As summer season approaches, a Vancouver-based startup is preparing to conduct a field trial to assess whether its technology can reduce the frequency of wildfires ignited by lightning.
Through the Province’s Integrated Marketplace program, delivered by Innovate BC, Skyward Wildfire Technologies is receiving up to $1 million to test the effectiveness of its lightning-caused wildfire prediction platform.
While humans cause more fires than most people think, lightning remains the leading cause of wildfires in British Columbia, responsible for roughly two-thirds of all ignitions.
“Wildfire agencies need more tools to help reduce risk on the highest-consequence days,” suggests Skyward chief executive officer Sam Goldman. “This project is an opportunity to evaluate our approach in real-world conditions as part of broader wildfire-preparedness and prevention efforts; We are pleased to work with the Province of B.C. and Innovate BC on this field trial.”
Skyward’s technology uses proprietary AI-enabled forecasting to identify areas of elevated lightning-caused wildfire risk as well as targeted intervention tactics.
As part of the trial, the BC Wildfire Service will assess whether the technology meets operational standards for wildfire prevention in the region.
“We must continue looking at ways to think outside of the box,” posits Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “B.C. is seeing real investment into technological innovation through local companies.”
“Wildfire response and community resilience are areas where innovation can have a direct and meaningful impact,” says Peter Cowan, CEO of Innovate BC. “Integrated Marketplace projects are enabling B.C. companies, like Skyward, to deploy and validate their technologies in real-world conditions, while accelerating and de-risking adoption for industry customers, and in this case, help improve emergency response.”
“By helping companies like Skyward test innovative solutions to global challenges, we’re bringing innovation and economic opportunity together to build a stronger, more-resilient future for everyone,” stated Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth.
Skyward’s aircraft will be based in Kamloops and testing will begin in July.
Ken Uzeloc, chief for Kamloops Fire Rescue, says the organization is “supportive of advancing technologies that are available to aid in early detection of emerging incidents to support the rapid deployment of appropriate resources and the ongoing safety of firefighting crews.”
In April, NorthX awarded $643,000 to Skyward.
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