Owl Autonomous Imaging, an early-stage company that earned a spot in the Silicon Catalyst’s 24-month accelerator in 2018, experienced this problem firsthand when it needed to integrate optics and imaging with machine learning and silicon chip design in order to deliver the first monocular 3D Thermal Ranging solution to the autonomous vehicle industry. After it graduated Silicon Catalyst’s program, it was accepted into Luminate’s fourth cohort in 2021. During this time period, the company had to execute on a very aggressive schedule for chip-level development, while at the same time, build a complete imaging automotive-grade system solution.

“Working together with both Silicon Catalyst and Luminate, we were able to leverage their strategic and in-kind partners, financiers, advisors, and mentors to build a solid company foundation and, ultimately, introduce a world-first solution,” said Gene Petilli, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Owl Autonomous Imaging.

Owl’s patented 3D Thermal Ranger™ provides HD imaging and precision ranging, which represents a 150x improvement in resolution and cloud density of LiDAR. It operates both day and night, in all weather, to definitively classify pedestrians, cyclists, animals, and vehicles, all the while calculating position, direction, and speed to unlock safe autonomous and semi-autonomous operation.

“Owl’s success helped Silicon Catalyst and Luminate validate the impact that a strategic partnership could have on the development trajectory of groundbreaking technologies,” said Silicon Catalyst partner Lance Bell. “By formalizing this relationship and working together, we will be able to more effectively screen and evaluate each startup’s potential, closely pair our cohort companies to mentors and resources to speed time to market, and de-risk investments."

Benefits like these have helped Owl’s growth trajectory. In July, the company made public its plans to move to a larger headquarters and expand its operations, including adding up to 105 jobs.