The marine data company uses the autonomous, low-cost Datamaran sailboat to deliver ocean intelligence anywhere around the world at 1/10th the cost of existing services, emitting zero CO2, and without risking human life.

The RoboBusiness 2015 Startup Pitchfire event did not disappoint. As the “Shark Tank” of robotics, the must-attend event gave attendees in a jam-packed ballroom at the San Jose Convention Center a first glimpse at emerging technologies as 16 startups gave their best 2-minute elevator pitch to a 4-member panel on investors.

Autonomous Marine Systems (AMS) took home the $5,000 first-place prize, business coaching, and an all-expense paid trip to Robo Valley by TU Delft.

The marine data company uses the autonomous, low-cost Datamaran sailboat to capture ocean intelligence anywhere around the world at 1/10th the cost of existing services, emitting zero CO2, and without risking human life.

We caught up with AMS’ rainmaker Scott Nguyen and judge Scott Beirne, managing director, Two Sigma Ventures, immediately after the event. Did you think someone else should have won? Let us know.

Check out the Q&A below. You can find more information about all 16 Pitchfire finalists here.

The 2014 Pitchfire winner was nLink, which makes the world’s first Mobile Drilling Robot. The judges agreed the Mobile Drilling Robot is a truly disruptive technology that will relieve construction workers from overhead work involved with measuring and drilling in concrete ceilings. Since RoboBusiness, nLink has acquired an industry partner and introduced its first commercial product.