Tesseract Ventures developing SWARM drone technology for US Special Operations Forces
May 2, 2024 | Startland Staff
A just-announced contract with the U.S. military will fund the development of an Overland Park company’s next-generation warfare drone, said founder and robotics technologist John Boucard.
The SWARM (Special Warfighter Assistive Robotic Machine) is set to revolutionize military operations by offering a new, much-needed capability: a highly versatile nano drone equipped with smart payload and interoperability across multiple systems, said Boucard, CEO at Tesseract Ventures.
The future-building technology’s rollout is made possible thanks to an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) from the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).
“With the SWARM, Tesseract Ventures is not just introducing a new product; we are ushering in a new era in military technology,” Boucard said. “This technology is a game-changer for SOF personnel, enabling technological advantages previously unavailable on a single platform. Our commitment to innovation is reflected in the SWARM, offering enhanced capabilities and strategic benefits to our Special Operations Forces.”
The SWARM announcement is the latest in a series of contracts and projects within the national defense vertical that has propelled Tesseract Ventures into a leading tech solution for military applications. The company is based in Overland Park with its defense studio in Tampa, Florida.
Its pioneering SWARM technology can potentially give Special Operations Command warfighters an edge in surveillance, and tactical response operations, he emphasized.
The SWARM system includes a Nano First Person View (FPV) Drone, a Smart Payload System, and Smart Payloads. Equipped with a multi-function camera system with high-res, night, and thermal capabilities, SWARM’s super-compact drone is designed for rapid deployment in any situation.
Working solo or in groups, it can perform critical tasks such as landing or dropping payloads that can work to protect troops from threats such as enemy combatants, gas, radiation, and more. Designed for adaptability, the payload system can be equipped with explosive charges for precise strikes against enemy assets and infrastructure.Founded in 2018 by Boucard, a veteran inventor, engineer, and technologist to recruit the smartest minds in robotics, defense, and critical infrastructure, Tesseract Ventures enables businesses to defy the boundaries of space and time through next-generation technologies.
“Robots, smart spaces, wearables, and radically connected platforms are just some of the tools Tesseract created to make American industries smarter, better connected, and more efficient,” the company said in a press release.

2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
C2FO CEO Sandy Kemper talks failure, VCs, maximizing time
From a Kansas City arena to the founders of one of the nation’s largest financial institutions, the Kemper name is well known in Kansas City. But it’s more than just Sandy Kemper’s name that drew a sold out crowd at Kansas City’s May Startup Grind event. Kemper leads one of Kansas City’s fastest growing companies…
Tech startup, KCSV among finalists for small biz awards
The Kansas City Kansas Chamber of Commerce announced Thursday its small business award finalists. The awards celebrate businesses that are financially successful, have a dynamic idea and are making an impact on the community. This year’s finalists include two members of the startup community. RFP365, which created software that eases the request for proposal process,…
1MC recap: program traces roots, features The Swapping Co., OneDayKC
Kansas City’s 1 Million Cups tried something new today. And by new, it was actually old. The event met in its original venue, Kauffman Labs, which served as an intimate setting for attendees. Entrepreneurs and community members gathered around desks and viewed presentations projected onto a white board. “The venue change happened today because our…

