Project Overview

Wright Technologies was co-founded following a victory at the International ActInSpace Competition in 2018, competing against 2,229 participants from 32 countries. The team prototyped a tamper-proof identification and registration system for drones using GNSS data, developed a business case for commercializing the technology, and researched regulatory requirements for its rollout.

The company initially developed Seraph (later renamed Orville), a remote identification tool, along with a distributed ledger system to securely integrate drones into high-risk environments. Wright Technologies later pivoted to Akita, a smart watchdog platform focused on combating cargo theft in the logistics industry.

My Work

• Business Development: Led the business strategy, market identification, and product positioning for both Orville and Akita, working to secure partnerships and funding.

• Product Development: Directed the development of Akita, a cargo security system designed to track trucks, trailers, and containers, and alert freight companies to intrusions. Conducted market research and iterated on the product based on user feedback.

• Software Engineering: Involved in the hands-on development and technical implementation of the distributed ledger system used to integrate drones securely into high-risk environments.

• Awards & Recognition: Wright Technologies won both the International ActInSpace Competition and the South Australian Blockchain Innovation Challenge, securing $50,000 in grant funding.

Outcome

• Successfully developed and launched the MVP of both Orville and Akita, but ultimately, the company was unable to secure long-term product-market fit, leading to its closure.

• Despite the eventual outcome, the project allowed me to build a robust network within the blockchain and drone industries and provided invaluable lessons in startup growth, product development, and market alignment.

Learnings

• The importance of identifying product-market fit early in the product lifecycle, and the need to pivot quickly when necessary.

• Gained deep insights into distributed ledger technology and the complexities of integrating emerging technologies such as drones into existing regulatory frameworks.

• The experience of building a startup from the ground up, winning international awards, and forming industry connections, while also navigating the challenges of scaling and sustaining a tech company.