The natural world is in crisis — and the economic consequences are profound. Without immediate action, more than half of global GDP is at risk due to the accelerating decline of ecosystems worldwide.
In response, Google is harnessing its technology and platforms to help monitor, protect, and restore the planet. Tools like Earth Engine for geospatial analysis, SpeciesNet for analyzing camera trap images, and Perch, an AI-powered bioacoustics model for detecting bird species, are already being used by researchers around the world.
Beyond building its own tools, Google is also empowering others tackling these critical challenges — including two early-stage startups from British Columbia.
Through the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI for Nature, a 10-week program launched to support environmentally focused startups, participants receive mentorship from Google experts, technical guidance, and access to advanced AI, Cloud, and Maps technologies. After the program, startups join Google’s alumni network for ongoing support, resources, and exposure to a global innovation ecosystem.
Among the 15 startups selected for the accelerator’s inaugural cohort are Vancouver-based OnDeck and SenseNet, chosen from a highly competitive pool of applicants for their bold use of AI to address environmental challenges.
OnDeck uses artificial intelligence to automate video monitoring of ocean environments. By interpreting footage with human-like understanding — and without the need for labeled training data — OnDeck’s technology enables efficient tracking of marine biodiversity and detection of changes in underwater ecosystems at scale.
OnDeck and SenseNet are members of the BC Tech Association.
BC Tech is the largest member-led technology non-profit in British Columbia, and we’re dedicated to turning startups and scaleups into the anchor companies of tomorrow. Our work supports members to grow and diversify their talent pool, acquire new customers, access capital and accelerate their scaleup journey. Technology is a key industry for BC’s future and builds resiliency in every industry. Today, every company is a tech company. Join now.
SenseNet operates one of the world’s most comprehensive wildfire intelligence platforms. It integrates data from sensors, cameras, and satellites to deliver ultra-early fire detection, predictive modeling, and real-time response. Its system helps safeguard communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems as climate change drives more extreme wildfire conditions.
SenseNet recently partnered with iez! Telecom, a leading telecom infrastructure provider in Brazil, to deploy its AI-powered wildfire prevention system across the country’s vast vegetation zones — showcasing the platform’s global applicability.
With these innovations, BC-based startups like OnDeck and SenseNet are proving that local ingenuity can drive global impact — and with Google’s support, their solutions are poised to scale in the fight for a more resilient natural world.
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