Exciting News from StarCube, Fundings: Advanced Aircraft Company, OnSecurity, United Fiber & Data
12 June 2024 - A Weekly Publication by New North Ventures
We are thrilled to announce that StarCube, developer of the world’s first nuclear microreactor for critical infrastructure and crisis response, has been selected for the 2024 National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) Vector program.
The NSIN Vector program, which chose 20 early-stage companies from 170 applicants, will help these ventures develop commercial innovations for the Department of Defense (DoD) in areas such as advanced sensing, communications, and data sharing.
Over the course of 10 weeks, participants will work with DoD partners to learn about raising capital, federal procurement, and scaling solutions. This will accelerate StarCube’s development of their innovative microreactor that is minimal in size and optimized for off-grid applications like remote communities, military bases, and disaster relief.
The program includes a showcase event where participants present their achievements and compete for $50,000 in prizes. We are incredibly proud of StarCube for making it into this prestigious program!
This Is what Russian Propaganda Looks Like in 2024
Russian propaganda is intensifying in the lead-up to the 2024 elections. Using tactics like deepfake videos, sham news sites, and phony social media accounts, Russia aims to erode support for Ukraine, discredit democratic institutions, and exploit political divides.
This includes a deepfake video of a State Department official, fabricated to suggest U.S. support for Ukrainian strikes on a Russian city. The Kremlin’s strategy involves a vast multimedia influence apparatus to spread misleading narratives, leveraging new artificial intelligence tools to enhance their reach and impact.
Reports reveal that Russian influence efforts have increasingly harnessed AI to create and disseminate propaganda, complicating efforts to counteract these campaigns. While many identified operations have not reached large audiences, these efforts' sheer volume and repetitive nature aim to exploit and exacerbate existing political tensions.
Researchers caution against viewing Russia as an omnipotent manipulator but acknowledge its significant resources and willingness to experiment with various disinformation tactics to sway public opinion and democratic processes.
This Genius ‘Vampire Drone’ Is Designed to Fly Forever
Engineers at the University of Southern Denmark have created a groundbreaking technology that allows drones to fly indefinitely by recharging from power lines. This system employs a docking mechanism, sensors, and an artificial intelligence system enabling the drone to identify and connect to high-voltage cables, drawing electricity autonomously.
By using power lines as a recharging source, the drones can operate without human intervention, addressing the significant limitation of short battery life that previously hindered their autonomy. To achieve this, researchers designed a method for drones to safely interact with power lines, incorporating grippers to secure the drone and an inductive coupling system to charge the batteries without direct electrical contact. Tests have shown the system's effectiveness, allowing drones to perform multiple recharges and extend flight time significantly.
Future steps include optimizing the system's durability for adverse weather conditions and ensuring public safety. This technology holds enormous potential, with applications ranging from cost-effective infrastructure monitoring to emergency response. Here at New North Ventures, we are interested to see how this technology can be applied to dual-use spaces.
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Founded: 2017
Key People: CEO Paul Allen
Elevator Pitch: Long-endurance tilt-wing uncrewed aircraft system designed for military and defense applications.
Funding: The company raised $500,000 of venture funding in the form of convertible debt from undisclosed investors on June 10, 2024.
Founded: 2018
Key People: CEO Conor O'Neill
Elevator Pitch: A network security platform intended to provide pen-testing and vulnerability management to organizations.
Funding: The company raised GBP 5.5 million of Series A venture funding from Gresham House on June 10, 2024.
Founded: 2009
Key People: CEO William Hynes
Elevator Pitch: Fiber networking and broadband services intended to provide secure and scalable fiber networks.
Funding: The company entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Lightpath, via its financial sponsor Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners, through an LBO on June 10, 2023 for an undisclosed amount.
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.
