A groundbreaking achievement has been made by Terrahaptix, a Nigerian autonomous systems startup, as it surpasses an Israeli firm to secure a $1.2 million security contract.
The five-year deal, awarded by private security firm Nethawk Solutions, empowers Terrahaptix to deploy cutting-edge AI-powered drones and sentry towers at two hydroelectric power plants in Nigeria.
In addition to the initial $1.2 million hardware investment, the agreement includes a recurring six-figure annual software subscription fee, ensuring a stable revenue stream for the Nigerian hardware firm.
“This is our largest contract to date and our first in the hydroelectric sector,” exclaimed Nathan Nwachukwu, the ambitious 22-year-old CEO of Terrahaptix.
As part of the contract, Terrahaptix will supply approximately 10 drones and several solar-powered Sentry Towers, all integrated with the innovative Artemis OS, which utilizes AI to detect and classify potential threats.
The primary objective is to secure the hydroelectric power plants against bandits who have previously utilized the facilities as hideouts. Nwachukwu emphasized that the Artemis OS is capable of identifying threats, assessing their numbers, and even evaluating their level of ammunition.
The superior capabilities of Artemis OS have given Terrahaptix a competitive edge in acquiring security contracts. “At Terrahaptix, we deliver an integrated end-to-end solution,” Nwachukwu stated. “From aerial systems to ground systems and maritime systems, all powered by our proprietary operating system, we ensure a smoother user experience.”
Similar to user retention strategies employed by global giants like Apple, Terrahaptix offers clients a cohesive ecosystem experience, allowing for seamless communication between hardware and software systems.
Founded by Nwachukwu and Maxwell Maduka, Terrahaptix has rapidly expanded its footprint across Africa, boasting a 15,000-square-foot factory in Abuja’s Idu Industrial District. With clients in South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, 75% of the company’s sales now originate from markets beyond Nigeria.
The startup recently announced $2 million in orders for 2024, and with this lucrative new contract, it is well-positioned to double that figure in 2025.
Among its product offerings are the Archer VTOL drone for aerial surveillance and the Duma ground drone for onsite monitoring—both powered by Artemis OS to enable real-time threat detection and response.
By integrating hardware-software solutions and leveraging cost-effective manufacturing—sourcing 80% of materials locally—Terrahaptix continues to experience rapid growth. This approach allows the company to provide competitive pricing that is over 50% lower than its rivals.
“Our goal is to become Africa’s leading provider of autonomous security solutions for critical infrastructure,” Nwachukwu asserted. “This contract is a significant step toward that vision.”