Miami Startup Detect Accepted into 35 Mules Innovation Hub
Building Smarter Infrastructure with DetectOS
Miami, FL – September 9, 2025 — At Detect, we believe safer, smarter, more resilient infrastructure is not just possible. It’s necessary. That’s why we’re proud to announce that Detect Technologies has been selected to join the fourth cohort of 35 Mules, Florida Power & Light Company’s innovation hub. Out of 172 global applicants, Detect was chosen to spend 15 months at NextEra Energy’s campus in Juno Beach, developing solutions alongside world-class mentors and innovators.
Why the 35 Mules Partnership Matters to Detect
35 Mules isn’t your typical accelerator. It’s a hands-on innovation hub created by Florida Power & Light Company, designed to give startups more than just funding. It offers:
$100,000 non-dilutive support—equity stays with founders
Rent-free workspace inside NextEra Energy’s headquarters
15 months of curated programming—from grant workshops to leadership coaching
Direct access to utility leaders and experts
A powerful network of investors and partners across Florida
The name 35 Mules comes from FPL’s humble beginnings in 1925, when it launched with a sponge-fishing boat, an ice plant, and 35 hardworking mules. Today, the name represents grit, resilience, and building something that lasts. That’s a vision we share at Detect.
DetectOS: The Future of Utility Asset Intelligence
At Detect, we’re solving one of the toughest problems utilities face: how to see, understand, and act on risks across massive infrastructure networks. Our platform, DetectOS, combines drone and ground imagery with AI trained on thousands of real-world defect patterns. The result is fast, scalable, and precise infrastructure intelligence.
DetectOS is already making an impact:
Exposing hidden risks like structural fatigue, bolt corrosion, and metal degradation before they fail.
Predicting vegetation encroachment before it threatens reliability.
Identifying storm damage quickly, enabling faster response and recovery.
Recent inspections prove the power of this approach:
In one day, DetectOS revealed rot and corrosion across 96 transmission structures, unlocking millions in targeted rebuild funding.
A large-scale audit of 2,600 towers uncovered a single clevis bolt defect that could have caused a $1M outage—and flagged 1,270 smaller issues at the same time.
This is the difference between reactive repairs and proactive resilience.
What This Means for Utilities
Being part of 35 Mules accelerates our mission. Here’s what it unlocks:
Smarter Grids, Faster – With NextEra’s guidance, we can scale DetectOS to serve utilities nationwide.
Trusted Partnerships – Mentorship from industry veterans helps us refine tech that meets real-world challenges.
Predictive Reliability – Catching problems early, utilities save money, prevent outages, and keep communities safer.
Innovation in Florida – Miami is becoming a hub for energy and AI. Detect is proud to be part of that momentum.
A Miami-Born Solution with Global Reach
We built Detect in Miami because the city reflects the challenges utilities face everywhere: rapid growth, exposure to extreme weather, and the need for resilient infrastructure. As CEO Matthew Sattler puts it:
“Being part of 35 Mules validates our mission to help utilities maintain safer, more reliable infrastructure.”
With the support of 35 Mules and NextEra Energy, we’re taking that mission to the next level.
Join Us on the Journey
Learn more about DetectOS and request a demo: detectinspections.com/get-a-free-audit
Explore 35 Mules and its alumni network: 35mules.com
Follow our latest insights and case studies on the Detect Blog
The grid is the backbone of modern life. Detect exists to protect it, modernize it, and prepare it for what’s next. With 35 Mules by our side, we’re ready to deliver the future of infrastructure intelligence.
