Defense Tech Startups

EraDrive builds an AI-native software and hardware platform for spacecraft autonomy, covering space traffic management, on-orbit logistics, and space situational awareness. Its modular products handle deep learning perception, trajectory optimization, and autonomous collision avoidance for satellite operators and defense partners.

3 investors

Extellis is developing satellite technology to deliver high-resolution (1 m) Earth imagery at industrial scale for remote monitoring applications. It offers spaceborne insights to customers through an early adopters program ahead of its pathfinder launch.

3 investors

Fuse Energy develops fusion energy technology, with work spanning hardened electronics and radiation testing (HEART) and recycling of radioactive waste, aiming to provide an on-demand clean energy source. It brings together a team across engineering, fusion science, energy policy, and manufacturing.

3 investors

FLAIM creates immersive mixed-reality training systems for first responders, defense teams, and high-risk industry workers to prepare for emergencies and life-threatening situations. The platform includes Capture, a learning analytics tool that records performance data and competency metrics to inform organizational training strategy.

3 investors

Flyby Robotics builds the F-11 Series of US-made drones with onboard NVIDIA Jetson compute, an open GPU, and ArduPilot flight controller, aimed at both operators running ISR, photogrammetry, and mapping missions and developers deploying custom on-edge AI applications. The platform offers NDAA-compliant options, RTK GPS geotagging, EW-resistant C2 links, and support for pre-integrated or custom payloads.

3 investors

FoundryLab operates automated foundries that produce metal cast parts directly from CAD files using 3D-printed ceramic molds, delivering production-grade parts in 72 hours without hard tooling or minimum order quantities. It serves defense, aerospace, automotive, and other critical industries through its on-demand metal casting service, FoundryLab Direct.

3 investors

Gambit builds an adaptive intelligence software platform for autonomous systems that enables teams to deploy and evolve autonomous behaviors across multiple hardware platforms. The system supports real-time multi-robot control and coordination for defense, aerospace, and infrastructure applications.

3 investors

General Sense provides multi-threat detection technology that identifies explosives, narcotics, and emerging chemical threats simultaneously without specialized teams. It targets security operations including border control, port authorities, and event security.

3 investors

Gilmour Space is an Australian space technology company developing an integrated launch capability, including its Eris launch vehicles, ElaraSat satellite platform, and a licensed spaceport in North Queensland. It provides access to orbit for commercial, government, and defence customers.

3 investors

HALO develops automatic X-ray diffraction screening technology and systems that operate alongside primary X-ray screening or within an open-architecture networked environment. It targets aviation, customs, and border security applications, aiming to lower false alarm rates for passenger checkpoints, checked baggage, and postal/parcel screening.

3 investors

Helix Geospace develops patented helical GNSS antennas (Dielectrix) and anti-jamming CRPx technology for resilient Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) applications. Its products serve safety- and mission-critical uses such as aviation, maritime, military, and infrastructure, offering interference-resistant satellite and terrestrial data communications.

3 investors

Infinite Composites designs, manufactures and analyzes composite pressure vessels for aerospace, aviation, defense, bulk gas transport and vehicular transportation applications. The products enable efficient storage and transport of pressurized liquids and gases while maximizing payload capacity and minimizing transportation costs.

3 investors

Invary provides runtime integrity verification for AI systems using continuous remote attestation technology. The platform detects unauthorized system modifications and ensures the trustworthiness of AI models, applications, and security tools deployed in mission-critical environments.

3 investors

Istari Digital provides an agentic engineering platform that connects tools, teams, and environments to coordinate, validate, and certify complex mission-critical systems across distributed and classified engineering environments. It serves organizations in air, sea, space, energy, and transportation sectors, aiming to shorten validation cycles while maintaining security and control over sensitive data.

3 investors

Jaia Robotics builds ultraportable aquatic drones (JaiaBots) that can be deployed in coordinated "pods" to collect aquatic data across wide areas. The system serves defense, environmental monitoring, research, offshore renewables, aquaculture, and academic users.

3 investors

Knightscope develops autonomous security robots and related technology for physical security and public safety applications. The company is a US-based provider of robotic surveillance and detection systems.

3 investors

Larx builds a decision intelligence platform, offered via an API and a natural language interface, with edge-ready deployment options. The company focuses on AI-driven decision intelligence software.

3 investors

Long Wall develops missile defense systems, including its Cyclops, RSX, and Ironwood products, building on prior R&D to deliver defense technology for government and military customers. The company designs, builds, and operates these systems with engineering, quality, licensing, and flight operations capabilities.

3 investors

Lookup Space is a space company whose team page lists its leadership across operations, engineering, product, and commercial functions. The page does not describe the specific product or service offered.

3 investors

Lux Semiconductors develops metal core substrates for defense and aerospace electronics that provide enhanced thermal management and high-speed signal routing for applications including aircraft, space assets, and terrestrial vehicles.

3 investors

MAG Aerospace is a U.S. Government prime contractor providing program management and systems engineering services to manage large, complex Department of Defense systems development and deployment contracts.

3 investors

MatrixSpace builds AI-enabled radar and multi-sensor counter-drone (C-UAS) detection systems that fuse radar, optical, and remote ID data with an edge-to-cloud platform to detect, classify, and track drones. It serves commercial enterprises, public agencies, and military partners for airspace monitoring and public safety.

3 investors

Merlin develops autonomy software for crewed and uncrewed aircraft for military and civil applications. The AI-powered software platform is aircraft-agnostic and designed for legacy and next-generation airborne systems, with operational use demonstrated through hundreds of autonomous flight hours.

3 investors

mirSense develops quantum cascade laser (QCL) technologies and gas-sensing products, including distributed feedback QCLs, compact OEM multigas analysers, and high-power ITAR-free laser systems. Its solutions serve industrial and environmental monitoring (chemical plants, oil & gas, air quality) as well as defense and security customers.

3 investors