Etherea||
Emerging Technology Pipeline
Etherea|| is STA's innovation engine for emerging technology sectors, where we develop prototype products and validate their commercial potential. We don't just research—we build, test, and bring breakthrough technologies to market through strategic partnerships and exit strategies.
Our systematic approach takes promising technologies from concept to commercialization, serving venture capital firms, tech startups, and corporate innovation teams who need validated, market-ready solutions.
Our Approach
Prototype Development
Small-scale tech prototypes developed rapidly using agile methodologies and cutting-edge technology stacks.
Market Fit Testing
Comprehensive pilot programs with real users to validate product-market fit and refine commercial viability.
Strategic Exit
Multiple monetization paths including product sales, IP licensing, and equity partnerships with strategic investors.
Target Partners
Venture Capital
Portfolio-ready technologies with validated market potential and clear commercial pathways.
Tech Startups
Proven prototypes available for licensing or acquisition to accelerate product development.
Corporate Innovation
Emerging tech solutions ready for integration into existing enterprise environments.
Commercialization Strategy
Every prototype in our pipeline is designed with multiple exit strategies: direct product sales for immediate market entry, IP licensing for strategic partnerships, and equity arrangements for joint ventures. We de-risk innovation by validating commercial viability before scaling.
SaaS Products
From prototype to production — commercial products born in the Etherea pipeline.
AEOify.ai
Production SaaSAI Search Visibility for the Age of Answer Engines
AEOify is the first tool purpose-built for Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) — the discipline of making your site visible to AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews. Our AI agent crawls your site using a real browser, evaluates against current best practices, and returns a prioritized fix list with code snippets — so you know exactly what to change and why.
Next.js · TypeScript · PostgreSQL · Claude API · Playwright · AWS · Stripe
AEO Auditing
Your pages evaluated for AI search engine visibility using real browser rendering
AI-Powered Analysis
Current best practices researched and applied to your site every scan
MCP Server
API-key-authenticated MCP integration for developers and AI agents
infillS
Invite OnlyFull-stack lot intelligence for residential infill developers
infillOS gives small residential developers the analytical intelligence to evaluate every opportunity in their market, not just the ones they stumble across. Talk to your data in natural language. Get zoning constraints, building layouts, pro formas, and market context back in seconds.
Python · FastMCP · PostGIS · Shapely · Leaflet · Claude API
Parcel Intelligence
Search and evaluate every vacant parcel in your target zone with zoning and constraint data
Building Envelope Fitting
Automatic building layout fitting to parcel constraints with interactive map overlays
Instant Pro Formas
Financial feasibility analysis with scoring so you chase the right deals
Featured Open Source Projects
Showcasing our innovation in action—real-world prototypes demonstrating emerging technology integration and commercial viability.
PublicMCP
TypeScriptModel Context Protocol (MCP) server for automating government services. List of capabilities include checking fire danger levels and applying for burn permits in Maine. Built with TypeScript, this project demonstrates real-world integration of emerging AI protocol standards with government services.
Fire Danger Assessment
Real-time fire danger level monitoring using environmental data
Burn Permit Applications
Streamlined permit application process for Maine residents
MCP Protocol Integration
Early adoption of Model Context Protocol for AI-enhanced services
Autopod
JavaScriptCLI tool and npm module for combining video clips into podcasts with smooth transitions. Streamlines podcast production workflows by automating the tedious process of stitching together video segments, making it easy to produce professional-looking content.
Video Clip Combining
Seamlessly merge multiple video clips into a single cohesive podcast
Smooth Transitions
Automatic transition effects between clips for professional results
npm Module
Use as CLI tool or integrate programmatically into your workflow
AudioViz
JavaScriptReal-time audio visualization web app designed for OBS Browser Source integration. Creates beautiful circle-based animations that respond to microphone input or audio files, with extensive customization through URL parameters.
Real-time Visualization
Dynamic circle animations responding to audio frequency data
OBS Integration
Optimized for use as OBS Browser Source with transparent background
Flexible Audio Input
Support for microphone input and local or remote audio files
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Etherea?
Etherea is STA's lab for emerging technology prototypes. We identify promising tech areas, build real working prototypes, validate them with actual users, and either bring them to market or find a strategic partner to take them further.
What kinds of technologies does Etherea prototype?
We focus on areas where AI and emerging protocols are creating new possibilities: AEO tooling (AEOify, our live SaaS for AI search visibility), MCP integrations (PublicMCP), open source tooling for content creators, and automation for complex workflows.
How can VCs or tech companies partner with Etherea?
We're open to direct product sales, IP licensing for our prototypes, and equity-based partnerships for joint ventures. Reach out through our contact page to start a conversation.
Start a partnership conversationWhat is PublicMCP?
PublicMCP is our open-source MCP server that automates Maine residents' interactions with fire safety services: checking fire danger levels and applying for burn permits. It's our proof-of-concept for turning bureaucratic processes into a simple conversation.
What are the exit strategies for Etherea prototypes?
Every prototype is built with three possible exits: direct product sales for immediate market entry, IP licensing for strategic partnerships, and equity-based joint ventures. We de-risk innovation by validating market fit before committing to scale.
How does Etherea validate market fit before scaling?
We run structured pilot programs with real users before committing resources to scale. The goal is evidence of demand, not just interest — paid pilots or signed letters of intent before we go further. If you're interested in piloting a prototype, reach out.
Explore piloting a prototypeWhat is AEOify?
AEOify is STA's Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) audit tool — a production SaaS that evaluates websites for visibility in AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews, and Bing Copilot. Our AI agent crawls your site using a real browser, evaluates against current best practices, and returns a prioritized fix list so you know exactly what to change.
Visit aeoify.aiHow does AEOify's subscription model work?
AEOify offers monthly and annual subscription tiers that include scan credits for running AEO audits. Credits can also be purchased one-time if you need a single report without a subscription. Payments are processed via Stripe.
See AEOify plansDoes AEOify integrate with AI tools and developer workflows?
Yes. AEOify ships with an MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that lets developers and AI agents trigger AEO analyses programmatically using an API key. This makes it composable with Claude Code, custom agents, and CI/CD pipelines.
Learn about AEOify's MCP integrationWhat is infillOS?
infillOS is a real estate development feasibility engine built for small residential developers. It combines parcel data, zoning intelligence, building envelope fitting, and pro forma analysis in a single AI-powered flow. Think of it as full-stack lot intelligence: you talk to your data, and infillOS orchestrates the analysis.
Request an inviteHow does infillOS work?
infillOS scans every vacant parcel in your target zone, resolves zoning constraints, fits building layouts to each lot, runs the pro forma, and ranks the results by viability. You see the deals worth chasing before anyone else. Currently covering Durham, NC with more markets coming.
Request an invite