AI, Space, and Security: Tech Innovations Paving the Way Forward, Fundings: Heeler, Exum, Saronic Technologies
24 July 2024 - A Weekly Publication by New North Ventures
HawkEye 360: HawkEye 360 has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II contract by AFWERX to provide RFGeo® and RFIQ™ data solutions, addressing key challenges for the Department of the Air Force (DAF). This contract is part of the DAF's efforts to accelerate innovation through the streamlined SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, which aim to broaden the range of funded innovations and reduce bureaucratic barriers. HawkEye 360’s space-based radio frequency (RF) technology will enhance national defense by detecting, characterizing, and geolocating RF signals to identify suspicious activities and potential threats.
Reality Defender: Reality Defender has partnered with ElevenLabs to enhance its capabilities in identifying synthetic voices. This collaboration aims to leverage ElevenLabs' deepfake detection models to combat audio deepfake threats, protecting governments and international organizations from disinformation and fraud. Reality Defender's CEO, Ben Colman, noted that ElevenLabs' technology would significantly enhance their audio detection tools, keeping them ahead of potential threats from bad actors.
Hubble Network: Hubble Network is expanding the use of Bluetooth technology to enable low-cost Internet of Things (IoT) connections from space. Hubble Network has recently demonstrated a successful Bluetooth connection from space, aiming to build a satellite network that allows standard Bluetooth chips to connect globally. This innovation is set to revolutionize consumer and industrial applications by providing expanded, affordable IoT connectivity.
China’s Government Censorship Restricts Gen-AI to Enforce Socialist Core Values
China's efforts to surpass the United States in generative artificial intelligence (AI) face significant challenges due to the government's stringent controls over political speech. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) mandates extensive testing and reviews of AI models to ensure alignment with "core socialist values," requiring companies to filter out politically sensitive content and questions that could challenge state authority.
As a result, Chinese AI companies must invest significant resources in making their models politically compliant, diverting attention from enhancing technological performance. This censorship slows development, as the unpredictability of generative AI requires complex safeguards against prohibited content.
While China's previous AI advancements in image recognition supported state surveillance, current regulations on generative AI content aim to maintain strict control but also inhibit the rapid progress of AI technologies in the country.
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Founded: 2023
Key People: CEO Christopher Hertz
Elevator Pitch: A shared operating platform designed to improve application protection by delivering real-time security.
Funding: The company raised $8.5 million of seed funding in a deal led by Norwest Venture Partners on July 22, 2024.
Founded: 2016
Key People: CEO Jeffrey Williams
Elevator Pitch: Scientific instruments and software ecosystems intended to increase the speed of development and discovery.
Funding: The company raised $11.84 million of venture funding from undisclosed investors on July 19, 2024.
Founded: 2022
Key People: CEO Dino Mavrookas
Elevator Pitch: Unmanned surface vehicles intended to enhance maritime security and domain awareness
Funding: The company raised $175 million of Series B venture funding in a deal led by Andreessen Horowitz on July 19, 2024, putting the company's pre-money valuation at $825 million.
Look for a new episode of Securing the Future Podcasts wherever you listen. In our most recent episode, general partner Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with Jack Conway, a representative at the British Consulate in Boston for the Department for Business and Trade, to discuss the significance of promoting trade and investment in clean tech, deep tech, and defense sectors between the US and the UK.