Picogrid

High-Level Overview

Picogrid is a defense technology company founded in 2020 that develops a unified platform for autonomous systems, enabling global connection, command, and monitoring of sensors across land, sea, air, and space.[1][2][3] It serves primarily U.S. government clients like the Space Force, Army, Air Force, and Navy, solving the problem of siloed, fragmented systems that slow missions and increase risks by integrating diverse sensors, platforms, and operators into a cohesive, decision-ready network.[1][3][5] Key products include the Helios AI-enabled command station for rapid deployment, Legion software for sensor interoperability, and Lander hardware for edge operations, with recent integrations like ZeroEyes' AI for coastal security and CX2 for spectrum sensing.[1][2][3] The company reports $5.1 million in revenue, employs under 25 people, and shows strong growth through SBIR awards totaling over $4 million and partnerships expanding into base security, space ops, and public safety.[1][3][4]

Origin Story

Picogrid was founded in 2020 in El Segundo, California, by co-founders including CEO (name not specified in sources) and Martin Slosarik, Co-Founder and Head of Growth.[1][2] Emerging from the need to unify fragmented unmanned systems in defense, the company quickly gained traction with government clients, including early Space Force engagements and SBIR Phase I research for U.S. Army visual data analysis and sensor networks.[1][4] Pivotal moments include the 2023 launch of Helios, the smallest AI-enabled command station, and recent 2025 expansions like a $500,000 research partnership with Cameron University in Oklahoma, plus integrations with partners like ZeroEyes for maritime threat detection tested by Air Force and Navy users.[1][2][3]

Core Differentiators

• Unified Platform Across Domains: Integrates sensors, legacy/next-gen satellites, drones, and RF tools from field to orbit, turning stovepiped systems into real-time operational pictures for land, sea, air, space, and public safety missions.[3][5]
• Rapid Deployment Hardware/Software: Helios deploys in minutes for edge-to-cloud ops; Legion enables sensor interoperability; supports API for fast partner integrations without vendor lock-in.[1][2][3]
• Proven Government Traction: Trusted by elite operators with SBIR wins (e.g., $1.9M for PAPR active protection, $1.1M for modular command/control); recent deals like AI night vision with Deepnight and spectrum sensing with CX2 for Army air defense.[3][4]
• Developer and Ecosystem Focus: Open ecosystem for military apps, dual-use partnerships, and edge AI enhancements like threat detection, prioritizing speed, mobility, and operator efficiency to save lives.[1][2][5]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Picogrid rides the defense tech boom in autonomous systems, AI-driven base security, and multi-domain operations amid rising geopolitical threats and demands for rapid, interoperable C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance).[2][3] Timing aligns with U.S. military modernization—e.g., Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiatives—where fragmented legacy systems hinder responses to drones, maritime incursions, and spectrum warfare.[3][4] Market forces like SBIR funding, DoD budget priorities for edge autonomy, and partnerships with AI firms (ZeroEyes, Deepnight, CX2) favor Picogrid's scalable unification tech, influencing the ecosystem by accelerating vendor integrations and enabling faster missions for services like Army, Air Force, Navy, and Space Force.[1][2][4] This positions it as a key enabler in closing security gaps at bases and critical infrastructure.

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Picogrid's momentum—fueled by 2025 partnerships, SBIR expansions into microreactor security and air defense, and Oklahoma growth—signals scaling toward broader DoD adoption and commercial dual-use apps.[3][4] Next steps likely include deeper AI/spectrum integrations, international deployments, and team expansion to match its $5M+ revenue trajectory.[1][3] Trends like AI autonomy, hypersonic threats, and space-domain awareness will shape its path, potentially evolving Picogrid from niche integrator to ecosystem orchestrator, amplifying its life-saving mission in an era of unified, high-speed defense ops.[2][5]