In this week's episode, I chat with Billy Jeremijenko, co-founder of Aquila. Aquila is building the quote unquote, "internet of energy" using lasers. If you think that sounds crazy, have a listen and Billy might just change your mind.
We chat about energy abundance and scarcity, why what sounds like science fiction is much closer to science fact, how Aquila is leveraging existing tech to build this future, and a vision of humanity amongst the stars.
Alongside co-founder Nelson Smith, Billy has evolved Aquila from an idea to a proof-of-concept able to power drones mid-flight. A few days after recording, Aquila also completed the Startmate Accelerator program, and announced upcoming partnerships with Hover UAV, Swoop Aero, and Dovetail Aero.
You can get in touch with Billy via LinkedIn, and find out more on Aquila’s website.
Links
The Aquila Whitepaper, for the fascinating if technical thesis behind Aquila (Article | 12 mins)
The Breakthrough Starshot concept, as well as its backers and targets (Article | 3 mins)
The optical arrays behind the concept (Article | 3 mins), being developed at Australian National University
“Doping” of optical fibers (Research paper | 10 mins)
Rocket Lab, where Nelson has previous experience in the New Zealand office
Historic and projected reduction in costs of space travel (Article | 4 mins)
Summary of the semiconductor supply chain (Podcast | 101 mins)
More on the semiconductor supply chain, including geopolitics (Book | 464 pages)
The little known photonics industry in New Zealand (Article | 2 mins)
And finally, Mass Effect, one of the greatest games of all time.
Show notes
[00:01:36] - [First question] – What is the internet of energy?
[00:02:42] - The energy sources to be leveraged and why
[00:03:22] - Billy’s inspiration and motivation
[00:04:18] - The confluence of various trends that make this possible
[00:06:06] - Co-founder Nelson’s background at Rocket Lab
[00:07:48] - Using existing technology to create the network
[00:10:09] - Coming up with the idea and getting into an accelerator program
[00:12:56] - How the “internet of energy” would work in real life
[00:16:25] - Why a satellite is the preferred option for redirecting energy
[00:17:26] - Niche use cases that don’t yet exist
[00:19:05] - The various orbit types of satellites and what would be preferred
[00:22:07] - Aquila’s struggles with sourcing the right materials and components
[00:24:44] - Leveraging the burgeoning photonics and photovoltaics expertise in the Australia/New Zealand region to alleviate supply chain concerns
[00:26:56] - Scaling the idea from charging drones to using satellites as reflectors
[00:29:30] - Saving the redirection test for satellites, and unlocking new use cases
[00:32:37] - Identifying the right VCs to partner with as ownership dilutes
[00:35:17] - The modularity of the solution and dangers of distraction
[00:36:45] - Protecting the company and the world from bad actors
[00:38:45] - Billy’s vision of powering a limitless future for humanity, on earth and in space
[00:40:05] - Staying humble and building the right company to enable that future
Episode 4 - Building the "Internet of Energy"