Chevron Backs AI Startup to Defend Energy Grids From Drone Threats

LOS ANGELES, CA – June 01, 2026 – As unmanned aerial drones become more sophisticated and accessible, a new and complex threat looms over the world’s most critical infrastructure. In response, energy giant Chevron is placing a strategic bet on a novel, AI-driven approach to defense, today announcing the selection of Auron Solutions for its prestigious Technology Ventures Catalyst Program.

Auron Solutions, a Los Angeles-based AI-native defense technology company, is pioneering autonomous software designed to neutralize hostile drones without firing a shot or jamming friendly communications. The partnership signals a significant shift in how the energy sector is moving to protect its sprawling and vulnerable assets—from refineries and pipelines to power grids—against a new generation of airborne threats.

The New Frontline in Industrial Security

The proliferation of inexpensive, high-capability drones has opened a new front in industrial security. Malicious actors can now conduct detailed reconnaissance, map facility layouts, and identify security weaknesses from a safe distance. Beyond surveillance, the potential for direct attacks is a growing concern for government agencies and private industry alike. A drone, whether acting alone or as part of a coordinated swarm, could be used to deliver an explosive payload, trigger a fire, or even launch a localized cyberattack against a facility's operational network.

For the energy sector, the stakes are exceptionally high. An attack on a substation could trigger widespread power outages, while an incident at an oil refinery or chemical plant could lead to a catastrophic environmental disaster and severe economic disruption. Reports from agencies like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have repeatedly warned of the vulnerability of these sites, urging operators to adopt layered defense strategies that go beyond traditional fences and cameras. The challenge has been finding a counter-drone solution that is effective against agile threats without disrupting the very operations it is meant to protect.

A Software-Defined Shield

This is the problem Auron Solutions aims to solve. The company is moving away from the established counter-drone paradigms of kinetic interceptors—like nets or projectiles—and crude, wideband jamming. Instead, it is building what it calls an "autonomous RF software layer."

"Auron was built around a simple idea: autonomous airborne threats to critical infrastructure are fundamentally software-defined problems," said Daniel Stepanenko, Founder and CEO of Auron Solutions, in a statement. "Being selected into the Chevron Technology Ventures Catalyst Program is a major milestone for our company and reflects the growing need for AI-native RF defense systems that can operate safely in complex commercial and industrial environments."

At its core, Auron's platform uses artificial intelligence to constantly monitor the radio frequency (RF) spectrum. When it detects a drone's signature, the AI classifies its model and behavior to determine if it is a threat. If a hostile drone is identified, the system doesn't launch a missile or blanket the area with disruptive jamming signals. Instead, it employs highly targeted, software-defined electronic techniques to selectively mitigate the threat. This could mean precisely disrupting the drone’s control link, forcing it to land, or sending it back to its operator, all while leaving nearby friendly communications—such as Wi-Fi, cellular networks, and internal operational radio systems—completely untouched. This surgical precision is a critical advantage in industrial settings where uninterrupted data flow is essential for safety and efficiency.

Chevron's Strategic Bet on a Secure Future

For Chevron, this partnership is more than just a grant; it's a strategic investment in operational resilience. The Chevron Technology Ventures (CTV) Catalyst Program, launched in 2017, was specifically designed to identify and nurture early-stage companies with breakthrough technologies that can enhance Chevron's global operations. Auron joins a roster of innovative firms selected for the program, which have included specialists in pipeline inspection, advanced sensor analytics, and carbon capture technology.

By backing Auron, Chevron is proactively addressing the evolving security landscape. The investment provides the energy giant with early access to a next-generation defense capability that aligns perfectly with its broader push toward digitalization and operational enhancement. The ability of Auron's software to integrate with existing sensors and defense infrastructure makes it a potentially scalable solution across Chevron’s vast portfolio of global assets. This move underscores a growing trend among major corporations to use their venture arms not just for financial returns, but as a critical tool for sourcing innovation and future-proofing their core business against emerging challenges.

Navigating a Crowded and Complex Airspace

The counter-UAS market is a dynamic and increasingly crowded field, with companies like DroneShield and Dedrone offering a range of detection and mitigation systems. However, Auron's deep focus on an AI-driven, software-first, and non-disruptive approach places it at the cutting edge of the industry's evolution. As regulators like the FAA and DHS grapple with creating legal frameworks for counter-drone systems in civilian airspace, solutions that minimize collateral impact are gaining significant traction.

The preference for "soft-kill" methods that don't involve physical projectiles or widespread electronic interference is particularly strong in environments like airports, stadiums, and critical infrastructure sites. Auron's technology is designed to operate within these complex legal and operational constraints, offering a path for private asset owners to defend their property effectively and responsibly. The support from a major industrial player like Chevron will not only accelerate Auron's development but also lend significant credibility to its approach, potentially paving the way for wider adoption across the entire critical infrastructure landscape as industries race to stay ahead of the threats of tomorrow.