National Science Foundation

The National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution has the world's biggest and most significant collection of aviation and space objects, including all aspects of human flight, as well as associated works of art and archive materials. It operates two iconic facilities that accommodate more than eight million visitors every year, making it the country's most visited museum. The Center for Earth and Planetary Studies is also housed there.

Xona Space Systems develops and manufactures position, navigation, and timing satellite solutions for smart transportation and infrastructure. The company operates a constellation of low-cost, low-Earth-orbit satellites to deliver secure navigation and timing services with resilience and high location precision for autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, mobile robotics, and other location-critical applications. Founded in 2019 and based in San Mateo, California, Xona Space Systems aims to enable safe, scalable operation of intelligent systems at scale.

RaySecur Inc. is a company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing advanced 3D package scanning and imaging devices for detecting concealed threats in mail and parcels. Founded in 2018, RaySecur's MailSecur systems utilize millimeter-wave technology to provide real-time, three-dimensional imaging, which allows for the detection of powders, solids, liquids, and hazardous materials such as chemical, biological, radiological, and explosive composites. Unlike traditional X-ray systems, RaySecur's solutions are user-friendly, portable, and do not require extensive training for effective operation, making them suitable for various environments, including small mailrooms. The company’s technology is employed by Fortune 500 companies and government organizations worldwide to enhance security and protect personnel and assets from potential threats.

Hardshell Labs focuses on developing innovative, internet-controlled devices aimed at environmental conservation and wildlife protection. The company creates a network of remotely operable, artificial intelligence-enhanced rovers designed to deter bird pests from agricultural crops and various facilities, thereby minimizing avian damage. These devices are particularly valuable in protecting crops from ravens and crows, as well as in mitigating infestations at landfills and composting sites. Hardshell Labs also conducts predation research on endangered juvenile desert tortoises, assessing threats posed by avian predators, and engages in laser research for agricultural applications. Through these initiatives, the company provides humane and commercially viable solutions to wildlife management challenges, supporting both environmental conservation and agricultural productivity.

Voltela is a technology company focused on ensuring reliable connectivity for commercial drones, facilitating the growth of Beyond Visual Line Of Sight operations in the autonomous vehicle sector. It offers a patent-pending solution that utilizes existing mobile network voice channels to create prioritized, low-latency communication links. This innovative approach allows drone operators to navigate safely and efficiently, enhancing operational capabilities in a rapidly evolving industry. By addressing the critical need for dependable communication in drone operations, Voltela plays a vital role in the advancement of autonomous technology.

Two Bears Environmental Consulting, founded in 2015 and based in Anchorage, Alaska, specializes in providing environmental services that assess the impact of climate change on various projects. The company offers climate impact statements that evaluate how projected climatic conditions might affect these initiatives. Additionally, Two Bears assists clients in accessing grants from different levels of government and organizations. The firm also provides unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) services, including drone-based data collection, which helps companies ensure regulatory compliance and promote sustainable practices.

Epirus, Inc. is a technology company based in Hawthorne, California, specializing in the design and development of advanced defense systems that utilize artificial intelligence and directed energy. Founded in 2018, the company focuses on creating solid-state, software-defined high-power microwave solutions aimed at countering unmanned aircraft systems and other asymmetric threats. Its flagship product, ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE, serves as a counter-infrastructure solution that can simultaneously target multiple threats, effectively neutralizing drones and swarms. By integrating AI and machine learning with advanced electronics, Epirus enhances the detection and tracking of objects of interest, offering innovative capabilities in electronic warfare and power management for both defense and commercial sectors.

StarNav is a developer and manufacturer of satellite receivers focused on delivering accurate and reliable positioning data for both government and private sector applications. The company specializes in converting ambient non-GNSS radio signals, including cellular, television, and satellite transmissions, into precise positioning information. This innovative technology enables vehicles to operate safely even in environments where traditional GNSS signals are unavailable, addressing a critical need for reliable navigation solutions during complete GNSS denial.

SubUAS specializes in the development of unmanned aerial and underwater vehicles designed for challenging environmental conditions. These vehicles are capable of operating in rough weather and strong underwater currents, making them suitable for a variety of applications. Each vehicle can be equipped with a customized suite of sensors tailored to specific missions, allowing clients to efficiently conduct inspection, reconnaissance, and payload delivery tasks. By leveraging advanced technology, SubUAS aims to provide cost-effective solutions that enhance operational effectiveness for its clients.

Owl Autonomous Imaging, Inc. is a technology company founded in 2018 and headquartered in Fairport, New York. The company specializes in developing advanced imaging solutions, including a two-color infrared camera designed for the US Air Force and a cutting-edge 4D camera that integrates 1550nm Flash-LiDAR with thermal imaging. These innovations target the automotive mobility and industrial markets, offering Monocular 3D Thermal Ranging™ capabilities that enhance safety in various conditions by leveraging deep learning techniques to produce dense range maps from heat signatures without the need for external illumination. Co-founded by Chuck Gershman, who has extensive experience in the semiconductor industry and a track record of successful entrepreneurial ventures, Owl Autonomous Imaging aims to revolutionize how sensing technology is applied in autonomous vehicles and other sectors.

Rotoye is a technology company focused on multirotor and avionics development and related research. Founded in 2017 and based in Marietta, Georgia, it designs and manufactures battery products for aviation and aerospace applications. The company offers smart chargers and batteries, custom design and consulting services, bespoke connectors and data interfaces, and monitoring systems for current and cell voltages, enabling integrated electric propulsion and power management. It also provides access to its electric product offerings through an online platform for clients pursuing advanced aviation solutions.

BirdHabitatBot is a company focused on developing robotic systems for the removal of invasive plant species, particularly in deciduous forest environments. Utilizing unpiloted aerial systems, the company employs drones to capture images that aid in the mapping and monitoring of non-native invasive plants. These invasive species pose a significant threat to forest habitats, contributing to their degradation. By providing tools that assist natural resource professionals in managing understory invasive shrubs, BirdHabitatBot aims to enhance the habitat for native plants and wildlife, thereby promoting ecological health and biodiversity.

Comon provides species identification, ecological monitoring, and geological assessment services. They offer unpiloted aerial systems' images for mapping, monitoring, and identifying rare and invasive species and provide reports on water loggers, soil samples, temperature, historic weather, and tidal data, enabling natural resource managers and conservation organizations to determine practices for sites.

GreenSight develops a commercial drone platform for autonomous data collection. Its full-stack product combines custom hardware, software, advanced sensors, and data analytics to provide actionable insights in agriculture, energy, construction, and infrastructure sectors. The company initially focused on the golf course industry, offering daily agricultural analytics services and labor management solutions.

SeaDrone, formerly known as Orobotix, specializes in developing robotic hardware aimed at enhancing subsea infrastructure inspection. The company offers a comprehensive underwater visual inspection service through its low-cost robotic systems and mobile software. Its innovative platform includes an aerial drone system designed for precision sub-sea observation and filming, enabling professionals to conduct underwater inspections efficiently and effectively. By leveraging advanced technology, SeaDrone aims to significantly reduce the costs associated with subsea inspections while improving the overall quality and speed of the inspection process.

InnovaSonic, Inc. specializes in developing innovative self-cleaning technology known as PiezoWipe™, which utilizes ultrasonic energy emitted from a micro-transducer array. This array is seamlessly integrated into glass or film, allowing for active cleaning without the need for manual intervention. The technology is designed for various applications, including windshields, LIDAR systems, cameras, solar panels, and haptic displays. By incorporating this self-cleaning solution, clients can enhance the longevity of their products while maintaining optimal performance.

Drone Amplified develops a drone-based system called IGNIS for safer and more affordable fire management. It embeds onto drones, carrying chemical spheres that generate flames upon impact, serving landowners, public wildlands, and federal agencies.

Volant Aerial specializes in an advanced aerial monitoring platform that integrates drones, computer vision, and IoT technology. This platform is designed to provide critical data and insights for various applications, such as early detection of forest fires, security surveillance, crop analysis, construction oversight, workforce management, inventory tracking, port monitoring, wildlife management, and natural disaster response. The system consists of a network of autonomously operating hardware components, including drones, aerostats, and strategically positioned towers equipped with high-powered RGB and thermal cameras. Additionally, it features aerial and ground sensors that monitor a wide range of variables, enabling users to access and control the system remotely via an Internet connection.

Xona Space Systems develops and manufactures position, navigation, and timing satellite solutions for smart transportation and infrastructure. The company operates a constellation of low-cost, low-Earth-orbit satellites to deliver secure navigation and timing services with resilience and high location precision for autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, mobile robotics, and other location-critical applications. Founded in 2019 and based in San Mateo, California, Xona Space Systems aims to enable safe, scalable operation of intelligent systems at scale.

Two Bears Environmental Consulting, founded in 2015 and based in Anchorage, Alaska, specializes in providing environmental services that assess the impact of climate change on various projects. The company offers climate impact statements that evaluate how projected climatic conditions might affect these initiatives. Additionally, Two Bears assists clients in accessing grants from different levels of government and organizations. The firm also provides unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) services, including drone-based data collection, which helps companies ensure regulatory compliance and promote sustainable practices.

WildSpark Technologies, founded in 2016 and based in Austin, Texas, specializes in the development of micro and nanoscale plasma devices. The company has created innovative propulsion technology that enables unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to operate without propeller blades, enhancing precision and maneuverability. This technology allows drones and small air vehicles to take off and navigate in confined spaces, significantly reducing the risks associated with traditional propeller contact injuries. WildSpark Technologies aims to contribute to advancements in air taxi services and the broader UAV sector through its cutting-edge solutions.

OAM Photonics specializes in photonic sensing solutions focused on 3D imaging, catering to industries such as autonomous driving, drones, and robotics. The company develops advanced photonic integrated circuits and coherent optical systems that leverage the orbital angular momentum of light to enhance sensing and imaging capabilities. Currently operating in stealth mode, OAM Photonics is positioned to innovate within the field of photonics, offering unique technology that could significantly impact various applications in emerging markets.

Owl Autonomous Imaging, Inc. is a technology company founded in 2018 and headquartered in Fairport, New York. The company specializes in developing advanced imaging solutions, including a two-color infrared camera designed for the US Air Force and a cutting-edge 4D camera that integrates 1550nm Flash-LiDAR with thermal imaging. These innovations target the automotive mobility and industrial markets, offering Monocular 3D Thermal Ranging™ capabilities that enhance safety in various conditions by leveraging deep learning techniques to produce dense range maps from heat signatures without the need for external illumination. Co-founded by Chuck Gershman, who has extensive experience in the semiconductor industry and a track record of successful entrepreneurial ventures, Owl Autonomous Imaging aims to revolutionize how sensing technology is applied in autonomous vehicles and other sectors.

Parallel Flight Technologies is focused on creating innovative drone technology aimed at improving safety and efficiency in various applications. The company designs heavy-lift Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) utilizing proprietary parallel hybrid drone technology. This advanced technology includes a novel system that enhances safety by allowing aircraft to remain operational even in the event of engine failures. Through its developments, Parallel Flight Technologies aims to transform the use of drones, contributing to lifesaving efforts, property protection, and environmental preservation.

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 develops advanced autopilot systems tailored for fully autonomous unmanned aerial, ground, and marine vehicles. By integrating multi-modal situational awareness information, Akrobotix creates reliable and reproducible application-specific missions while effectively mitigating operational risks. This focus enables businesses to utilize industry-focused mission planning software designed for specific applications, enhancing the efficiency and safety of autonomous operations.

RaySecur Inc. is a company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing advanced 3D package scanning and imaging devices for detecting concealed threats in mail and parcels. Founded in 2018, RaySecur's MailSecur systems utilize millimeter-wave technology to provide real-time, three-dimensional imaging, which allows for the detection of powders, solids, liquids, and hazardous materials such as chemical, biological, radiological, and explosive composites. Unlike traditional X-ray systems, RaySecur's solutions are user-friendly, portable, and do not require extensive training for effective operation, making them suitable for various environments, including small mailrooms. The company’s technology is employed by Fortune 500 companies and government organizations worldwide to enhance security and protect personnel and assets from potential threats.

Airgility is a designer and manufacturer of unmanned aerial systems, specializing in drones that can operate in confined areas with limited or no global positioning system access. The company's product lineup includes the DS-1 Minotaur, a counter-drone system, and perimeter defense solutions. Airgility's drones are equipped with artificial intelligence, allowing them to provide real-time information that enhances decision-making during critical situations, such as disaster response or inspections. Customer inquiries are managed through various channels, including phone, email, and online applications.

Founded in 2017, Squishy Robotics develops mobile sensing robots designed for disaster rescue, remote monitoring, and space exploration. Their robots, equipped with visual, audio, chemical, biological, radiological, and GPS sensors, can traverse rough environments and be deployed by ground or aerial vehicles to provide situational awareness and assist in victim rescue until human responders arrive.

Rotoye is a technology company focused on multirotor and avionics development and related research. Founded in 2017 and based in Marietta, Georgia, it designs and manufactures battery products for aviation and aerospace applications. The company offers smart chargers and batteries, custom design and consulting services, bespoke connectors and data interfaces, and monitoring systems for current and cell voltages, enabling integrated electric propulsion and power management. It also provides access to its electric product offerings through an online platform for clients pursuing advanced aviation solutions.

Drone Amplified develops a drone-based system called IGNIS for safer and more affordable fire management. It embeds onto drones, carrying chemical spheres that generate flames upon impact, serving landowners, public wildlands, and federal agencies.

Manifold Robotics is a company that specializes in developing innovative drone technology aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency in autonomous navigation. By utilizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) from power lines as a navigational source, the company enables drones to operate within shielded airspace, facilitating automated inspections of utility infrastructure. This capability allows for beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, significantly improving operational efficiency and reducing the costs associated with power line inspections. Manifold Robotics focuses on creating practical solutions that simplify drone operations and enhance their safety, ultimately contributing to advancements in various industries reliant on aerial technology.

Founded in 2017, Resonant Link specializes in developing and manufacturing advanced wireless charging solutions. Utilizing coil technology, their products offer highly efficient power transfer for a wide range of applications, from electric vehicles to medical devices.

Reconstruct offers predictive computer vision data analytics software for construction projects. Its platform manages data collection from drones, fixed cameras, or mobile devices, visualizes images aligned with BIM models, and reports risk locations to enable proactive planning. Founded in 2016, Reconstruct is headquartered in Menlo Park, California.

Aware Vehicles is a Kansas City, Missouri-based company founded in 2017 that specializes in the development of autonomous drones. These drones are engineered to capture and analyze spectral aerial images, utilizing advanced imaging techniques and artificial intelligence. Aware Vehicles' technology serves various industries, including precision agriculture, defense, disaster response, logistics, and infrastructure. By providing precise asset inspection and enhancing emergency response and communication capabilities, the company aims to deliver innovative solutions that address critical needs across multiple sectors.

Founded in 2017, Lunewave specializes in manufacturing Luneburg Lens-based Antenna and Automotive Radar Sensor Systems. Serving sectors such as telecommunications, aerospace/defense, automotive, and specialized research, the company's products are renowned for their robust design, high resolution, and long detection range.

Planck Aerosystems Inc. is an autonomous drone company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2014. The company specializes in developing innovative drone technology, particularly through its Shearwater software, which enhances surveillance and mapping capabilities for various applications, including emergency response and scientific research. Planck Aerosystems integrates artificial intelligence into its systems, enabling drones to operate autonomously from moving vehicles or vessels, both on land and at sea. This advanced vision-based navigation and control technology significantly expands the operational applications of drones across sectors such as security, defense, maritime, and logistics. Planck serves government agencies and industrial maritime operators, providing them with new capabilities to improve efficiency and effectiveness in their operations.

Founded in 2017, Squishy Robotics develops mobile sensing robots designed for disaster rescue, remote monitoring, and space exploration. Their robots, equipped with visual, audio, chemical, biological, radiological, and GPS sensors, can traverse rough environments and be deployed by ground or aerial vehicles to provide situational awareness and assist in victim rescue until human responders arrive.

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.

Advanced Ceramics Manufacturing is a Tucson, Arizona-based producer focused on advanced ceramics and ceramic components. It supplies water-soluble mandrels for hollow composites and seamless structures, high-temperature technical ceramics, and related components for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. The company offers autoclave composites processing, rapid prototyping, and research and development services to help customers design and produce high-strength ceramic parts and composite structures efficiently.

Planck Aerosystems Inc. is an autonomous drone company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2014. The company specializes in developing innovative drone technology, particularly through its Shearwater software, which enhances surveillance and mapping capabilities for various applications, including emergency response and scientific research. Planck Aerosystems integrates artificial intelligence into its systems, enabling drones to operate autonomously from moving vehicles or vessels, both on land and at sea. This advanced vision-based navigation and control technology significantly expands the operational applications of drones across sectors such as security, defense, maritime, and logistics. Planck serves government agencies and industrial maritime operators, providing them with new capabilities to improve efficiency and effectiveness in their operations.

Founded in 2017, Lunewave specializes in manufacturing Luneburg Lens-based Antenna and Automotive Radar Sensor Systems. Serving sectors such as telecommunications, aerospace/defense, automotive, and specialized research, the company's products are renowned for their robust design, high resolution, and long detection range.

Qelzal Corporation, also known as Kelzal, is a technology company specializing in artificial intelligence-driven systems for object and activity recognition. Founded in 2014 and based in La Jolla, California, Qelzal develops advanced products such as the Perception Appliance, which enhances autonomous vehicles and robots with image-free sensing capabilities. The company's innovations focus on obstacle avoidance systems for small commercial drones, ensuring safer and more efficient near-earth flights. By employing brain-inspired engineering and leveraging deep learning and machine learning techniques, Qelzal aims to provide solutions for various industries, including building automation, security, mobile robotics, and autonomous vehicles.

Tarsier Optics develops quantum camera technology and image processing methods to deliver high-resolution, long-range imagery with minimal noise and distortion. Its lightweight lenses are designed for military vehicles, aircraft, and drones, enabling clear long-distance images in challenging conditions such as heat-haze turbulence. By combining advanced hardware and software, the company provides imaging capabilities that improve target clarity for defense applications.

SkySpecs develops unmanned aerial vehicles and integrated software solutions for the wind energy sector, focusing on operations and maintenance. Its offerings include analytics, blade inspection services, engineering projects, and collaborative tools that aggregate and digitize data from multiple sources. The Horizon reporting platform and a central data repository streamline communication with third parties and enable full‑scale repair campaigns. Founded in 2012, the company is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with an additional office in Amsterdam, Netherlands. SkySpecs aims to enhance productivity, efficiency, and returns for renewable energy assets by providing purpose‑built technologies that help customers make informed decisions.

Advanced Ceramics Manufacturing is a Tucson, Arizona-based producer focused on advanced ceramics and ceramic components. It supplies water-soluble mandrels for hollow composites and seamless structures, high-temperature technical ceramics, and related components for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. The company offers autoclave composites processing, rapid prototyping, and research and development services to help customers design and produce high-strength ceramic parts and composite structures efficiently.

Founded in 2011, Near Earth Autonomy develops advanced technologies that enable safe autonomous flight for various ground and aerial vehicles. Their innovations include sensor suites, collision detection systems, and navigation aids, serving clients with applications ranging from small drones to full-size helicopters.

Founded in 2020, LaunchPoint Technologies specializes in developing advanced electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems for the aerospace industry. Headquartered in Goleta, California, the company manufactures power transmission equipment and offers vehicle propulsion solutions designed for various industries.

Advanced Ceramics Manufacturing is a Tucson, Arizona-based producer focused on advanced ceramics and ceramic components. It supplies water-soluble mandrels for hollow composites and seamless structures, high-temperature technical ceramics, and related components for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. The company offers autoclave composites processing, rapid prototyping, and research and development services to help customers design and produce high-strength ceramic parts and composite structures efficiently.

Daylight Solutions, Inc. develops advanced molecular detection and imaging systems tailored for scientific research, life sciences, industrial process control, and defense applications. The company specializes in external cavity quantum cascade laser technology, providing mid-infrared tunable and fixed-wavelength lasers along with various accessories, including amplified MCT detectors. Its product offerings encompass analytical instruments for cancer and stem cell research, cellular profiling, and personalized medicine, as well as sensors for industrial monitoring in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and environmental management. Additionally, Daylight Solutions manufactures tunable lasers for scientific applications and non-invasive medical diagnostics, catering to both military and homeland security markets. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in San Diego, California, the company distributes its products globally, serving clients in multiple countries across Europe and Asia.