Munich Startup: What does your startup do? What problem do you solve?
Lauritz Weil, Co-Founder of Nomadic Drones: We are developing autonomous drones that station themselves directly in the power grid and operate there continuously as flying sensor platforms. Unlike traditional inspection drones, they don't just launch occasionally but remain in operation continuously – thanks to a self-developed recharging system that allows charging directly on the power line.
The problem: Power grids are currently largely analog. They lack sensors, live data, and continuous monitoring. Many operators are figuratively flying blind over their grids, leading to costly outages, delays, or, in the worst case, even forest fires.
Our Solution For the first time, it brings real sensor technology to the area without the need to build new infrastructure: Our drone docks directly onto the lines, flies automatically over routes, continuously delivers usable data, and recharges itself in the process.
Munich Startup: But that's been around for a long time!
Lauritz Weil: Classic inspection drones or selective camera flights – yes, they exist.
But an autonomous system that is permanently integrated into the grid, flies regularly, charges directly on the line, and functions as a sensor platform – that doesn't exist yet.
Our goal is not just inspection, but a new level of network transparency without additional masts, without new sensors, without constant human intervention.
From the USA to Munich
Munich Startup: What is your founding story?
Lauritz Weil: My co-founder, Andreas Moldskred, and I met in 2023 during a year abroad at UC Berkeley. We share a passion for technology and bring a background in robotics, energy, and autonomous systems. While Andreas had initial ideas for automated line inspection, I contributed experience in manufacturing and electronics. Before we started technical development, we held over 100 meetings with grid operators, linemen, government agencies, and other startups. The feedback was clear: "If you can really get this right, we need you."
We then began building our first prototypes, developing algorithms, and filing our first patents. This was followed by the founding of the US company, the completion of a pre-seed financing round, and finally the relocation of the team to Munich to further develop the technology in pilot projects with network operators.
Munich Startup: What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Lauritz Weil: Clearly: Hardware and software Building and financing a company at the same time is challenging. Many investors shy away from complex technology, especially in the early stages. There's also a lot of regulatory consideration, from aviation regulations and safety issues to energy infrastructure. In addition, you not only have to develop the product, but also engage with very conservative industries, build trust, explain, and validate it.
Nevertheless, this is precisely what often helped us move forward, because there was genuine interest and we received early feedback on what was needed.
Munich Startup: Where would you like to be in one year, where in five years?
Lauritz Weil: Within a year, we aim to have successfully completed several pilot projects – with autonomous flights, stable data collection, and real relief for network operators.
In five years, we envision our system as an integral part of the infrastructure, with a network of autonomous drone platforms regularly flying over critical networks, helping to prevent outages, damage, and wildfires. The vision: a flying sensor that understands the grid and helps grid operators act faster and smarter.
Excellent conditions in the Bavarian capital
Munich Startup: How have you experienced Munich as a startup location so far?
Lauritz Weil: Very positive. Munich is one of the best locations in Europe for robotics, hardware, and engineering. We have access to excellent talent, strong industry partners, and an ecosystem that truly understands deep tech. At the same time, building a strong engineering team here is significantly cheaper than in the Bay Area—which is precisely why Munich is extremely attractive for deep tech and hard tech startups with significant initial engineering investment.
What surprises many is that Europe has often been simpler in terms of regulations. Especially in the field of drones, the EU is currently one of the most progressive regions in the Western world. Collaboration with power grid operators in Germany and Norway has also been very pragmatic and straightforward. This was one of the reasons why we decided to establish our engineering and product development here in Germany.
Munich also has excellent connections and offers direct flights all over the world – extremely valuable for us. This allows us to build an international team here that brings German engineering into product development, while also addressing the American market. Our goal is to use this combination to scale into the US market; the first test flights in California will begin soon.
Munich Startup: Hidden champion or shooting star?
Lauritz Weil: Maybe somewhere in between. Many people don't really have the power grid on their radar – yet it's one of the most complex and reliable systems in existence. The more you delve into it, the clearer it becomes how impressive this infrastructure truly is. With the energy transition, increasing volatility in the grid, and growing risks from extreme weather or attacks on critical infrastructure, the importance of robust sensors and intelligent systems will increase. That's exactly where we come in. Our drone not only helps with technical aspects, it also makes the issue visible. This draws attention and opens doors to discuss solutions that would otherwise easily be overlooked.
