AURA Technologies

What AURA Technologies does

AURA Technologies, LLC is a privately-held defense and intelligence technology company founded in 2015 and headquartered in the Research Triangle region of North Carolina (with an engineering/R&D facility in Charleston, SC). The company operates as a small business Department of Defense contractor (DCAA-compliant, CAGE Code 4YDT1) serving all branches of the U.S. military, the Defense Industrial Base, and selected commercial and healthcare verticals. AURA is led by co-founder and CEO Anna Bennett, alongside co-founder Douglas Bennett, Chief Technical Innovator Dr. Alex Blate, retired U.S. Navy Captain Mark Maxwell (EVP Cyber Solutions & Defense Programs), and Sheldon G. Hurst IV, PhD (VP of AI and Data Science).

The company's core platform centers on TrustedDM (cybersecurity hardware/software that bridges IT and OT environments in digital manufacturing via a Digital Air Gap architecture) and TrustedCI (hardware-based physical network segmentation for critical infrastructure protection). These sit within a broader portfolio of 14 products spanning AI/ML-enabled ground fault detection (GroundFaultInsight), intelligent CAD/3D search (Intelligent Search, SmartTDP, SmartThread), space domain awareness (Space Sensors), supply chain resilience (DMSMS), USAF logistics (Aerial Port), expeditionary lighting (SemperLUX), tactical power management (Tactical Power), a Quantum Computing Innovation Center (QCIC), and commercial healthcare products (BlueCart telehealth carts and Ion Bar negative-air-ion air purification systems) operated through subsidiary AURABlue. AURA holds 9 issued patents and 10+ pending patents, with compliance alignment to CMMC 2.0, NIST SP 800-171/172/53/181, DFARS, and MIL-STD-31000.

AURA generates revenue through a diversified mix of government contracts (DoD R&D, SBIR/STTR-adjacent work, OTA consortium awards), direct hardware and software sales to defense and commercial customers, and channel distribution via Phillips Federal for the Defense Industrial Base. Go-to-market blends enterprise field sales for government accounts with channel partner distribution and limited direct-to-consumer reach for commercial products like BlueCart and Ion Bar. Pricing is universally quote-based and not publicly disclosed; the company's growth has been recognized through Inc. 5000 rankings (#125 in 2020, Top 500 in 2021).

Name

AURA Technologies

Legal name

AURA Technologies, LLC.

Website

https://aura.company

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

AURA Technologies is a privately-held defense and intelligence technology company (founded 2015, North Carolina) that develops cybersecurity, AI/ML, quantum computing, and digital manufacturing solutions, primarily serving the U.S. Department of Defense, the Defense Industrial Base, and select commercial and healthcare markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense Cybersecurity & AI Solutions

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (33411)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming Services (7371), Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Industrial & Commercial Fans & Blowers & Air Purifing Equip (3564)

akta.pro primary industry

Industry/Domain Analytics Solutions & Accelerators (BPAEAHAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

AI/ML Engineering & Model Development Services (BPAEAHAF), Industrial IoT/Edge Electronics Manufacturing (Gateways, Edge Controllers) (IMAGAGAC)

Keywords

• Defense cybersecurity solutions
• Digital manufacturing security
• AI/ML defense technology
• Tactical power systems
• Industrial control security

Headquarters

HQ city

Raleigh

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Department of Defense Contracts: AURA Technologies serves as a trusted DoD contractor delivering defense technology solutions. Revenue is generated through government contracts for defense modernization, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and AI/ML solutions for military applications.
2. Defense Industrial Base Product Sales: Sale of cybersecurity hardware and software products including TrustedDM to defense contractors and the Defense Industrial Base. Products are sold directly and through channel partners like Phillips Federal.
3. Commercial Product Sales: Commercial division offers innovative solutions including telehealth products (BlueCart) and indoor air quality systems (Ion Bar) to healthcare providers, commercial businesses, and consumers.
4. R&D Services and Consulting: AURA provides R&D incubation services and custom development, bridging gaps in talent and capability for both government and commercial clients.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

AURA Technologies designs, develops, and sells a diversified portfolio of hardware and software products for defense, intelligence, and commercial customers. Its core offerings include TrustedDM and TrustedCI cybersecurity appliances (digital air gap solutions for OT/IT and critical infrastructure), AI/ML-enabled platforms such as GroundFaultInsight, Intelligent Search, DMSMS, and Space Sensors, digital manufacturing tools (SmartTDP, SmartThread), tactical field products (SemperLUX, Tactical Power), and commercial healthcare/aerial products (BlueCart telehealth cart, Ion Bar air purification). The company also delivers R&D incubation, custom development, and quantum computing research through its Quantum Computing Innovation Center.

Product overview

AURA Technologies offers a diversified portfolio of innovative products spanning digital manufacturing cybersecurity, AI/ML solutions, health technology, and quantum computing. The core platform includes TrustedDM (cybersecurity for OT environments) and TrustedCI (Digital Air Gap for critical infrastructure), which work alongside SmartTDP and SmartThread to provide end-to-end secure digital manufacturing and technical data management. The AI/ML product suite includes GroundFaultInsight (predictive fault detection), Intelligent Search (CAD/3D search), Space Sensors (satellite tracking), and DMSMS (supply chain optimization). Health technology products include BlueCart telehealth carts and Ion Bar air purification systems. Additional offerings span SemperLUX expeditionary lighting, Tactical Power management systems, and the Quantum Computing Innovation Center. The products are designed to serve both Department of Defense and commercial sectors, with a focus on cybersecurity, AI-enabled solutions, and advanced manufacturing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TrustedDM: Cybersecurity solution for OT environments in digital manufacturing
• TrustedCI
• SmartTDP
• SmartThread
• Intelligent Search
• GroundFaultInsight
• Space Sensors
• SemperLUX
• Tactical Power
• BlueCart
• Ion Bar

Products and services

• TrustedDM Cybersecurity hardware and software solution for OT/IT integration in digital manufacturing. Acts as a digital air gap and trusted endpoint, enabling secure network access for industrial machines while ensuring compliance with NIST, CMMC, DFARS, and Zero Trust Architecture requirements.
• TrustedCI Hardware-based Digital Air Gap solution for critical infrastructure protection. Physically isolates critical devices (substations, water systems, power, medical, finance, transportation) from networks, allowing only digitally-signed, encrypted command-and-control messages from trusted origins.
• SmartTDP Open-standard universal format for technical data packages. Digitizes, secures, and standardizes technical data with MIL-STD-31000 compliance, enabling AI integration, digital signatures for authenticity/integrity, and 3D PDF export.
• SmartThread Platform for organizing, sharing, and searching digital engineering data and secure digital manufacturing. Acts as a mediator between independent TDP repositories without requiring centralized storage, offering intelligent parameter-based and geometric similarity search.
• Intelligent Search AI/ML-powered search tool for 2D and 3D CAD data. Enables federated search across multiple data sources using text, images, and 3D models with geometric similarity matching, reducing search time from hours/days to minutes.
• GroundFaultInsight AI-based ground fault detection and localization system for complex high-voltage electrical systems. Uses multi-port vector network analyzers to pinpoint faults within 3 meters accuracy, enabling predictive maintenance and automated monitoring.
• Space Sensors Satellite tracking and orbit calculation technology using deep-learning algorithms to integrate multiple data sources. Detects anomalies in satellite orbits to identify system malfunctions or potential threats to space assets.
• DMSMS Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages management solution. Uses AI/ML to predict part shortages, identify suitable alternatives from different vendors, and determine optimal procurement pathways for supply chain resilience.
• Aerial Port Software solution for USAF Aerial Port of the Future program. Provides data-driven insights and automation tools to optimize resource allocation, streamline operations, and improve efficiency in aerial port logistics.
• SemperLUX Expeditionary lighting system integrated directly into shelters. Features rapid setup/strike, customizable light levels, blackout capabilities (red/cyan), LED technology, and efficient power consumption for military field operations.
• Tactical Power Intelligent Power Distribution Units (IPDU) with predictive analytics for anticipating power grid failures. Monitors voltage, frequency, current, and power factor to automatically shed non-essential loads and restore system stability.
• Quantum Computing Innovation Center (QCIC) South Carolina Quantum Computing Innovation Center (QCIC) providing practical quantum computing applications. Integrates human insight, AI/ML, and quantum computing (Quantum Trifecta) for defense, logistics, financial services, and retail optimization.
• BlueCart Telehealth cart with Ultra-HD pan-tilt-zoom camera, patented easy-clean design enabling disinfection in under a minute, adjustable height for optimal positioning, and high-fidelity audio. Integrates with existing hospital software.
• Ion Bar Negative Air Ion (NAI) system creating germicidal barriers across spaces. Emits 200 million ions per cubic centimeter (10x typical ionizers), reduces transfer of aerosolized viruses, bacteria, smoke, and fungi including SARS-CoV-2 by 99.95%. Filter-free and ozone-free.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduced time-to-part from 3-6 months to a few days for forward-deployed manufacturing at Trident Warrior
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability10 records

Feature13 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• DynovascoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 August 2025Collaboration during U.S. Navy's Trident Warrior exercise in San Diego to demonstrate forward-deployed metal 3D printing capability. Dynovas provided the mobile, self-contained manufacturing lab while AURA provided TrustedDM cybersecurity for the ExOne metal printer, enabling mission-critical parts production in austere environments.
• Phillips FederalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 11 September 2023Partnership agreement with Phillips Federal Division to introduce TrustedDM cybersecurity hardware and software products to Defense Industrial Base customers. Phillips Federal serves as exclusive partner for federal/military facilities, enabling secure connection of CNC and additive machines to NIPR networks with full compliance to IT/Cybersecurity cATO, RMF, and ZT requirements.
• OTA Consortium MembershipscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of multiple Other Transaction Authority (OTA) consortia including: AMTC, Defense Industrial Base Consortium, DOTC, MSTIC, IWRP, NEST, NSRP, NASC, EMC2, and NSTIC. These memberships enable access to OTA procurement pathways for innovative technology prototyping and development with the DoD.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Dragos: Dragos provides OT/ICS cybersecurity for industrial and critical infrastructure environments, directly comparable to TrustedCI and TrustedDM's positioning in securing OT networks. Both target defense, energy, and manufacturing customers with similar zero-trust segmentation approaches.
• Molekule: Molekule is a direct-to-consumer air purification company with patented photoelectrochemical oxidation technology, analogous to Ion Bar's negative air ion approach. Both target health-conscious consumers and commercial buyers with claims of superior pathogen and allergen reduction versus conventional HEPA filtration.
• Shift5: Shift5 provides OT cybersecurity and predictive analytics for military transportation platforms (aircraft, rail, fleet), directly comparable to GroundFaultInsight's Navy EMALS electrical fault detection work. Both are DoD-focused OT analytics vendors with similar SBIR-rooted backgrounds.
• Nozomi Networks: Nozomi Networks delivers OT and IoT cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, directly competing with AURA's TrustedCI in the digital air gap / network segmentation niche. Both target similar industrial and government customers with similar regulatory-driven value propositions.
• Claroty: Claroty offers OT security and asset visibility for industrial environments, with comparable product structure to TrustedDM's IT/OT bridging approach. Both serve critical infrastructure operators and defense manufacturers with cyber-physical system protection.

Emerging players

• IonQ: IonQ is a commercial quantum computing company targeting defense, logistics, finance, and research applications, directly overlapping with AURA's Quantum Computing Innovation Center (QCIC) value proposition. Both are positioning to capture quantum advantage in optimization problems relevant to defense and commercial customers.
• Anduril Industries: Anduril is a venture-backed defense tech company applying AI/ML and hardware-software integration to defense modernization, analogous to AURA's broader defense AI/ML portfolio. While much larger and broader in scope, it represents the strategic end-state for well-funded defense tech peers with AI-native architectures.
• Rebellion Defense: Rebellion Defense builds AI/ML software products for defense and national security customers, with overlapping use cases to AURA's Intelligent Search, DMSMS, and Space Sensors. Both target DoD and intelligence community buyers with AI-augmented decision tools.

Broad incumbents

• Palantir Technologies: Palantir provides large-scale data analytics and AI platforms to defense and intelligence customers, overlapping with AURA's Intelligent Search, DMSMS, and Space Sensors offerings. While vastly larger, it competes for the same DoD analytics budgets and program offices.
• Teladoc Health: Teladoc is a leading telehealth platform serving healthcare providers and employers, with overlapping use case to BlueCart's telehealth cart hardware for clinical telehealth delivery. Teladoc represents the broader software ecosystem that BlueCart integrates with.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/auratechcompany
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aura-technologies

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AURA Technologies