The Deep End #72
SiFly’s Stealth Exit and a Nuclear Push Signal Momentum in Deep Tech
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SiFly Exits Stealth to Set New Bar for Industrial Drone Performance
SiFly Exits Stealth to Redefine Industrial Drones with 10x Range and 4x Endurance. SiFly, a Silicon Valley-based startup, today exited stealth to unveil next-generation drone platforms engineered to break through the endurance and range limits that have constrained the $35 billion industrial drone market.
Regulatory Radar
US Calls for a Nuclear ‘Renaissance’
Energy Secretary Chris Wright says it’s time to “reclaim U.S. nuclear leadership” and streamline deployment of next-gen reactors. (Semafor)White House Eyes Executive Orders to Fast-Track Nuclear Builds
Draft orders under review would cut red tape to accelerate permitting for new plants. (New York Times)
Tech Terrain
Future Mobility
Driverless Semis Begin Running Long-Haul Routes in the U.S.
Why it matters: The normalization of autonomous freight may create ripple effects in energy markets.
AltoVolo Debuts Personal Hybrid eVTOL Aircraft
Trend to watch: As personal eVTOLs emerge, expect new conversations around airspace zoning, pilot licensing, and urban vertiports.
Defense Tech
Epirus Delivers Counter-Drone Swarm Tech to U.S. Navy
Why it matters: Swarm neutralization systems are becoming critical as drone threats scale in both volume and complexity.
U.S. Tests Solid-Fuel Ramjet Launched from Drone—A First
Why it matters: High-speed, long-range air-launched systems could redefine drone strike capabilities in contested zones.
Space
Apex Raises $200M to Scale Satellite Manufacturing
Trend to watch: The surge in LEO infrastructure demand could drive the shift toward scalable, off-the-shelf satellite manufacturing.
Stratolaunch Reusable Hypersonic Vehicle Breaks Mach 5
Why it matters: Marks the U.S.’s return to reusable hypersonic flight testing for the first time in 50+ years.
Advanced Computing
Anthropic Launches AI Program to Fund Scientific Research
Why it matters: Expands AI’s role beyond tech and into academia potentially accelerating breakthroughs.
TSMC Breaks Ground on Third Arizona Fab Amid Rising Tariffs
Trend to watch: The push for domestic chip manufacturing will intensify as governments prioritize tech sovereignty and supply chain security.
Energy
Google Makes Another Bet on Nuclear Energy Amid AI Growth
Trend to watch: Google’s commitment to SMRs signals growing corporate interest in nuclear energy, with the first SMR expected online by 2030.
Kiewit Partners to Build North America’s First Grid-Scale SMR in Ontario
Why it matters: Its completion by 2030 could accelerate the transition to safer, more scalable nuclear power in North America.
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