Emesent
Australian CSIRO spin-out developing SLAM-based LiDAR mapping, drone autonomy, and data analytics solutions for GPS-denied environments in mining, AEC, defense, and public safety.
- CEO / Founder
- Charles Miller
- Team Size
- 51-200
- Stage
- Growth Stage
- Total Funding
- $60.5M
- Latest Round
- Venture Round
- Key Investors
- Perennial Partners; Tiger Global; TELUS Ventures; Main Sequence; Archangel Ventures; In-Q-Tel (IQT); NGS Super; Hostplus; National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC); QIC Ventures; Orion Resource Partners
Technology & Products
Key Products
Emesent GX1 (all-in-one SLAM, RTK, 360° pano LiDAR scanner); Hovermap ST / ST-X (smart mobile scanning unit for GPS-denied environments); Aura (data processing & visualization software); Commander (mission planning software); Cortex (AI-powered autonomous exploration software)
Technological Advantage
Decade of CSIRO robotics research underpinning proprietary SLAM algorithms; established position in autonomous GPS-denied drone mapping; Autonomy Level 2 (AL2) enabling beyond-line-of-sight flight without GPS; strong IP from CSIRO heritage.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Enables autonomous 3D data capture and mapping in GPS-denied, hazardous, and inaccessible environments using SLAM-based LiDAR technology, improving safety and productivity for mining, AEC, defense, and public safety operations.
How They Differentiate
Proprietary SLAM algorithm developed and validated over a decade at CSIRO in extreme GPS-denied environments (underground mines). Combines drone autonomy, collision avoidance, and survey-grade LiDAR mapping in a single payload. GX1 achieves 5-10mm global accuracy.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Mining companies, AEC/surveying firms, defense organizations, oil & gas operators, public safety agencies
Industry Verticals
Mining; Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC); Defense; Geospatial; Oil & Gas; Public Safety
Competitors
Exyn Technologies; Flyability; Skydio
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Grew from 7 to 130 staff between 2019-2022; 300+ clients in 40+ countries as of 2022; annual revenue increased 400% YoY as of 2020; 250% revenue growth in 2021; 109 employees as of mid-2026
Major Milestones
2018: Founded as CSIRO spin-out; 2019: Launched Hovermap 100; 2020: In-Q-Tel strategic investment; 2022: $32M Series A led by Perennial Partners; 2023: Charles Miller appointed CEO; 2024: Hovermap integration with Boston Dynamics Spot and Freefly Astro; 2026: Launched GX1 with 5-10mm global accuracy; 2026: $25M funding round including $10M NRF venture debt; 2026: US Army selects Hovermap for soldier readiness enhancement
Notable Customers
BHP; Rio Tinto; Glencore; Anglo American; US Army (soldier readiness enhancement program); Caltrans