This Week in Startups

TWiST News: Underwater Drones, Robot Swarms, and Klarna's Going Public | E2043

Nov 14, 2024

01:14:35

Snipd AI

Nelson Mills, co-founder of VATN Systems, discusses breakthroughs in underwater drone technology designed for both defense and commercial applications. He elaborates on the agility and cost-efficiency of these drones compared to traditional military technologies. The conversation shifts to geopolitical challenges, particularly concerning China's maritime ambitions and the U.S. response. Mills explains the complexities of underwater drone communication and the innovative solutions being developed to enhance their operational capabilities.

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The development of portable underwater drones enhances military and environmental monitoring missions through lightweight designs and modular payload capabilities.

Significant cost reductions in underwater drone technology enable broader adoption in military and commercial sectors amidst a growing investment interest.

Advancements in autonomous systems and swarming technologies are poised to reshape future military strategies by optimizing operational efficiency and reducing personnel risk.

Deep dives

Innovative Underwater Drone Technology

The episode discusses the development of portable underwater drones that are modular and lightweight, allowing them to be easily deployed in various environments. These drones are capable of carrying diverse payloads, including sensors for environmental monitoring and military applications. The design enables soldiers and researchers to utilize the drones to gather data efficiently in remote locations, enhancing the quality of missions or research. A notable feature is the potential for extended range through interchangeable battery packs, making these drones versatile for multiple use cases.

Intro

3min

Advancements in Underwater Drone Technology

7min

Navigating Maritime Challenges and Startup Solutions

3min

Innovating Naval Defense: The Rise of Underwater Drones

7min

Strategic Defense Innovation and Software Development Solutions

3min

Underwater Drone Connectivity Challenges

6min

Navigating Product-Market Fit and Hardware Challenges

4min

Tech Innovations and Their Impact

21min

Klarna's Shift and Market Dynamics

20min

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

Squarespace. Turn your idea into a new website! Go to https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST for a free trial. When you’re ready to launch, use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Lemon.io - Hire pre-vetted remote developers, get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist

Sprig. The Product Experience platform that generates AI-powered opportunities to continuously improve your product at scale. Visit https://www.sprig.com/twist to book a demo and get a $75 gift card.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Jason and Alex kick off the show

(2:40) VATN Systems’ Nelson Mills joins the show

(4:01) The Torsk and its applications, focusing on defense and cost efficiency

(7:23) Product velocity, military drone usage, and vehicle speed and depth capabilities

(10:48) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

(12:01) Discussion on Chinese navy, US shipbuilding, and Rhode Island's manufacturing capabilities

(15:45) Climate for raising money in defense tech and competition in global politics

(21:04) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist

(22:33) Underwater drone technologies: Autonomy, swarming, communication challenges, and battery life

(28:32) Defense technology importance and peace through strength

(29:17) Sprig - Visit https://www.sprig.com/twist to book a demo and get a $75 gift card.