Sustainable infrastructure and innovative technology are crucial for addressing today’s global challenges, and D. Thanos Smith is leading the charge. As the visionary behind The Paragon Universe, a forward-thinking conglomerate dedicated to revolutionizing transportation and infrastructure, Smith has spearheaded a mission to address some of the most pressing global challenges, from climate change to outdated aviation systems.
In this exclusive interview with MSN, Smith delves into the inspirations and challenges behind The Paragon Universe’s creation, sharing insights into the cutting-edge innovations that are set to redefine industries. From pioneering lithium-free battery technologies to developing neighborhood electric vehicles that promise affordability and efficiency, Smith’s work is paving the way for a more sustainable future. Join us as we explore how The Paragon Universe is not just pushing the boundaries of traditional infrastructure but reshaping the very foundations of how we think about sustainability and technological advancement.
What inspired you to create The Paragon Universe, and how did your vision evolve over time?
The creation of The Paragon Universe was inspired by the need to build a sustainable infrastructure ecosystem that addresses critical global challenges and climate change. Witnessing the severe environmental and social impacts of traditional technologies—such as the heavy reliance on cobalt and lithium along with the unethical mining practices associated with cobalt plus the lack of international action to prevent child labor in sweatshops in the Congo—compelled me to develop better alternatives. For instance, our Paragon VTOL Aerospace division faced the challenge of designing an airframe that would be both sustainable and affordable for consumers. This challenge pushed us to rethink not only the materials used but also the entire infrastructure that supports the aircraft and the emerging electric vehicle automotive industry.
We also recognized the inadequacies in the current air traffic control system, which is not as advanced as it should be. The FAA has publicly acknowledged on numerous occasions that the existing system is outdated and in need of modernization to keep pace with the demands of modern aviation worldwide. In response, our BTS Infralink division has been instrumental in developing software for the seamless integration of drones, VTOLs and traditional aircraft, enabling them to move from location to location with significantly improved efficiency and safety. Additionally, our Clearport Worldwide division invested in enhancing road infrastructure, incorporating advanced technology from our aircraft designs to improve structural strength, enable wireless charging, and even melt ice during inclement weather. The technology will be demonstrated in 2025 in a partnership with various companies and institutions. This list includes OEM’s, long-haul, mass commute transit, the Texas Department of Transportation and The University of Texas, Austin within a half mile test track.
Moreover, I took a step back temporarily from the initial plans in Brownsville, TX, to develop a path forward for building a scalable company before returning with a rapid employment strategy and scalable solutions. This decision was crucial in ensuring that our solutions would not only impact the Rio Grande Valley, the state of Texas and North America but also the world at large. The Paragon Universe has always been about pushing boundaries, and our journey reflects a commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Can you share some of the most exciting innovations The Paragon Universe is currently working on this year, and how they will impact the future of transportation and infrastructure?
I’m extremely excited about the progress we’ve made this year, particularly in our battery technology developed by our GTEC division in partnership with various companies. Our battery technology leverages the ingenuity that Nikola Tesla was developing in the early 1900s to create a solid-state battery.
Our solid-state battery developed via third-party and intended for the VTOL aircraft can be used in other sectors for fast charging purposes and currently has thousands of cycle time already proven within our business verticals. This breakthrough battery technology is not only affordable but is also lightweight and may significantly reduce the strain of the electric grid, making it a game-changer for crypto-currency miners, blockchain users, the emerging AI industry, and as a backup solution for our country’s antiquated electrical grid.
One of our proudest achievements is the fact that we manufacture our own lithium-free raw materials right here in the U.S., which positions The Paragon Universe and the American business economy to compete against global players like China. This gives The Paragon Universe a significant advantage especially at a price point that is affordable and accessible to the average American for our lithium-free battery systems.
I’m also incredibly excited about our teaming agreement with the founder of “America’s builder” D. R. Horton. The company he co-founded with his brother in 2023 delivered over 130,000 homes and generated gross revenues shy of $40 billion in the past year. The Paragon Universe will be integrating our advanced battery technology and substrate improvements into their upcoming projects. The specific terms within the newly created Horton World Solutions, LLC, will be announced later this year. This collaboration is a powerful testament to how our innovations are becoming part of everyday life and recognized by industry experts.
I’m overjoyed about the development of our NV Motor Group division. We’ve been developing affordable neighborhood vehicles to alleviate the financial strain of purchasing electric vehicles, using low-speed vehicles as an early mover and as a demonstrator to establish a baseline for our VTOL aircraft in development. This year, I will be introducing the NVUS II, an electric vehicle that can be driven on any road in the U.S. and globally. The NVUS II will be a jolt to the EV sector and will be available at Horton World Solution communities over the next 10 years. After rebates, the NVUS II will be available for less than $30,000. It will offer a range of nearly five hundred miles, can fully charge in less than 10 minutes, and can use a standard 110-V wall outlet to recharge.
To summarize, I’m excited about the innovations we’re bringing to market through our various divisions within The Paragon Universe. These innovations are setting the stage for a transformative impact on the future of transportation and infrastructure. Our approach is as revolutionary as the early developments in aircraft from the 1900s, and we believe it will reshape the industry for years to come.
How does The Paragon Universe approach sustainability in its projects, and why is it such a crucial element of your mission?
Sustainability is at the very core of The Paragon Universe’s mission. We have created an ecosystem of interdependencies that is based on sustainability, affordability and viability. Our key products will be mined, manufactured and commercialized within the U.S. and throughout the Caribbean, ensuring a reduced environmental footprint and bolstering local economies both onshore and near shore to the United States.
As a native Jamaican, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of climate change, which has only strengthened my commitment to making sustainability a central pillar of our mission. By focusing on sustainable practices, we aim to mitigate the impact of climate change for the eight billion people on this planet. Every project we undertake is designed with this commitment in mind, from the materials we use to the technologies we develop.
What challenges have you faced in pushing the boundaries of traditional infrastructure, and how have you overcome them?
Pushing the boundaries of traditional infrastructure has presented significant challenges. One of the biggest hurdles has been dealing with the entrenched interests of established organizations and corporations that are major contributors to climate change. Despite their claims of supporting the transition to more sustainable practices, their business models often create conflicts of interest. These companies have access to vast amounts of capital, resources, and partnerships.
To overcome these challenges, The Paragon Universe has boldly created various wholly owned subsidiaries to directly address these issues. By focusing on developing commercially viable, affordable, and accessible verticals, based on interdependencies within The Paragon Universe we are ensuring that our innovations are accessible to the estimated eight billion people on Earth.
D.Thanos Smith has given us a glimpse into the bold vision driving The Paragon Universe. His commitment to sustainability, innovation, and affordability is not just shaping the future of transportation and infrastructure but is also setting new standards for what is possible. As The Paragon Universe continues to push boundaries and develop groundbreaking technologies, it’s clear that Smith’s leadership is guiding us toward a more sustainable and equitable world. The advancements discussed here are just the beginning, and the impact of The Paragon Universe is sure to be felt for generations to come.
