Critical Energy, founded by a former SpaceX engineer, has raised $22 million to repurpose rocket engines as geothermal power plants. The startup aims to deploy 300 GW of annual capacity by 2045.
Critical Energy is leveraging aerospace technology to address energy infrastructure gaps. The company's approach converts rocket engine designs into geothermal drilling and power generation systems, combining high-temperature expertise from space applications with terrestrial energy needs.
Geothermal energy provides consistent baseload power with minimal environmental footprint. By adapting proven rocket technology, Critical Energy bypasses traditional drilling constraints that have limited geothermal expansion.
The $22 million funding round positions the startup to advance prototype development and pilot projects. A 300 GW annual capacity target by 2045 would represent substantial growth from current U.S. geothermal output of roughly 4 GW.
The effort reflects broader industry trends applying aerospace innovations to climate and energy challenges. Geothermal remains an underutilized renewable resource, particularly in regions with favorable geology.
Conduct, an AI platform for maintaining and upgrading legacy IT systems, closed a $60M Series A led by Index Ventures and ICONIQ. The funding brings the enterprise startup's total to $72M.
Twenty, an AI-powered cybersecurity firm serving US military operations, raised $100 million in Series B funding led by Accel Partners. The company now carries a $1 billion valuation.
Pramaana Labs secured $27M in seed funding from Khosla Ventures to develop formal verification technology for artificial intelligence systems. The startup targets high-stakes sectors where AI errors carry serious consequences.
Eugenia Kuyda, founder of Replika and Wabi, has shifted away from hiring junior engineers, citing AI-driven changes in coding work and skill requirements.