Drone start-up Pleno goes to Stark: Berlin specialist in autonomous flight control acquired

Stark, a European defence-tech company, is buying Pleno, a Berlin drone start-up regarded as a pioneer in autonomous flight control for cost-efficient drones. According to Stark, the acquisition is set to decisively expand its own capabilities in autonomy, swarm behaviour and precise target guidance.

The start-up was founded by Nino Lindenberg and Ngurah Linggih in August 2023. Its product was navigation software that lets drones operate reliably even when no signal from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) is received. Pleno has already won several awards, including first place in the Dronetech Challenge of Bitkom and the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) Cyber Innovation Hub, presented at the Berlin Security Conference 2024.

The young company gained international recognition at the latest when it won the title “Autonomous Hero” at XPonential in Houston (USA), the world’s largest event on autonomy.

Stark writes in a new press release: “With the simulation and development tools Pleno Sim and Pleno Lab, the company brings advanced tools for AI-driven flight autonomy, swarm behaviour and simulation.” And further: “Technologies that will flow directly into Stark’s loitering munition and autonomous drone swarm projects, for example as part of the Virtus (OWE-V) platform.”

The drone start-up as a complement for Stark

Johannes Schaback, co-founder and CTO of STARK, stresses: “Pleno is the ideal complement for Stark – technologically and culturally.” He adds: “We share the vision of safe and efficient automation in weapon systems. With Pleno, we are bringing in not only leading AI expertise but also a team with focus, endurance and strength in execution. We are delighted to welcome Nino to the Stark family.”

Lindenberg himself received military training in Germany. He developed Pleno’s first functional prototype in close cooperation with a Ukrainian manufacturer of AI modules, logging over 300 flight hours with the autonomous system in 2024.

In Lindenberg’s view: “Joining forces with Stark enables us to scale faster, develop more deeply and make an impact where it counts.” And: “Especially in defence, AI-driven autonomy systems are the key to scalable, safe and precise effectiveness – in scenarios where personnel are scarce and demands on endurance and effect are high.”

Swarm intelligence without GNSS and constant radio

As next steps, Stark and Pleno are jointly planning swarm intelligence that works independently of GNSS – with systems that can take effect even without a permanent radio link. Modern conflicts demand an ever higher degree of automation. Stark has stated that it aims to decisively advance the technological capabilities of NATO and European armed forces.