Zero Industries

Zero Industries is a defence technology startup developing plug-and-play autonomous navigation modules for drones and unmanned systems operating in GPS-denied environments. The company's core technology leverages advanced computer vision and sensor fusion algorithms to provide reliable navigation where traditional GPS-based systems are vulnerable to jamming and spoofing. This ensures that mission-critical operations for defence assets can continue without interruption, enhancing safety and infrastructure protection.

The founding team consists of Frederico Baptista (CEO), Álvaro Patrício (CTO), and João Silva (CTO). Baptista holds an MSc in Aerospace Systems Engineering and has project management experience from Airbus. Patrício, with an MSc in Aerospace Engineering, worked on computer vision at the European Space Agency (ESA). Silva earned an MSc Cum Laude in Aerospace Engineering and focused on spacecraft navigation at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Their combined expertise in computer vision, drone technology, and navigation underpins the company's development efforts.

The company's mission is to create the essential building blocks for autonomy, with a vision for a future where every European defence asset can operate autonomously and with precision in any environment. Recently, Zero Industries was selected to join the first cohort of the Project Europe accelerator program, which provides a €200k investment and mentorship from prominent figures in the European tech scene. The program, backed by 20VC, Point Nine, and Adjacent, takes a 6.66% stake in the company.

Keywords: autonomous navigation, GPS-denied environments, defence technology, computer vision, sensor fusion, unmanned systems, drone technology, aerospace engineering, plug-and-play modules, European defence