Earth Reimagined: Crafting a planet-scale digital twin with Blackshark.AI's Michael Putz | E1859

Dec 7, 2023

Michael Putz, CEO of Blackshark.ai, leads a groundbreaking venture in creating a digital twin of Earth using AI and satellite imagery. He shares insights on the interplay between video game technology and startup innovation. The discussion reveals the significance of precise geographical data, especially with In-Q-Tel's investment. Putz also introduces their innovative product, Orca Hunter, and explains how AI can optimize urban development and energy projects. Dive into how local expertise can enhance data labeling for AI training!

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INSIGHT

Video Game Inspiration

Video games teach founders that anything can be built with basic computer code.
This mindset inspired Blackshark.ai to create a digital twin of Earth.

INSIGHT

Digital Twin Necessity

A digital twin of Earth is needed to make satellite imagery machine-readable.
Current maps are great for humans but require interpretation by AI for analysis.

ANECDOTE

Data Acquisition Challenges

Satellite imagery is taken from varying angles, affecting 3D model accuracy.
Multiple data sets, including airplane imagery, improve model fidelity.

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Today’s show:

Blackshark.ai CEO Michael Putz joins Jason to discuss the necessity and vision behind creating a digital twin of our planet (3:22), why In-Q-Tel, the CIA’s venture arm, chose to invest in Blackshark.ai (14:59), the story and inspiration behind the name of Blackshark's new product, Orca Hunter (30:25), and much more!

TIMESTAMPS

(0:00) Jason welcomes Michael Putz, CEO of Blackshark.ai.

(2:40) What are the lessons learned in video game creation that inform creating a startup?

(3:22) The necessity and vision behind creating a digital twin of our planet

(8:24) Unraveling Blackshark's programming methods and learning algorithms.

(11:04) Arising Ventures - head to http://www.arisingventures.com/TWIST to learn more and connect with the team

(12:01) The modern approach to data training and insights from developing Microsoft’s Flight Simulator.

(14:59) Discussing why In-Q-Tel, the CIA’s venture arm, chose to invest in Blackshark.ai.

(15:41) A live demonstration of Blackshark's innovative new product, Orca Huntr.

(22:16) Masterworks - Skip the waitlist to invest in fine art at https://www.masterworks.com/twist

(27:16) Planet Labs and the amazing cadence of updated satellite imagery.

(30:25) The story and inspiration behind the name of Blackshark's new product, Orca Hunter.

(31:48) LinkedIn Marketing ****- Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

(34:37) Delving into the Austrian perspective on the in-office versus remote work debate.

(36:53) Exploring how Blackshark’s team leverages AI for increased efficiency and effectiveness.

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Thanks to our partners: (11:04) Arising Ventures - head to http://www.arisingventures.com/TWIST to learn more and connect with the team

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