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This Week in Startups · June 27, 2026 · 01:30:26

Why F1 Teams are Replacing Wind Tunnels with Smart Tape | E2305

Jason Calacanis, Lyall Davenport
Spotify

Lyall Davenport of SKN Systems explains how his sensor-embedded tape provides F1 teams with real-world aerodynamic data at 95% less cost than wind tunnels. The episode also covers OpenAI's extremely capable but unusable new models, Apple's Vision Pro chief moving to OpenAI, and a notable data center in Virginia.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Curious

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Wind Tunnel Cost Disruption
SKN’s sensor tape replaces wind tunnels at 95% lower cost, generating 420M data points per hour in real driving conditions.
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Highlights

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From Racing Background to Sensor Tape
Lyall Davenport’s racing experience inspired him to develop a sensor tape that delivers real-world aerodynamic data.
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Expansion to Drones and Defense
SKN Systems plans to take its low-cost aero tape from motorsports into drones and defense.
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OpenAI Models Too Capable to Use
OpenAI’s newest models are so powerful that safety or usage restrictions make them inaccessible.
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Editorial

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Apple Vision Pro Chief Joins OpenAI
Apple’s Vision Pro division head left for OpenAI, signaling a talent shift toward AI companies.
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The World’s Most Annoying Data Center
A data center in Sterling, Virginia, is singled out for its local nuisance factor.
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Remembering Om Malik
Jason reflects on the legacy of tech journalist and Gigaom founder Om Malik.
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Misc

✧Jason dubs a data center in Sterling, Virginia the 'world's most annoying'.
✧The episode includes a remembrance of influential tech journalist Om Malik.
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