Tesseract Ventures developing SWARM drone technology for US Special Operations Forces

May 2, 2024  |  Startland Staff

Graphic courtesy of Tesseract Ventures

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). 

John Boucard, Tesseract Ventures

John Boucard, Tesseract Ventures

“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.

ICYMI: Tesseract Ventures illuminates its work with US military, lighting new alert system for air force base

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.

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

Did you enjoy this post? Show your support by becoming a member or buying us a coffee.

Tagged ,
Featured Business
    Featured Founder

      2024 Startups to Watch

        stats here

        Related Posts on Startland News

        ECJC carves out early-stage startup track for its popular mentoring program: GMS-Tech

        By Tommy Felts | October 16, 2025

        After a decade boosting Kansas City founders, Growth Mentoring Service at ECJC is expanding to target assistance specifically toward the region’s early-stage technology startups — using the same proven approach: high-impact, team-based mentoring from top-tier business leaders who’ve already been through it. “We have all these amazing volunteer mentors with deep expertise as either technologists…

        Get tickets to the Starty Party: MidxMidwest opens doors to SXSW-flavored startup-investor summit

        By Tommy Felts | October 16, 2025

        Polsinelli-powered celebration at Knuckleheads puts homegrown headliner, community collaboration on stage A trio of innovation-infused collaborators are taking over Knuckleheads — an East Bottoms landmark that perfectly captures the region’s grit, creativity and unmistakable live music vibe, organizers said — for a new community event to help launch MidxMidwest 2025. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.…

        Spaceman drops tracks: Kansas teen raps a midwest mixtape, says he’s ready to launch

        By Tommy Felts | October 15, 2025

        Give Trip Thomas a phone, and the Olathe Northwest High School senior will get his peers talking. Rapping under the name Spaceman, Thomas is staying grounded as he finds his voice through music, he said, and it sounds a lot like resilience. “Music was my therapy,” said Thomas, who started writing from his bedroom at…

        If this Cosmo Burger cousin seems like Topgolf with darts, that’s the (steel-tipped) point

        By Tommy Felts | October 15, 2025

        Arrow Dart Club sinks into Crossroads with 10 throwing lanes, elevated Kansas City culinary team A new, multi-level Crossroads entertainment venue combines the nostalgia of basement darts with tech-driven scoring, elevated eats, and a subterranean wine bar. It’s an experience that feels familiar, but hits a whole new target, said owners Atit and Jugal Patel.…