Engineering the Future, Another Win For Hubble Network, Fundings: Active Surfaces, Infinate Orbits, Mi Terro
Engineering the Future, Another Win For Hubble Network, Fundings: Active Surfaces, Infinate Orbits, Mi Terro
15 May 2024 - A Weekly Publication by New North Ventures
Hubble Network has partnered strategically with Life360. Through this collaboration, Hubble's global satellite infrastructure and Life360's extensive network of over 66 million smartphones will be used to launch "Find with Life360," a revolutionary global location-tracking network.
This innovative technology connects Bluetooth devices to a satellite tracking system, overcoming previous limitations of Bluetooth location-tracking devices. "Find with Life360" is set to redefine the landscape of location tracking, with the potential to surpass the network capabilities of both Apple and Google, thanks to Hubble’s groundbreaking technology.
HawkEye 360 - Vessel Identification Overview. We are excited to announce HawkEye 360's groundbreaking Vessel Identification analytics, delivering unprecedented transparency in the maritime domain. This latest enhancement to their RFGeo product utilizes cutting-edge RF and machine learning technologies to detect, identify, and track maritime vessels equipped with commercial radar systems. This advanced tool significantly boosts situational awareness and security, providing reliable vessel tracking even in challenging scenarios where AIS data may be incomplete or manipulated. Dive into the video to see how they are revolutionizing maritime security. Find out more here.
Beyond Comprehension: Why Finland Is Planning 100,000 Years into the Future
On the tiny island of Olkiluoto, off Finland's Baltic Sea coast, a remarkable feat of engineering occurs. Finland has activated its first new nuclear reactor in 15 years, generating 1.6 gigawatts of power, sufficient for over 750,000 households. This is Finland's fifth reactor, and it took over 17 years to complete.
Nearby, the world's first deep geological repository for high-level nuclear waste, Onkalo, is set to begin operations, storing spent fuel rods 450 meters underground in bedrock to safely contain the waste for 100,000 years. This project reflects a plan conceived in 1994, emphasizing that the generation benefiting from nuclear power is responsible for its safe disposal.
Despite the daunting timelines and engineering challenges, Finland remains committed to nuclear energy as a key part of its strategy to meet ambitious climate targets. It aims for a net-zero economy by 2035. Nuclear power and wind and solar are central to Finland's plan to double its electricity production to support green export industries.
While Finland's newest reactor has faced significant delays and cost overruns, public support for nuclear energy remains strong. The government and experts argue that nuclear power is essential for reducing emissions and achieving energy independence, especially in the context of severing energy ties with Russia.
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Founded: 2022
Key People: CTO Richard Swartwout Ph.D
Elevator Pitch: Flexible solar technology designed for dual land-use next-generation deployment.
Funding: On an undisclosed date, the company joined Third Derivative as part of its Cohort 24-1. On May 13, 2024, it raised $5.6 million of seed funding from Lendlease, New Climate Ventures, and SeaX Ventures, putting its pre-money valuation at $8.4 million.
Founded: 2017
Key People: CEO Adel Haddoud
Elevator Pitch: A satellite maintenance platform intended to extend the operational lifetime of in-orbit GEO telecommunication satellites.
Funding: The company raised EUR 12 million of venture funding in a deal led by Newfund Management on May 13, 2024.
Founded: 2018
Key People: CEO Robert Luo
Elevator Pitch: Synthetic biology materials intended to create eco-friendly and advanced products from plant-based waste.
Funding: The company joined PepsiCo Greenhouse Collaborative Accelerator as a part of its APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program 2024 on May 13, 2024 and received $20,000 in funding in the form of a grant.
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 Brian Streem, the maverick CEO of Vermeer, for an enlightened conversation about defense procurement, drones, and innovation.