A Los Angeles-area technology startup developing AI-powered software that functions as the "brain" for robots and autonomous systems has established a presence in Kentucky.
Founded by aerospace engineer Loay Elbasyouni, AstraQua hired its first employees in Louisville in September and has been gradually expanding its workforce in the state. Elbasyouni told Middle Tech that more than 50% of his company’s workforce is currently based in Kentucky. Many are engineers working on software, artificial intelligence, systems integration and customer demonstrations.
Elbasyouni has prior ties to Kentucky, having earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Louisville in 2004 and 2005, respectively. He also studied at the University of Kentucky.
Elbasyouni, however, said there were more personal reasons for establishing operations in Kentucky, including the friendships and connections he had developed within the community and in college.
“There’s a lot of smart students at the University of Louisville, University of Kentucky – some of the top engineers in the country, but they don't have opportunity, so a lot of them have to move somewhere else,” he said. “I'm trying to be one of these companies that brings people in as I grow.”
Although the company is incorporated in Delaware, AstraQua also maintains operations in California. Elbasyouni explained that California provides greater access to venture capital through its established startup ecosystem.
AstraQua’s core mission is to develop software designed to make autonomous systems more intelligent, adaptable and capable of operating without human intervention. The company is developing an AI-powered “brain” that enables autonomous vehicles, robots and aircraft to perceive their surroundings and respond to changing conditions.
One of AstraQua’s core products is AstraSense, an AI-powered monitoring system that detects potential mechanical and electrical issues in electric aircraft and autonomous vehicles. AstraSense is designed to provide real-time analysis of equipment performance, identifying potential problems before they become critical.
In October, AstraQua secured approximately $1.27 million in a contract from NASA to continue developing AstraSense.
In July, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced that AstraQua was among six companies awarded grants through the state's Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Matching Funds Program. The program provides state funding to supplement federal awards supporting small-business research and technology development.
Elbasyouni said AstraQua received approximately $99,000 in matching funds from the state.
“The matching funds program has long set Kentucky apart by helping companies accelerate on their path to commercializing cutting-edge technologies,” KY Innovation Director David Brock said in a news release. “The program remains a vital resource for homegrown innovators and startups from across the country who have chosen to advance their breakthroughs in Kentucky. We commend the awardees and are eager to support their success in the coming years.”
As the company raises more money and expands, Elbasyouni plans to continue growing its workforce in Kentucky. He noted that his ambitions aren't limited to Louisville, as he would be willing to establish operations anywhere in the state.
