments. They have 11,000 square feet of Engineering, Office, and manufacturing space in Sahuarita, AZ. Water testing is performed at Silver-Bell, Patagonia, and Sahuarita Lakes in Arizona. Ocean and surf zone testing is performed in San Diego, Venice Beach, and Malibu, CA. Company sales are both domestic and overseas with export distribution through out Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The company maintains a growing staff of skilled engineers and technicians performing advanced development services and products for the Navy, NOAA, DARPA, and DHS. In addition to EMILY, the company produces a complete product line of advanced Autonomous Mobile Buoys (AMB). The company’s executive leadership team has collective experience of over 200 years in Ocean and Marine Engineering, Robotic systems, advanced sensors, manufacturing, and materials science.
Planck Aerosystems
Grant in 2016
Planck Aerosystems Inc. is an autonomous drone company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2014. It specializes in developing innovative drone-based surveillance software named Shearwater, which is designed for various applications including survey and mapping, emergency response, safety and surveillance, and scientific research. The company integrates artificial intelligence into its drone technology, enabling advanced capabilities such as vision-based navigation and control. This technology allows drones to autonomously launch and land on moving vehicles and vessels, significantly enhancing operational applications in sectors such as security, defense, maritime, and logistics. Planck Aerosystems primarily serves government agencies and industrial maritime operators, providing them with cutting-edge solutions for drone autonomy and mobility.
Qelzal
Grant in 2016
Qelzal Corporation, based in La Jolla, California, specializes in developing advanced artificial intelligence-driven systems for object and activity recognition. The company's product offerings include the Perception Appliance, which enhances the capabilities of autonomous vehicles and robots, and an image-free sensing system that utilizes brain-inspired artificial intelligence. Qelzal's technology significantly improves the safety and efficiency of commercial drones, enabling them to fly autonomously in near-earth environments without the risk of collisions. The company's solutions target various sectors, including building automation, security, mobile robotics, and autonomous vehicles. Incorporated in 2014, Qelzal is committed to advancing obstacle avoidance systems and fostering innovation in the realm of autonomous technology.
BirdBrain Technologies
Grant in 2016
BirdBrain Technologies LLC is focused on enhancing creativity and computational thinking through innovative educational products that engage students and teachers in programming and robotics. The company is known for its Finch Robot, which provides a physical representation of coding for learners, and the Hummingbird Robotics Kit, which allows students to build and program robots using electronic components and craft materials. These products have been utilized by numerous students to explore various applications of computer programming, from creative projects to interactive games. Originating from research initiatives at Carnegie Mellon University’s CREATE Lab, BirdBrain Technologies aims to support educators in advancing computer science and engineering in both classroom and informal settings. Their mission emphasizes collaboration with teaching professionals to improve educational tools and resources, ultimately making STEM learning accessible and enjoyable for students worldwide.
LYT
Grant in 2016
LYT is a cloud-based software platform that leverages advanced connected vehicle and machine learning technologies to enhance traffic flow in urban environments. The platform connects vehicle telemetry with traffic light infrastructure, facilitating real-time applications that improve mobility and support autonomous vehicle communication. By optimizing the movement of public transport, emergency vehicles, and other traffic, LYT aims to reduce travel times, alleviate congestion, and enhance air quality, ultimately leading to more reliable mass transit solutions.
DeepScale
Grant in 2016
DeepScale, Inc. is a technology company specializing in perceptual system software for semi-autonomous and autonomous vehicles. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, the company focuses on enabling automakers to utilize low-wattage processors for improved perception capabilities. DeepScale's technology incorporates artificial intelligence and deep learning algorithms to create advanced driver-assistance systems. The company develops a visual perception platform that utilizes training data and innovative deep neural network architectures to enhance vehicle awareness of their surroundings in real time. In 2019, DeepScale became a subsidiary of Tesla, further integrating its advanced perception technologies into the evolving landscape of autonomous driving.
Autonomous Healthcare
Grant in 2016
Autonomous Healthcare is a medical technology company focused on transforming clinical care workflows through automation. By developing advanced healthcare technologies, it aims to revolutionize critical care and peri-operative care. The company's solutions continuously analyze bedside monitoring data to identify and address adverse events, thereby enhancing patient safety and care efficiency. This innovative approach enables healthcare professionals to reduce hospital lengths of stay for patients, ultimately improving overall healthcare outcomes.
AndrosRobotics
Seed Round in 2016
AndrosRobotics specializes in developing robotic technology products tailored for light payload pick-and-place applications in logistics. The company manufactures intelligent robotic devices that focus on intensive gait training and enhancing human mobility services. Their offerings include human-safe robots that are both powerful and gentle, designed to operate effectively in public spaces. Additionally, AndrosRobotics provides low-cost, force-controlled, plug-and-play actuators, enabling clients to integrate these advanced technologies seamlessly into their operations.
Perceptive Automata
Grant in 2016
Perceptive Automata, Inc. specializes in developing machine learning and computer vision solutions focused on human behavior prediction for automated vehicles. Founded in 2014 and based in Somerville, Massachusetts, the company addresses critical challenges in the safe deployment of highly automated and fully autonomous vehicles, particularly in urban settings. Its technology enables these vehicles to anticipate the actions of pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers, allowing for safe navigation in human-dominated environments. By employing advanced AI inference models, Perceptive Automata enhances the driving experience, facilitating smoother and more natural interactions between autonomous vehicles and their surroundings. The company collaborates with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), suppliers, and technology firms in the development of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving technologies, leveraging expertise from leading institutions such as Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.
Z-senz
Grant in 2015
Z-senz develops the next leap in LIDAR to enable safety and reliability in autonomous vehicles. The company's headquarters are in Washington, D.C. Founded in 2015 by a group of scientists with expertise in optics, lasers, material science, physics, and manufacturing,
Autonomous Healthcare
Grant in 2015
Autonomous Healthcare is a medical technology company focused on transforming clinical care workflows through automation. By developing advanced healthcare technologies, it aims to revolutionize critical care and peri-operative care. The company's solutions continuously analyze bedside monitoring data to identify and address adverse events, thereby enhancing patient safety and care efficiency. This innovative approach enables healthcare professionals to reduce hospital lengths of stay for patients, ultimately improving overall healthcare outcomes.
Mythic
Grant in 2014
Mythic Inc. is a technology company that designs and develops silicon chips and artificial intelligence processing units (IPUs) for a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics and wearables to autonomous vehicles and robotic drones. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, with an additional office in Austin, Texas, Mythic specializes in analog matrix processors that utilize unique compute-in-memory technology. Their products, including the M1076 Analog Matrix Processor and various PCIe and M.2 cards, integrate AI capabilities directly into compact chips, enabling desktop-level processing power in smaller devices. The company emphasizes its expertise in neural networks, processor architecture, and software design to deliver efficient AI solutions while maintaining performance, power efficiency, and accuracy in real-world environments.
SeaRobotics Corporation
Grant in 2014
SeaRobotics develops marine robotics products. Their products include autonomous surface vehicles, autonomous water platforms, hulls, and tank cleaning,including SR surveyor class, utility class, endurance class, and cyberhelm. Their services include engineering, design, manufacturing, fabrication, and theme park services.
Seamless Microsystems
Grant in 2014
Seamless Microsystems, Inc. is a semiconductor company based in Fremont, California, established in 2017. The firm specializes in the design and manufacturing of patented Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs), with an initial focus on markets such as medical imaging and 4G/WiFi. Utilizing silicon-proven devices from TSMC’s 28nm HPM process, Seamless Microsystems is advancing its next generation of products to meet the high bandwidth needs of emerging technologies, including LIDAR, 5G wireless, and G.fast communication systems. The company's continuous-time sigma-delta ADCs are designed to reduce system costs by relaxing anti-aliasing requirements and lowering power consumption due to their resistive input architecture. Furthermore, these ADCs are engineered to tolerate high levels of clock jitter, allowing for the use of more economical phase-locked loops (PLLs) in clock generation, making them suitable for a diverse range of applications, from consumer electronics to autonomous driving.
AndrosRobotics
Seed Round in 2014
AndrosRobotics specializes in developing robotic technology products tailored for light payload pick-and-place applications in logistics. The company manufactures intelligent robotic devices that focus on intensive gait training and enhancing human mobility services. Their offerings include human-safe robots that are both powerful and gentle, designed to operate effectively in public spaces. Additionally, AndrosRobotics provides low-cost, force-controlled, plug-and-play actuators, enabling clients to integrate these advanced technologies seamlessly into their operations.
Cepand
Grant in 2013
Cepand provides assistance for designers and creators towards innovative technologies. The company provides various services mostly leading to autonomous vehicles. Cepand provides AI/ML, autonomous vehicles, wireless technologies and wearable (VR/AR) blueprints for innovative strategies and roadmaps as their products. Cepand was founded in 2012 by Babak S. in San Francisco, California.
MAVRIC
Grant in 2013
MAVRIC is a cross-campus multidisciplinary collaboration to study Autonomous Vehicles at the University of Michigan. MAVRIC represents a truly multidisciplinary approach to studying Autonomous Vehicles. Members of MAVRIC are from the School of Information, Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering and the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute. MAVRIC's research has been sponsored by the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC), Toyota Research Institute (TRI), MCity/Mobility Transformation Center.
Near Earth Autonomy
Grant in 2013
Near Earth Autonomy, Inc., founded in 2011 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in developing autonomous systems that enhance the safety of both ground and aerial vehicles. The company focuses on creating technologies that facilitate safe and accessible autonomous flight, enabling unmanned aircraft of various sizes, from small drones to full-size helicopters, to operate effectively across a range of applications. Their innovations include advanced sensor suites, collision detection, relative navigation, landing zone assessment, motion planning, and visual pilot aids. By integrating these technologies, Near Earth Autonomy aims to make autonomous navigation systems reliable and practical for diverse operational needs.
AndrosRobotics
Grant in 2013
AndrosRobotics specializes in developing robotic technology products tailored for light payload pick-and-place applications in logistics. The company manufactures intelligent robotic devices that focus on intensive gait training and enhancing human mobility services. Their offerings include human-safe robots that are both powerful and gentle, designed to operate effectively in public spaces. Additionally, AndrosRobotics provides low-cost, force-controlled, plug-and-play actuators, enabling clients to integrate these advanced technologies seamlessly into their operations.
Charles River Analytics
Grant in 2013
Charles River Analytics, Inc. specializes in developing intelligent systems tailored for government, defense, intelligence, and commercial sectors. The company provides a range of products, including cognitive systems, sensor processing, decision management tools, and autonomous robotic platforms designed for information management and command applications. Notable offerings include BNet, a network-building tool; VisionKit, which automates visual tasks through computer vision; and Verideo, a video annotation software. Their technologies incorporate various advanced methodologies such as data mining, expert systems, and neural networks. Additionally, Charles River Analytics offers outsourced software engineering services that focus on computer vision, intelligent agents, and multi-agent system development. Founded in 1983 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company primarily serves the U.S. federal government and the Department of Defense, aiming to transform data into actionable insights that facilitate critical assessment and decision-making.
Autonomous Healthcare
Grant in 2013
Autonomous Healthcare is a medical technology company focused on transforming clinical care workflows through automation. By developing advanced healthcare technologies, it aims to revolutionize critical care and peri-operative care. The company's solutions continuously analyze bedside monitoring data to identify and address adverse events, thereby enhancing patient safety and care efficiency. This innovative approach enables healthcare professionals to reduce hospital lengths of stay for patients, ultimately improving overall healthcare outcomes.
Love Park Robotics
Grant in 2013
Love Park Robotics is a Philadelphia-based start-up focused on developing advanced technologies for intelligent products and services. The company's flagship platform, CoPilot, offers sliding-scale autonomous navigation for service vehicles in both indoor and dynamic outdoor environments. Additionally, Love Park Robotics specializes in 3D perception software that enhances industrial robotic applications. This software supports advanced driver assistance systems, allowing service vehicles to navigate autonomously and addressing accessibility challenges for wheelchair users. By providing flexible licensing options and custom solutions, the company collaborates with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to integrate its technology into innovative products and services, facilitating the creation of robotics systems that utilize artificial intelligence to interact effectively with the physical world.
Launchpoint
Grant in 2013
LaunchPoint Technologies, established in 2020 and based in Goleta, California, specializes in the development and manufacturing of advanced electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems, along with power transmission equipment. The company caters to the aerospace, defense, and power generation industries, offering innovative, software-controlled solutions for various applications, including drones, air mobility, and electric flight systems.
Chiaro Technologies
Grant in 2012
Chiaro Technologies LLC, based in Boulder, Colorado, specializes in the design and development of advanced 3D technology solutions, focusing on applications in logistics, robotics, and automation. The company offers a range of products, including the Cloudburst 3D sensor camera, which utilizes Symbolic Light technology to capture real-time, high-precision depth images and point clouds. Additionally, Chiaro Technologies provides the Jetstream Panel application, allowing users to view, interact with, and record live 3D data from their cameras. By manufacturing high-speed, real-time 3D machine vision sensors, Chiaro supports manufacturers and machine vision vendors in creating innovative solutions tailored to their specific needs. Founded in 2005, Chiaro Technologies operates as a subsidiary of Cognex Corporation.
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