In a striking win for African innovation, Nigerian tech startup Terrahaptix, led by 22-year-old university dropout Nathan Nwachukwu, has secured a $1.2 million contract to protect two of Nigeria’s hydroelectric power plants. The startup outbid a more established Israeli security firm to clinch the deal, marking a major leap forward for locally developed autonomous security systems.
The five-year contract, awarded by the private security company Nethawk Solutions, will involve the deployment of advanced AI-powered drones and automated sentry towers at two critical power sites in northern Nigeria. These installations are intended to counter a growing threat from armed bandits and protect vital energy infrastructure that serves millions.
More than just a one-time purchase, the agreement includes a lucrative annual subscription for Terrahaptix’s proprietary Artemis OS—a defense-oriented operating system that powers their devices with real-time threat detection, data analytics, and autonomous response capabilities. This recurring revenue stream is expected to add financial stability and scalability to the growing firm.
"This deal is a defining moment for us," said CEO Nathan Nwachukwu. "Not only is it our largest to date, but it’s also our first venture into the hydropower sector—something we’ve been targeting strategically for a while. We're proud to demonstrate that homegrown innovation can stand tall on the global stage."
Disrupting Security Tech from Abuja
Terrahaptix was co-founded by Nwachukwu and fellow engineer Maxwell Maduka just three years ago. Despite their youth and limited resources, the pair focused on designing cost-effective, integrated systems that bring together AI, robotics, and local manufacturing. Today, their company operates from a 15,000-square-foot facility in Abuja’s Idu Industrial District and serves clients in South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
With 75% of its sales coming from outside Nigeria, Terrahaptix has proven its ability to compete internationally. In 2024, the company logged over $2 million in orders, and this new deal is expected to significantly boost its 2025 revenues.
The startup’s flagship products include the Archer VTOL drone, designed for aerial surveillance, and the Duma ground robot, which patrols perimeters and feeds real-time data to command centers. Both systems run on Artemis OS, which allows them to communicate seamlessly and respond autonomously to threats—minimizing human involvement and risk.
Local Materials, Global Impact
A key element of Terrahaptix’s success lies in its smart sourcing. By using 80% locally available materials, the company has slashed production costs and passed those savings onto clients. Its products are priced at less than half the cost of comparable systems from Europe or Israel, giving Terrahaptix a competitive edge in emerging markets.
The company’s long-term vision is clear: become Africa’s go-to provider for autonomous security technology. "We want to secure the continent’s infrastructure—from energy plants and mining sites to ports and border facilities," said Nwachukwu. "This deal is a step in that direction. And it’s only the beginning."
