Deep Tech Startups

Kraken Robotics develops subsea imaging sensors, software, and integrated systems for defence, offshore energy, and ocean science applications. The company provides sonar, navigation, positioning, imaging, power, communications, and data analytics solutions for underwater intelligence gathering.

1 investor

Kreios Space develops satellite technology designed to operate in Very Low Earth Orbit (200km), enabling sustained operations for higher-resolution Earth observation, improved satellite communications, and more responsive missions. The company uses ABEP-based satellite design to allow satellites to fly lower, longer, and more efficiently than conventional satellites.

1 investor

Kremenak NanoTech (KNT) is a deep tech startup that develops patented and patent-pending nanoengineered material platform technologies and products, including Shredder, which uses material science to prevent microbial spoilage in commercial beverage production. Its R&D laboratory operates out of the University of Missouri Life Science Business Incubator.

1 investor

Kriya Materials develops nanoparticle-based coating systems and dispersions for optical applications, covering functions such as anti-reflection, anti-static, anti-fouling and hardcoats. It serves manufacturers across industries including consumer electronics, automotive, solar and photonics, controlling the value chain from nanoparticle synthesis to finished coatings.

1 investor

KSM Vision develops AI-powered automated optical quality control systems for manufacturing, using neural networks to replace manual inspection and detect defects with higher accuracy. The company serves manufacturers in FMCG, pharmaceutical, timber, and construction industries.

1 investor

Kunin is a US-based vertically integrated ion-exchange technology company that manufactures ion-exchange resins, develops metal recovery processes, and builds co-product plants at operating mines, smelters, and refineries. It focuses on recovering critical and by-product metals (including rare earths) from low-concentration, high-impurity feedstocks to build domestic US critical mineral supply.

1 investor

Kunstig Aero is building an air traffic control (ATC) system for aviation, developed by a team combining aviation and software backgrounds. The company focuses on ATC technology within the aerospace sector.

1 investor

Kunumi is an artificial intelligence company that develops AI-based solutions and applies machine learning to enhance products and environments.

1 investor

Kvantify develops software that runs on both quantum computers and classical computing architectures (CPU/GPU) to solve chemistry and biology problems for molecular and drug discovery. Its algorithms distribute calculations across quantum and classical compute resources in high-performance computing environments to accelerate the discovery of disease-curing molecules.

1 investor

KWI Polymers produces nano-additives and polymer modification solutions for manufacturers, enabling weight reduction and performance enhancement in commodity and engineering polymers used in automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications. The company specializes in nano-additive dispersion, recycled polymer regrind, colorants, and compatibilizer agents.

1 investor

Kyber builds real-time infrastructure that synchronizes video, audio, control inputs, and telemetry with single-digit millisecond latency to enable remote operation of machines and robots. The technology serves applications ranging from surgical robots and drone fleets to autonomous systems and remote desktops.

1 investor

Kyber builds real-time control infrastructure that reduces network latency to single-digit milliseconds, enabling operators to remotely control robots, drones, and autonomous systems with minimal delay. The platform synchronizes video, audio, control inputs, and telemetry for applications ranging from surgical robotics to warehouse operations across multiple industries.

1 investor

KY Innovation administers state-backed funding and matching programs to support early-stage companies and research commercialization, including the Kentucky Enterprise Fund, SBIR/STTR grant assistance, and the KYNETIC program for academic innovations. The organization helps startups secure non-dilutive capital and federal research funding to accelerate technology development and commercialization.

1 investor

Kymera International manufactures specialty materials and surface technologies, including metal powders, alloys, and advanced coatings, serving industrial customers across aerospace, automotive, electronics, and other sectors globally.

1 investor

Kynexis is a clinical-stage biotech developing KYN-5356, an oral small-molecule KAT-II inhibitor targeting the kynurenine pathway to improve cognition in neurological diseases. Its lead program is in a Phase 2 trial for cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia (CIAS), with expansion planned into Alzheimer's disease.

1 investor

Lab 91 develops semiconductor processes and devices based on 2D materials such as MoS2. It focuses on advancing the semiconductor industry's adoption of 2D materials.

1 investor

LabAdvance provides microfluidic systems, pumps, controllers, and chips for building laboratory processes. The company serves researchers and labs developing microfluidic applications.

1 investor

Labbot provides tools designed to help scientists with research and experimental work. The company serves researchers and scientific pioneers working to advance knowledge and improve the world.

1 investor

Labforge offers a 3D tracking and positioning system using AI-powered smart cameras to detect and monitor multiple objects in real-time without markers or tags, displaying results on an interactive geospatial map for situational awareness in critical operations.

1 investor

Labric builds data infrastructure for scientific research labs, automatically capturing instrument data, organizing it into custom databases, and enabling workflow automation and natural language analysis. It targets corporate R&D teams and research facilities that need clean, structured, AI-ready experimental data.

1 investor

Labstep provides an electronic lab notebook and research data management platform for scientific and laboratory teams. The company operates in the biotech/research software space.

1 investor

Lactiga is a biotechnology company developing mucosal antibody therapies based on secretory IgA antibodies derived from human breastmilk. Its platform targets conditions such as chronic respiratory disorders, gut inflammation, and immune deficiencies through mucosal immunotherapy.

1 investor

Ladder Bio (formerly ThirdLaw Molecular) develops Spiroligomer molecules, a class of synthetic, modular fused-ring compounds designed for highly selective binding to target proteins, along with computational design tools for targeted drug discovery. The platform is aimed at creating therapeutics and diagnostic tests as synthetic alternatives to peptides and antibodies.

1 investor

Lakeshore Systems provides engineering analysis, design, and documentation services including systems engineering, mechanical and electrical design, finite element analysis, and software development for technical systems. The company serves customers requiring complex system design, reliability analysis, and lifecycle support across multiple engineering disciplines.

1 investor