Alumni Ventures

ION Storage Systems, LLC specializes in the manufacture of solid-state lithium-ion batteries, targeting industries such as defense, aerospace, consumer electronics, and electric vehicles. Established in 2015 and based in College Park, Maryland, the company focuses on developing batteries that are energy dense and safe for diverse applications. Their innovative solid-state battery technology features a design consisting of two sponges on either side of a thin ceramic separator, utilizing low-cost, non-flammable materials. This approach not only enhances safety but also ensures the batteries are lightweight and compact, making them suitable for various environments and mission-critical needs.

Astro Mechanica is a developer of innovative jet engine technology, specifically the Electric Adaptive Engine. This cutting-edge engine replaces conventional aircraft engines by utilizing electric motors to drive the compressor. This design allows the compressor to operate at variable speeds and adapt to different speeds and combustion cycles. As a result, the Electric Adaptive Engine enables the manufacture of more efficient aircraft with significantly lower fuel consumption, positioning Astro Mechanica as a key player in the evolution of aerospace technology.

Heart Aerospace AB, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, with an additional location in Palo Alto, California, focuses on developing an electric regional airliner aimed at enhancing sustainable transportation for regional travel. The company's flagship aircraft, the ES-19, is designed to accommodate nineteen passengers and boasts an operational range of 400 kilometers. Heart Aerospace seeks to significantly reduce fuel and maintenance costs compared to traditional aircraft while achieving zero operational emissions. The innovative design allows for a low infrastructural footprint, facilitating the use of small airports located near city centers. Heart's objective is to secure certification for the ES-19 for commercial operations by 2026, aligning with its mission to provide affordable and environmentally friendly travel options across the globe.

Starfish Space Inc. specializes in providing on-demand in-space transportation and maintenance services for satellites. The company develops small space tugs equipped with proprietary Proximity Operations Software, which integrates orbital mechanics, machine vision artificial intelligence, and a low-thrust electric propulsion system. This innovative technology allows the tugs to conduct various satellite servicing missions, including life extension, relocation, disposal, and inspection. Founded in 2019 and based in Kent, Washington, Starfish Space aims to support satellite companies by enhancing their operational capabilities in orbit.

Divergent Technologies, Inc. specializes in the development and manufacturing of 3D printed vehicles. Founded in 2014 and based in Los Angeles, California, the company has established a strategic partnership with PSA Group. Divergent has created the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS™), an innovative software-hardware system that enables customers to design, additively manufacture, and automatically assemble complex structures for various applications, including automotive, aerospace, and defense. This system aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the manufacturing process by optimizing designs, reducing material usage, and minimizing upfront capital expenditures. By eliminating traditional tooling requirements, Divergent seeks to drive innovation and sustainability within the vehicle manufacturing sector.

Max Space specializes in the development of inflatable habitats that optimize space utilization in outer space. The company creates inflatable modules that are designed to be larger and more cost-effective than traditional alternatives, making them suitable for commercial space stations and various other applications. These habitats can be enhanced with features such as debris shielding, providing added protection for users. Through its innovative designs, Max Space aims to facilitate extended living and working environments in space, addressing the growing demand for more efficient and versatile space solutions.

Machina Labs is a mechanical and industrial engineering firm focused on automating metal forming and fabrication processes through the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning. The company has developed a manufacturing platform that integrates advanced robotics and AI technologies, enabling the rapid and cost-effective realization of innovative ideas. By creating new methods that simplify machinery requirements, Machina Labs serves a diverse range of sectors, including aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, and defense. This approach allows industries to reduce reliance on costly tooling and setup, streamlining production and enhancing efficiency.

Providing Trust and Transparency to Satellite Operators with Intuitive and Timely Collision Avoidance Warnings and Decision Guidance

Venus Aerospace is a startup aerospace company established in 2020 that specializes in hypersonic transportation. The company is dedicated to engineering solutions that enable one-hour global transport, aiming to connect the world more efficiently and safely. Venus Aerospace focuses on developing rotating detonation rocket engines and high-speed vehicles for various applications, including research, defense, and commercial missions. With a team of experts that includes PhDs, rocket scientists, and engineers, the company addresses significant challenges in aerospace by achieving speeds of up to Mach 9.

Fleet Space Technologies is an Australian space technology company specializing in a constellation of commercial micro-satellites. The company has developed the world's first 3D printed all-metal patch antenna for space, significantly enhancing the throughput of its spacecraft. Fleet Space aims to transform critical mineral discovery, space exploration, and defense by utilizing its satellite-enabled systems and seismic array technology. Their innovative approach facilitates low-cost satellite-based solutions for Industrial Internet of Things applications, enabling clients to effectively explore for critical minerals globally and connect various celestial bodies, including Earth, the Moon, and Mars.

ION Storage Systems, LLC specializes in the manufacture of solid-state lithium-ion batteries, targeting industries such as defense, aerospace, consumer electronics, and electric vehicles. Established in 2015 and based in College Park, Maryland, the company focuses on developing batteries that are energy dense and safe for diverse applications. Their innovative solid-state battery technology features a design consisting of two sponges on either side of a thin ceramic separator, utilizing low-cost, non-flammable materials. This approach not only enhances safety but also ensures the batteries are lightweight and compact, making them suitable for various environments and mission-critical needs.

Team Wildfire specializes in developing innovative solutions for wildfire suppression and environmental protection. The company manufactures advanced jet engine sprays designed to effectively suppress fires, capture embers, defend structures, and enhance the safety of evacuation routes. Through the application of sophisticated engineering, tactics, and chemistries, Team Wildfire addresses a range of environmental challenges, including wildfire management, reforestation efforts, dust control, oil spill remediation, and protection against nuclear and biological threats. By focusing on these critical areas, the company aims to safeguard people, property, and the environment.

Spartan Radar specializes in advanced radar technology that creates high-resolution real-time imagery, utilizing proprietary software algorithms that incorporate machine learning and edge-processing. By mimicking human sensory perception, Spartan's solutions enhance the performance of existing advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) by improving resolution, response time, and range while maintaining low computational demands. The company's expertise in signal processing, developed through years of experience in the aerospace and automotive sectors, enables it to offer cost-effective sensing solutions. Spartan's platform is applicable across various industries, including drone and automotive applications, positioning the company as a leader in innovative radar technology.

Citrine Informatics, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance materials development. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, with an additional office in Pittsburgh, the company operates a platform that aggregates and analyzes extensive datasets related to materials, chemicals, and devices. This platform aims to streamline research and development, manufacturing, and supply chain processes for organizations involved in producing physical products. By employing data science and machine learning, Citrine Informatics accelerates the discovery of new materials and helps identify defects early in the research process, thereby improving product design and development efficiency across various sectors, including energy, aerospace, and electronics.

Divergent Technologies, Inc. specializes in the development and manufacturing of 3D printed vehicles. Founded in 2014 and based in Los Angeles, California, the company has established a strategic partnership with PSA Group. Divergent has created the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS™), an innovative software-hardware system that enables customers to design, additively manufacture, and automatically assemble complex structures for various applications, including automotive, aerospace, and defense. This system aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the manufacturing process by optimizing designs, reducing material usage, and minimizing upfront capital expenditures. By eliminating traditional tooling requirements, Divergent seeks to drive innovation and sustainability within the vehicle manufacturing sector.

Vertiq specializes in high-performance propulsion solutions for aerial vehicles and mobile robots. The company designs ultra-compact, integrated motors and electronic speed controllers (ESC) that feature embedded position sensors. These innovations, combined with advanced motor calibration and control software, provide vehicles with significant performance enhancements, such as extended flight times, improved maneuverability, and increased reliability. By optimizing motor performance and controllability, Vertiq enables its clients to elevate the capabilities of their vehicles, making them suitable for a range of applications in various industries.

Impulse Space is an in-space transportation company founded by Tom Mueller, focused on expanding access beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) through its innovative fleet of transportation vehicles. The company operates the Mira vehicle, which utilizes a nontoxic, high-impulse chemical propulsion system to provide services such as orbital transport, constellation deployment, and precision reentry for clients across various orbits. Additionally, the Helios vehicle, equipped with the powerful Deneb engine, facilitates payload deliveries to orbits beyond LEO, including medium Earth orbit (MEO), geostationary orbit (GEO), and even lunar and other planetary orbits. With a team that has a proven track record in developing some of the most reliable rockets, Impulse Space aims to offer economical and efficient transportation solutions for space payloads, enabling clients to manage costs while achieving rapid operational improvements.

Xplore Inc is a company that specializes in developing space aircraft and offering space as a service. Founded in 2017 and based in Mercer Island, Washington, Xplore provides a range of services including mission planning, spacecraft engineering, flight financing, payload insurance, communications, data management, and spacecraft operations. The company caters to both government agencies and commercial space enterprises, engaging in missions that span the moon, earth, Venus, Mars, asteroids, and custom expeditions. Xplore's satellite constellation is equipped with remote sensing instruments such as optical, video, and hyperspectral sensors, which generate valuable data and insights for clients. Furthermore, Xplore's edge computing capabilities facilitate the creation of data fusion products, allowing for on-orbit insights and reducing latency and data transmission costs.

ION Storage Systems, LLC specializes in the manufacture of solid-state lithium-ion batteries, targeting industries such as defense, aerospace, consumer electronics, and electric vehicles. Established in 2015 and based in College Park, Maryland, the company focuses on developing batteries that are energy dense and safe for diverse applications. Their innovative solid-state battery technology features a design consisting of two sponges on either side of a thin ceramic separator, utilizing low-cost, non-flammable materials. This approach not only enhances safety but also ensures the batteries are lightweight and compact, making them suitable for various environments and mission-critical needs.

Fleet Space Technologies is an Australian space technology company specializing in a constellation of commercial micro-satellites. The company has developed the world's first 3D printed all-metal patch antenna for space, significantly enhancing the throughput of its spacecraft. Fleet Space aims to transform critical mineral discovery, space exploration, and defense by utilizing its satellite-enabled systems and seismic array technology. Their innovative approach facilitates low-cost satellite-based solutions for Industrial Internet of Things applications, enabling clients to effectively explore for critical minerals globally and connect various celestial bodies, including Earth, the Moon, and Mars.

Slingshot Aerospace, Inc. specializes in developing online tools and platforms that provide geospatial information tailored for the aerospace and defense sectors. The company's offerings include Slingshot Earth, Slingshot Orbital, Slingshot Edge, and Slingshot Imagery, which integrate data streams from satellites, airplanes, drones, and ground-based sensors to deliver actionable insights for various industries, including energy, insurance, military, and emergency management. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in El Segundo, California, with an additional office in Austin, Texas, Slingshot Aerospace aims to enhance mission success for government and commercial space organizations by offering space simulation and analytics solutions. These tools help operators design, manage, and secure their assets while mitigating risks to facilitate safe and reliable operations in complex environments.

Hedron is focused on developing a network of data relay satellites that facilitate real-time communication between Earth and space. Their modular and scalable system employs a hybrid RF-optical communication approach, providing connectivity for low-Earth orbit satellites. Hedron's imaging satellites generate valuable data that address critical global challenges, including food and water security, climate change monitoring, and disaster mitigation. By offering a series of data relay nodes, the company enables clients to optimize the global economy and enhance understanding of the planet, paving the way for innovation and improved insights in various sectors.

ANRA Technologies, LLC specializes in developing a comprehensive cloud-based drone operations platform that aids commercial entities in managing and launching drone activities. The platform includes features such as real-time flight planning, automated notifications and authorizations, autonomous execution, tracking, and remote command and control. It also facilitates real-time data streaming and analytics, integrating actionable insights back into enterprise systems. Additionally, ANRA offers a UTM platform for unmanned operations and a mobile application that allows drone pilots to secure approvals for operations in controlled airspace. Founded in 2014 and based in Tysons, Virginia, the company also provides consulting services related to Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and the integration of drone operations.

SHINE Technologies specializes in the production of medical isotopes and the development of fusion technology. Its proprietary processes create essential isotopes such as molybdenum-99 and non-carrier-added lutetium-177, which are vital for diagnosing and treating serious health conditions, including heart disease and various forms of cancer. SHINE serves multiple sectors, including healthcare, aerospace, defense, and energy, providing safe and environmentally friendly solutions for industrial inspections and medical applications. The company is also focused on advancing its fusion technology to address energy challenges, including the recycling of nuclear waste. Through a phased and purpose-driven approach, SHINE aims to generate clean, abundant fusion energy, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future.

ARRIS specializes in additive molding technology for creating advanced performance composites tailored for mass-market applications such as aerospace, automotive, and consumer products. The company’s innovative manufacturing process focuses on the precise alignment of continuous carbon fibers, allowing for the integration of electronic components and multifunctional materials into a single, topologically optimized part. This technology enables clients to leverage high-performance composites, enhancing the capabilities and efficiency of their products while meeting the demands of modern manufacturing.

Formlogic is a provider of autonomous manufacturing technology focused on delivering precision components for the space and frontier industries. The company aims to revolutionize part production by addressing issues within the domestic supply chain. Its advanced technology enhances the capabilities of workers, allowing novices to achieve expert-level tolerances while increasing productivity for experienced operators. Formlogic offers rapid turnaround times, with production orders completed in weeks, and provides real-time order status updates. This approach enables industries to obtain custom machined components with close tolerances at scale, improving overall efficiency and customer experience.

Citrine Informatics, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance materials development. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, with an additional office in Pittsburgh, the company operates a platform that aggregates and analyzes extensive datasets related to materials, chemicals, and devices. This platform aims to streamline research and development, manufacturing, and supply chain processes for organizations involved in producing physical products. By employing data science and machine learning, Citrine Informatics accelerates the discovery of new materials and helps identify defects early in the research process, thereby improving product design and development efficiency across various sectors, including energy, aerospace, and electronics.

Ayar Labs, Inc. specializes in the development of optical interconnect technology, focusing on high-density electronic-photonic chiplets and lasers designed to enhance data transmission capabilities. Its flagship product, TeraPHY, is a monolithic in-package optical I/O solution that enables high bandwidth, low latency, and power-efficient short-reach interconnects, making it suitable for applications in artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, cloud computing, telecommunications, and aerospace. The company's innovative approach leverages industry-standard silicon processing techniques to create optical interconnect chiplets that replace traditional electrical-based I/O, addressing performance and efficiency challenges in the semiconductor and computing industries. By optimizing data movement within AI systems, Ayar Labs aims to alleviate compute and bandwidth bottlenecks associated with complex large language models, thereby maximizing computational efficiency while minimizing costs and power consumption. Established in 2015 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, Ayar Labs also has an office in Santa Clara, California.

Ursa Major Technologies specializes in developing advanced propulsion solutions tailored for the microsatellite and nanosatellite launch market. Founded in 2015 and based in Berthoud, Colorado, the company focuses on creating high-performance propulsion engines that utilize a combustion system powered by liquid oxygen and kerosene. By employing innovative manufacturing techniques, over 80% of its engines are produced using additively manufactured components crafted from proprietary materials. Ursa Major aims to provide aerospace clients with reliable, cost-effective engines that enhance boost propulsion capabilities for various vehicles within the microsatellite category, as well as for hypersonic applications.

SHINE Technologies specializes in the production of medical isotopes and the development of fusion technology. Its proprietary processes create essential isotopes such as molybdenum-99 and non-carrier-added lutetium-177, which are vital for diagnosing and treating serious health conditions, including heart disease and various forms of cancer. SHINE serves multiple sectors, including healthcare, aerospace, defense, and energy, providing safe and environmentally friendly solutions for industrial inspections and medical applications. The company is also focused on advancing its fusion technology to address energy challenges, including the recycling of nuclear waste. Through a phased and purpose-driven approach, SHINE aims to generate clean, abundant fusion energy, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future.

ARRIS specializes in additive molding technology for creating advanced performance composites tailored for mass-market applications such as aerospace, automotive, and consumer products. The company’s innovative manufacturing process focuses on the precise alignment of continuous carbon fibers, allowing for the integration of electronic components and multifunctional materials into a single, topologically optimized part. This technology enables clients to leverage high-performance composites, enhancing the capabilities and efficiency of their products while meeting the demands of modern manufacturing.

Forager is a venture-backed innovator in the cross-border logistics industry. With a combination of cutting-edge technology and decades of industry experience, the company tackles the problems cross-border shippers are facing with technology-focused solutions and years of logistics experience. It also delivers seamless and modern transportation solutions for its customers. The company also features an easy-to-use web-based transportation management platform to bring a higher level of service to the industry. Forager was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

ARRIS specializes in additive molding technology for creating advanced performance composites tailored for mass-market applications such as aerospace, automotive, and consumer products. The company’s innovative manufacturing process focuses on the precise alignment of continuous carbon fibers, allowing for the integration of electronic components and multifunctional materials into a single, topologically optimized part. This technology enables clients to leverage high-performance composites, enhancing the capabilities and efficiency of their products while meeting the demands of modern manufacturing.

ANRA Technologies, LLC specializes in developing a comprehensive cloud-based drone operations platform that aids commercial entities in managing and launching drone activities. The platform includes features such as real-time flight planning, automated notifications and authorizations, autonomous execution, tracking, and remote command and control. It also facilitates real-time data streaming and analytics, integrating actionable insights back into enterprise systems. Additionally, ANRA offers a UTM platform for unmanned operations and a mobile application that allows drone pilots to secure approvals for operations in controlled airspace. Founded in 2014 and based in Tysons, Virginia, the company also provides consulting services related to Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and the integration of drone operations.

FØCAL launched from DARPA-funded research and work with recognized leaders like Lockheed Martin. With roots in advanced research programs at MIT and Boston University, the FØCAL team brings the experience necessary to finally fix the CV application development process for a wide range of customers, from startups to the Global Fortune 500.

Phase Four LLC is a manufacturer of satellite propulsion systems based in Pasadena, California, founded in 2015. The company specializes in electric propulsion for small satellites, offering innovative products such as the CubeSats ambipolar thruster and the Maxwell plasma propulsion solution. Its core technology, the Radio Frequency Thruster (RFT), distinguishes itself by eliminating the need for a hollow cathode and high voltage electronics, resulting in significant cost savings, reduced size of power electronics, and compatibility with various propellants. Phase Four's propulsion systems are designed to be small and lightweight, featuring a patented magnetic nozzle to optimize thrust, allowing clients to effectively maneuver satellites into various orbits while minimizing operational costs. The company's products are utilized across commercial, civil, and scientific space missions, reflecting its commitment to advancing the capabilities of space exploration.

SHINE Technologies specializes in the production of medical isotopes and the development of fusion technology. Its proprietary processes create essential isotopes such as molybdenum-99 and non-carrier-added lutetium-177, which are vital for diagnosing and treating serious health conditions, including heart disease and various forms of cancer. SHINE serves multiple sectors, including healthcare, aerospace, defense, and energy, providing safe and environmentally friendly solutions for industrial inspections and medical applications. The company is also focused on advancing its fusion technology to address energy challenges, including the recycling of nuclear waste. Through a phased and purpose-driven approach, SHINE aims to generate clean, abundant fusion energy, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future.

Divergent Technologies, Inc. specializes in the development and manufacturing of 3D printed vehicles. Founded in 2014 and based in Los Angeles, California, the company has established a strategic partnership with PSA Group. Divergent has created the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS™), an innovative software-hardware system that enables customers to design, additively manufacture, and automatically assemble complex structures for various applications, including automotive, aerospace, and defense. This system aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the manufacturing process by optimizing designs, reducing material usage, and minimizing upfront capital expenditures. By eliminating traditional tooling requirements, Divergent seeks to drive innovation and sustainability within the vehicle manufacturing sector.

PRENAV was founded in October 2013 with a goal of solving autonomous flight in complex environments. Since then, they’ve assembled one of the top robotics teams in the world, with experts in computer vision, mechanical engineering, aeronautics, embedded systems, and software. In their short history, they’ve taken their technology to large industrial sites, inspected wind turbines, designed playful light shows, filmed music videos, and traveled around the world for their customers. And they’re only just getting started. At PRENAV, they’re solving fundamental challenges in robotics around localization, materials, planning, and computer vision in order to build autonomous systems that are ready for the real world.

Hedron is focused on developing a network of data relay satellites that facilitate real-time communication between Earth and space. Their modular and scalable system employs a hybrid RF-optical communication approach, providing connectivity for low-Earth orbit satellites. Hedron's imaging satellites generate valuable data that address critical global challenges, including food and water security, climate change monitoring, and disaster mitigation. By offering a series of data relay nodes, the company enables clients to optimize the global economy and enhance understanding of the planet, paving the way for innovation and improved insights in various sectors.

Phase Four LLC is a manufacturer of satellite propulsion systems based in Pasadena, California, founded in 2015. The company specializes in electric propulsion for small satellites, offering innovative products such as the CubeSats ambipolar thruster and the Maxwell plasma propulsion solution. Its core technology, the Radio Frequency Thruster (RFT), distinguishes itself by eliminating the need for a hollow cathode and high voltage electronics, resulting in significant cost savings, reduced size of power electronics, and compatibility with various propellants. Phase Four's propulsion systems are designed to be small and lightweight, featuring a patented magnetic nozzle to optimize thrust, allowing clients to effectively maneuver satellites into various orbits while minimizing operational costs. The company's products are utilized across commercial, civil, and scientific space missions, reflecting its commitment to advancing the capabilities of space exploration.