WindBorne Systems

WindBorne Systems is a startup developing a network of low‐cost, long‐range balloons designed to monitor hard-to-reach areas. Their innovative approach targets enhanced weather forecasting and environmental monitoring, providing actionable data for government and commercial applications.

CCI Score

-15.73

0.01% April 18

Latest Event

WindBorne Secures U.S. Navy and Air Force Contracts

WindBorne Systems has been awarded significant U.S. government contracts by the Navy and Air Force to enhance its AI weather forecasting technology, a development that raises concerns among critics about deepening ties between corporate innovation and the state’s militaristic apparatus.

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ENABLER

WindBorne Systems is currently rated as an Enabler.

-10 to -19 CCI Score

Companies in this segment facilitate authoritarian practices while claiming neutrality. They provide resources or support that indirectly bolster oppressive regimes, thereby undermining democratic accountability without overtly endorsing the regime.

Latest Events

JUL

01

2024

WindBorne Secures U.S. Navy and Air Force Contracts
-18.16

WindBorne Systems has been awarded significant U.S. government contracts by the Navy and Air Force to enhance its AI weather forecasting technology, a development that raises concerns among critics about deepening ties between corporate innovation and the state’s militaristic apparatus.
-30

Public and Political Behavior

March 27

By accepting high-profile defense contracts, WindBorne Systems is aligning its technology with the operational goals of U.S. military agencies. This deepens corporate ties to state power and may contribute to the militarization of government functions, which is concerning from an anti-authoritarian perspective.

WindBorne Wins U.S. Navy, Air Force Awards to Accelerate Its Groundbreaking AI Weather Forecasting Models and Enable Operational Govt Models
-15

Technology and Services Impact

March 27

WindBorne’s deployment of its advanced AI weather forecasting model, WeatherMesh, is being optimized for military use. While its core application is meteorological, the integration into defense operations raises concerns about potential dual-use implications in furthering state surveillance and operational control.

WindBorne Wins U.S. Navy, Air Force Awards to Accelerate Its Groundbreaking AI Weather Forecasting Models and Enable Operational Govt Models
-10

Economic and Structural Influence

March 27

The infusion of government contracts into WindBorne’s business model represents a deeper economic collaboration with state institutions. This relationship can contribute to the entrenchment of authoritative structures by strengthening the financial base of militaristic and potentially authoritarian state practices.

WindBorne Wins U.S. Navy, Air Force Awards to Accelerate Its Groundbreaking AI Weather Forecasting Models and Enable Operational Govt Models
JUL

01

2024

WindBorne Wins U.S. Navy & Air Force Awards
23.66

WindBorne Systems secured multiple domestic government contracts in summer 2024 to advance its groundbreaking WeatherMesh AI forecasting model, enhancing weather predictions and supporting operational government applications for defense and public safety.
+10

Public and Political Behavior

March 27

WindBorne's contracts with the U.S. Navy and Air Force indicate a collaborative engagement with government agencies. While this partnership supports national security and operational readiness, it also highlights the company's integration with state apparatus. From an anti-fascist lens, the score is modest given the complex relation between state contracts and political influence.

WindBorne Wins U.S. Navy, Air Force Awards to Accelerate Its Groundbreaking AI Weather Forecasting Models and Enable Operational Govt Models
+30

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 27

Securing high-profile defense contracts through transparent and competitive government procurement underscores WindBorne’s commitment to ethical business practices. The awards reflect responsible corporate conduct in working with public funding to advance innovative technology that serves broader societal needs.

WindBorne Wins U.S. Navy, Air Force Awards to Accelerate Its Groundbreaking AI Weather Forecasting Models and Enable Operational Govt Models
+40

Technology and Services Impact

March 27

The advancement of the WeatherMesh AI forecasting model through these defense and government contracts demonstrates significant technological innovation. This breakthrough improves weather prediction speeds and accuracy, bolstering public safety and emergency preparedness. Such innovation, while intertwined with defense applications, largely serves a beneficial public function.

WindBorne Wins U.S. Navy, Air Force Awards to Accelerate Its Groundbreaking AI Weather Forecasting Models and Enable Operational Govt Models
JAN

01

2024

WindBorne Systems Lobbying Efforts
-52.70

WindBorne Systems has spent $60,000 on lobbying activities in 2024, raising concerns about corporate influence on political processes that may facilitate authoritarian policies and undermine democratic accountability.
-60

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

March 27

The report from OpenSecrets indicates that WindBorne Systems spent $60,000 on lobbying in 2024. Such expenditure suggests a deliberate strategy to influence policy in ways that can sidestep public accountability and contribute to conditions that favor authoritarian rule. From a left-leaning perspective, this sort of corporate political influence undermines democratic norms and represents complicity in the erosion of civil institutions.

Windborne Systems Lobbying Profile • OpenSecrets