Deploying drones for wildfire defence with FireSwarm Solutions
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Alex Deslauriers is the founder and CEO at FireSwarm Solutions, a startup revolutionizing wildfire suppression. FireSwarm is developing AI-powered swarm algorithms that enable heavy-lift drones to fight wildfires.
Alex brings over 25 years of experience in aerospace engineering and aviation software (including work with the US Navy on F-18 programs) before pivoting to wildfire tech after losing his own property to the Gun Lake fires in 2023. Now, he’s applying his extensive aviation experience and a talented team to tackle this growing climate challenge.
You'll learn about how wildfire response works on the ground, how autonomous drones make fire suppression safer and more effective, and the intersection between climate tech and national security.
TALKING POINTS
How climate change is intensifying wildfires
FireSwarm's drone swarm technology for 24/7 wildfire fighting, especially during critical overnight hours
Using swarming algorithms to precisely target fire hotspots using real-time data
Breaking down costs between heavy-lift drones vs traditional tools like helicopters
Building a software-first approach that can adapt with evolving drone technology
Regulatory advantages in Canada vs the US
The intersection between climate adaptation and national security
Strategic partnerships with First Nations communities for deployment and local capacity building
Funding challenges specific to climate adaptation technologies compared to emissions reduction solutions
FireSwarm's vision for creating exportable Canadian climate tech that serves both domestic and global markets