Balko Technologies
Balko Technologies designs and manufactures the Connectiv modular drone-mounted LiDAR sensor system, pairing interchangeable LiDAR, INS, and camera modules with proprietary e-LAS and e-Connect software. It sells primarily to enterprise surveying, mining, energy, forestry, agriculture, construction, and defense buyers in North America via direct sales and channel partners including RIEGL, Draganfly, and ARA Robotics.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2021
- HeadquartersQuebec, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Balko Technologies does
Balko Technologies is a Quebec City-based private company founded in 2021 (with roots in founder Maude Pelletier's 2016 firm MVT Geo-Solutions Inc.) that designs, manufactures, and sells the Connectiv modular drone-mounted geospatial data sensor. Connectiv is described as the world's first modular drone LiDAR system, enabling users to interchange LiDAR sensors (RIEGL miniVUX/VUX-120, Hesai, Velodyne), Inertial Navigation System modules (Trimble Applanix APX-15/20/30/50, with optional Trimble RTX satellite correction), and camera modules (Phase One P5 UAV 128 MP RGB, dual MicaSense RedEdge-P multispectral) on a single onboard computer hub using a quick-swap locking mechanism; the system is designed to deliver survey-grade accuracy down to 2 cm and coverage of up to 5 sq km per day at 100 m AGL.
The company monetizes primarily through hardware sales of configurable Connectiv systems and module add-ons, complemented by proprietary e-LAS data processing software (now at version 3.0) and the e-Connect mission management application, plus training and technical support services. Pricing is quote-based with multi-year contracts, reflecting an enterprise sales-led motion targeting professional surveying and geomatics firms, mining operators, energy and utility corridor managers, forestry and environmental researchers, agriculture users, construction firms, and defense/critical operations buyers. Distribution combines direct enterprise sales with channel partnerships: Balko is a RIEGL OEM systems integrator (the only Canadian UAV-focused LiDAR integrator under RIEGL's OEM program), serves as official North American distributor for Draganfly drone platforms, and is partnered with ARA Robotics as accredited reseller of Connectiv on the NDAA-compliant ARA405 platform.
Operationally, Balko runs a compact organization (11–50 employees, including a research team of 8+ engineers) with all sensors designed and assembled at its Quebec City headquarters, and has built an integration footprint spanning DJI Matrice 300/350, Freefly AltaX, Inspired Flight IF800/IF1200, Skyfront Perimeter 8, Draganfly Commander 3XL/Apex, and ARA405 drone platforms. The company holds two patents on its modular LiDAR architecture and operates without disclosed institutional funding, making it a founder-led, organically financed hardware business in a niche but technically demanding segment of the drone-based geospatial data acquisition market.
Balko Technologies firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Balko Technologies
- Legal name
- Balko Technologies
- Website
- https://balkotechnologies.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2021
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Balko Technologies designs and manufactures the Connectiv modular drone-mounted LiDAR sensor system, pairing interchangeable LiDAR, INS, and camera modules with proprietary e-LAS and e-Connect software. It sells primarily to enterprise surveying, mining, energy, forestry, agriculture, construction, and defense buyers in North America via direct sales and channel partners including RIEGL, Draganfly, and ARA Robotics.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Balko Technologies industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Drone LiDAR Systems
- NAICS
- Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (54136), Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (541360)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)
- akta.pro primary industry
- UAS Payloads (EO/IR, LiDAR, SAR, SIGINT) & Gimbals (IMABAIAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- LiDAR & 3D Sensing Modules (HDAHALAG), Satellite Imagery & Remote Sensing Geospatial Platforms (BPAMANAM)
Keywords
Where Balko Technologies is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Quebec
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Balko Technologies business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales: Sale of Connectiv modular LiDAR systems including sensors, INS modules, cameras, and drone platform integrations. Systems are sold as complete configurable solutions with various module options.
- Software Licenses and Updates: e-LAS and e-Connect software for data processing and mission management. Software provides calibrated, aligned, colorized and georeferenced point clouds.
- Training Services: Training programs for customers to quickly master the Connectiv sensor and its software, integrating them efficiently into their operations.
- Technical Support: Customer support services including troubleshooting, maintenance guidance, and technical assistance for system operation.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom Configuration Pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Balko Technologies product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Balko Technologies designs, engineers and manufactures the Connectiv modular drone-mounted geospatial data sensor system at its Quebec City headquarters. The Connectiv hub accepts interchangeable LiDAR scanners (RIEGL miniVUX3 and VUX-120, Hesai, Velodyne), Inertial Navigation System modules (Trimble Applanix APX-15, APX-20, APX-30, APX-50 with optional RTX satellite correction) and camera modules (Phase One P5 UAV 128 MP RGB and dual MicaSense RedEdge-P multispectral), and runs the proprietary e-Connect mission application and e-LAS post-processing software. The company also delivers customer training, technical support and drone-platform integration services.
Product overview
Balko Technologies offers the Connectiv modular geospatial data sensor system — the world's first modular drone LiDAR platform — supported by a suite of proprietary and third-party software, and a range of interchangeable hardware modules. The core Connectiv system acts as a modular sensor hub that connects different interchangeable LiDAR, camera, and INS modules to an onboard computer, allowing users to reconfigure a single system for diverse mission requirements without purchasing new systems. Available interchangeable LiDAR modules include RIEGL (miniVUX3, VUX-120), Hesai, and Velodyne sensors. Camera modules include the Phase One P5 UAV 128 MP RGB camera and dual MicaSense RedEdge-P multispectral cameras. INS options include Trimble Applanix APX-15, APX-20, APX-30, and APX-50, with Trimble RTX satellite correction available on APX-30/APX-50. Proprietary software includes e-LAS for LiDAR and imagery post-processing and e-Connect for real-time mission monitoring. Balko also distributes third-party software including Trimble Applanix POSPac and SPH Engineering UgCS, and integrates Connectiv across multiple drone platforms (DJI Matrice, Freefly AltaX, Inspired Flight, Draganfly, ARA Robotics ARA405, among others). The company additionally offers training services for rapid onboarding.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Connectiv: Modular geospatial data sensor for drones, allowing interchange of LiDAR, INS, and camera modules
- e-LAS
- e-Connect
Products and services
- Connectiv Modular Geospatial Data Sensor Flagship modular geospatial data sensor for drones designed and manufactured entirely at Balko's Quebec headquarters. The Connectiv hub connects interchangeable LiDAR, camera and INS modules so a single system can be reconfigured across missions without buying new hardware.
- LiDAR Modules for Connectiv (RIEGL, Hesai, Velodyne) Interchangeable LiDAR scanner modules compatible with the Connectiv system, including RIEGL miniVUX3, RIEGL VUX-120, Hesai and Velodyne sensors. Modules can be swapped in seconds and are pre-calibrated to maintain boresight alignment when interchanged.
- Camera Modules for Connectiv (RGB 128 MP and Dual Multispectral) Interchangeable camera modules for Connectiv, including the Phase One P5 UAV 128 MP RGB camera and dual MicaSense RedEdge-P multispectral cameras (10 spectral bands, 400-900 nm). Modules are internally mounted, protected within the Connectiv housing and swappable in the field.
- INS Modules for Connectiv (APX-15, APX-20, APX-30, APX-50 with RTX) Interchangeable Inertial Navigation System modules (Trimble Applanix APX-15, APX-20, APX-30, APX-50) for Connectiv, with optional Trimble RTX satellite correction for global centimeter-level accuracy without a local base station.
- e-LAS LiDAR and Imagery Processing Software Proprietary Balko software for processing Connectiv LiDAR and imagery data, including strip adjustment, point cloud colorization, GCP management, accuracy estimation, XYZ tie matching and export of georeferenced deliverables (LAS files, orthophotos, textured 3D models).
- e-Connect Mission Management Application Proprietary real-time mission management application for the Connectiv system. Provides remote start/stop of sensor recording and displays live status of the onboard computer, LiDAR, INS and camera modules, plus battery, USB storage, GNSS satellite count and system diagnostics during flight.
- e-ONE Modular Drone LiDAR (prior generation) First-generation modular drone LiDAR sensor launched by Balko (then MVT Geo-Solutions/Balko team) at ILMF Denver in February 2021. Held two patents and served as the direct predecessor to the Connectiv system now sold.
- Connectiv Pre-defined Sensor Configurations Pre-defined Connectiv sensor configuration packages (e.g., miniVUX3-APX20, XT32M2X-APX15) that pair specific LiDAR, camera and INS modules to address particular mission profiles including corridor mapping, forestry, mining, and construction.
- Drone Platform Integration Services Balko professional services to integrate and adapt the Connectiv modular sensor to a wide variety of drone platforms, including DJI Matrice 300/350, Freefly AltaX, Inspired Flight IF800/IF1200, Skyfront Perimeter 8, Draganfly Commander 3XL/Apex and ARA Robotics ARA405.
- Connectiv Training Services Structured training programs delivered to customers to master the Connectiv sensor and its e-LAS / e-Connect software, intended to enable rapid onboarding and integration into customer operations.
Quantifiable outcome
- Survey-grade accuracy of 2 cm achievable with Riegl configuration and APX-20 INS
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Balko Technologies
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Balko Technologies technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration15 records
Feature7 records
Balko Technologies partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- ARA RoboticscoreStrategic partnership formalizing integration and distribution of Balko solution on ARA405 aerial platform. ARA Robotics becomes accredited reseller of Connectiv system on ARA405 drone. Configuration synchronizes LiDAR, inertial navigation and camera systems for optimal precision, endurance and operational efficiency during BVLOS missions. Both companies are Quebec-based specialists in advanced aerial technologies.
- Carleton UniversityminorCollaboration with Carleton University researchers studying bogs and marshlands across Canada. Dual multispectral camera configuration was first developed based on feedback from Carleton researchers who needed to distinguish vegetation types, especially Sphagnum mosses in remote areas where satellite resolution is insufficient. Configuration combines LiDAR for canopy structure with multispectral imaging for vegetation health analysis.
- Draganfly Inc.coreDraganfly selected as primary UAS provider by Balko Technologies. Integration and testing of Balko LiDAR products on Draganfly Commander 3XL and Apex UAS platforms. Under this agreement, Balko becomes official distributor of Draganfly products throughout North America. Multiple customers have issued purchase orders for Draganfly Commander 3XL paired with Connectiv LiDAR sensor.
- SimActiveminorJoint webinar collaboration where Maude Pelletier, President and Founder of Balko Tech, spoke with SimActive about benefits of LiDAR and imaging and how to maximize value in geomatic applications.
- RIEGLcoreBalko Technologies became a RIEGL unmanned laser scanner (ULS) systems integrator as part of RIEGL's Canadian OEM Partnership Program. BALKO integrates RIEGL's miniVUX and VUX-series laser scanners into their modular LiDAR payloads designed for UAV-based platforms. RIEGL sensors were chosen for their ability to meet harsh winter conditions challenges without reducing accuracy or efficiency, providing survey-grade accuracy down to 2cm.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Balko Technologies competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Leica Geosystems (Hexagon): Leica Geosystems (Hexagon) provides broad geospatial hardware and software, including airborne LiDAR and UAV mapping solutions (e.g., Leica BLK2GO, Pegasus). It competes with Balko across surveying and infrastructure markets with a much larger portfolio and global installed base.
- Trimble Geospatial: Trimble provides GNSS, INS (Applanix), and aerial mapping hardware/software used with Balko products, and also offers its own integrated mapping systems and processing software (e.g., Trimble Business Center, POSPac). Overlaps with Balko across the surveying and infrastructure mapping value chain.
- DJI Enterprise: DJI's Matrice series (including the 300/350 that supports Connectiv) dominates commercial drone platforms and increasingly bundles sensing payloads, including LiDAR via the L1. Although DJI is also a Balko-compatible platform, its bundled LiDAR offerings compete with standalone modular LiDAR systems like Connectiv in mainstream surveying.
Direct peers
- Emesent: Emesent (Autonomy & Mapping, including Hovermap) offers LiDAR-based autonomous mapping for drones, including surveying, mining, and infrastructure inspection. Comparable to Balko in target use cases (mining, infrastructure) and LiDAR accuracy leadership, with strong enterprise traction in Australia/North America.
- YellowScan: YellowScan designs and sells fully integrated, survey-grade LiDAR systems for UAVs (Surveyor, Mapper, Explorer, Ultra). Directly comparable to Balko as a drone-LiDAR payload vendor targeting surveying, forestry, mining, and environmental customers with similar accuracy claims and similar modular payload philosophy.
- Phoenix LiDAR Systems: Phoenix builds modular and integrated UAV LiDAR mapping systems (RANGER, SPIDER, HARRIER) with software (Phoenix SpatialExplorer) for aerial surveying. Competes head-to-head with Balko's Connectiv across mining, corridor mapping, and survey workflows with a similar product-and-software ecosystem.
- RIEGL: RIEGL is both a sensor supplier (Balko's key OEM partner) and a competitor selling its own UAV-integrated LiDAR systems (e.g., miniVUX-series-based payloads via partners and direct). Highly comparable for survey-grade aerial LiDAR payloads, with the strongest direct overlap in hardware specifications and accuracy claims.
- GreenValley International: GreenValley International offers UAV LiDAR systems (LiAir, LiGrip) and 3D point cloud processing software (LiDAR360) targeted at surveying, forestry, mining, and powerline inspection — highly comparable use cases and SaaS-like software model to Balko's Connectiv + e-LAS stack.
Emerging players
- Draganfly: Draganfly manufactures commercial UAVs (Commander 3XL, Apex) integrated with Balko's Connectiv LiDAR. Although Draganfly is also a Balko distribution partner, its defense-focused UAS product line addresses the same enterprise/military mapping customer set and overlaps on NDAA-compliant platform sales.
- ArborMetrics / Skydio (drone-based inspection): Skydio provides autonomous drones with advanced photogrammetry and increasingly LiDAR-based mapping for inspection, surveying, and public safety. While the primary product is the drone platform, its growing mapping/data capabilities place it on a collision course with Balko's mapping-and-inspection customers, particularly utilities and defense.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Balko Technologies social profiles
Digital presenceBalko Technologies financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Balko Technologies leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Balko Technologies funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Balko Technologies M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Balko Technologies
What does Balko Technologies do?
Balko Technologies designs, engineers and manufactures the Connectiv modular drone-mounted geospatial data sensor system at its Quebec City headquarters. The Connectiv hub accepts interchangeable LiDAR scanners (RIEGL miniVUX3 and VUX-120, Hesai, Velodyne), Inertial Navigation System modules (Trimble Applanix APX-15, APX-20, APX-30, APX-50 with optional RTX satellite correction) and camera modules (Phase One P5 UAV 128 MP RGB and dual MicaSense RedEdge-P multispectral), and runs the proprietary e-Connect mission application and e-LAS post-processing software. The company also delivers customer training, technical support and drone-platform integration services.
Is Balko Technologies a public or private company?
Balko Technologies is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Balko Technologies founded?
Balko Technologies was founded in 2021. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Balko Technologies based?
Balko Technologies is headquartered in Quebec, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Balko Technologies make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are software Licenses and Updates, training Services and technical Support.
Who are Balko Technologies's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Leica Geosystems (Hexagon), Trimble Geospatial and DJI Enterprise. Direct peers are Emesent, YellowScan, Phoenix LiDAR Systems, RIEGL and GreenValley International. Emerging players are Draganfly and ArborMetrics / Skydio (drone-based inspection).
Does Balko Technologies have an API?
No public API is recorded for Balko Technologies.
What industry is Balko Technologies in?
Balko Technologies's product category is Drone LiDAR Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAIAI, UAS Payloads (EO/IR, LiDAR, SAR, SIGINT) & Gimbals, with a secondary code of HDAHALAG, LiDAR & 3D Sensing Modules. Its NAICS code is 54136 and its SIC code is 3812.