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
Kansas City startup tapped for $100K investment through Omaha growth accelerator
Particle Space isn’t just big in Japan — it’s seeing momentum and scaling opportunities closer to home: earning a spot in the newest NMotion accelerator and another $100,000 investment for the proptech startup, David Biga said. NMotion powered by gener8tor announced Kansas City-based Particle Space’s selection alongside five other companies joining the inaugural NMotion Growth…
Smart dog crate created in KC could be just months away; Interplay set for August crowdfunding, launch party
Dog owners are one step closer to getting their hands on the world’s first interactive dog crate as Kansas City-based Interplay plans the Aug. 12 launch of its hotly anticipated debut product, PlayTach. The milestone has been a long time coming, said Jonaie Johnson, founder and CEO of Interplay, who has been working on it…
‘If you don’t own yourself, you own nothing’: Why one founder says he’ll relocate his business if Kansas bans abortion
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series on the 2022 election produced by the KC Media Collective, an initiative designed to support and enhance local journalism. Members of the KC Media Collective include Startland News, Missouri Business Alert, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, KCUR, The Kansas City Beacon and American Public Square. Andrew Morgans has…
Shop Local KC gets minimalist makeover as local maker retailer opens Leawood store
Katie Mabry van Dieren is no stranger to the Ranch Mart Shopping Center in Leawood, the Shop Local KC owner said, returning to her roots this weekend to open a second location for her Kansas City maker retail store. “One of my greatest childhood memories was riding my bike to Ranch Mart and either getting…

