In June 2023, the Pentagon awarded 19-year-old entrepreneur Ethan Thornton a whopping $85M to develop hydrogen weapons for the US military. However, exactly one year later, it seems things are not going well for the wunderkind.
Substantial controversy has erupted over the teen’s unsafe and even unethical practices within his company, Mach Industries. And many are wondering why the US military chose to invest such an outrageous sum with someone who seems to have no idea what they are doing.
The Pentagon Gives 19-Year-Old $85 Million
Even though tech companies love to fund a young up and comer who has big dreams, the US military has historically shied away from such risky endeavors.
But in June 2023, that all changed when the Pentagon announced it was investing $85 million into 19-year-old Ethan Thornton and his brand new company, Mach Industries.
Who Is Ethan Thornton?
Ethan Thornton has told the press that his interest in hardware and engineering started when he was just a child. He said it is “part-nature, part-nurture,” as his grandfather built kit aircrafts in his spare time and shared his passion with the young Thornton.
Thornton also noted that at some point, he became “[obsessed] with electrolysis,” which is the process by which water is split into constituent elements, including the ever-important hydrogen.
Dropping Out of College to Start Mach Industries
Thornton was unquestionably talented and exceptionally smart as a teen, so the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) happily accepted the young genius into their elite engineering program.
But Thornton said he just “couldn’t sit through class anymore,” and decided to drop out shortly after enrolling to start his own business he named Mach Industries.
Thornton’s Plan to Revolutionize Warfare
Because of his love of electrolysis, Thornton decided to dedicate his company to the development of hydrogen, and more specifically, how hydrogen could revolutionize warfare.
The idea was simple in theory: Thornton aimed to create hydrogen-powered artillery which could be easily replenished on the battlefield, giving the US military a substantial advantage over their enemies.
Investors Were Thrilled With the Idea
Investors who heard Theorton’s proposal were taken aback with the young man’s ingenious idea, but none so much as the Pentagon. The chance to add hydrogen-powered weapons to their arsenal was simply too good to pass up.
So, last year, the US military decided to entrust Thornton with an almost unbelievable $85 million to make his theory a reality. But things have not been going well for the young genius.
Making Mistakes Left and Right
A recent video published by Forbes explains the many issues at Mach Industries, specifically relating to Thornton’s questionable decision making and unsafe practices.
The video explained that a Mach Industries employee reported a situation in which both Thornton and another colleague nearly lost their lives when Thoron attempted to test a hydrogen-powered weapon they had developed.
Mach Industries Employee Almost Loses His Life in Accident
Thornton made it out unharmed, but his employee was hit by shrapnel after the explosion and had to be rushed to the hospital. He sustained several injuries, and it turns out this was just one of several accidents at the company.
Employees told Forbes that the work environment under Thornton’s leadership is unsafe and extremely chaotic. They even mentioned that Thornton himself takes several unnecessary risks when testing new products.
Thornton’s Hydrogen-Powered Weapons Aren’t Working
Additionally, they noted that Thornton’s prototypes are failing at every turn. Mach Industries’ flagship project, a mobile hydrogen generator for the battlefield known as Prometheus, was scrapped as Thornton and his team couldn’t find a way to produce the necessary fuel.
And while they are now working on a new product, a cost-effective cruise missile known as the Viper, many worry that Thornton’s lackadaisical and juvenile response to development will ensure the design never comes to fruition.
Thornton May Be Out of Money Very Soon
Meanwhile, Thornton is running low on money. Even after using most of the $85 million contribution from the Pentagon, Mach Industries has absolutely nothing to show for itself.
As Forbes reported, the Pentagon may realize that the “move fast and break things” way of development that has served the tech industry is not the correct mindset for weapons of mass destruction.
Are Hydrogen-Powered Weapons Possible?
It’s important to note that while Mach Industries seems to be a complete disaster, Thornton’s original hypothesis that weapons of war could be powered by hydrogen is not nonsense.
It’s highly likely the military in the US and around the world will continue to invest in hydrogen-powered weapons. However, after this disappointing situation with Thornton, they will likely opt for someone with more experience or who at least can rent their own car and grab a beer after work.
The US Military Will Continue to Invest in New and More Powerful Weapons
At the end of the day, the United States military is one of the largest investors in tech companies in the entire country. The organization, which costs $820 billion to operate every year, is extremely dedicated to the development of the newest and most powerful weapons in the world.
So, while the end may be near for young Thornton, the continued investment in tech-based warfare is far from over. In fact, some say it may even increase over the next decade.
