Dryad Networks expands bushfire tech into Australasia

Dryad Networks has expanded into Australia and New Zealand to address the increasing challenges posed by bushfires with its AI-powered early detection technology.

The company has established its first office in the region at Macquarie Park, New South Wales. This new hub will allow Dryad to collaborate more effectively with local governments, emergency services, and industry partners to combat wildfires promptly.

Sohan Domingo, who is serving as the Vice President of Sales, Technology, and Operations, is leading the expansion into Australia and New Zealand. The company begins its operations with a local team and is prepared to scale up as requirements increase. Domingo highlighted the importance of having a presence in the region, stating, "Australia and New Zealand are on the frontlines of climate adaptation, and early fire detection is critical. With a local team, Dryad can work directly with authorities and land managers to stop fires before they spread."

Dryad Networks' expansion comes after successful deployments in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Their technology focuses on detecting fires at the smouldering stage, thus preventing them from spreading further. The sensors utilised by the company are designed to operate maintenance-free for up to 15 years, powered by a small solar cell, and create a wireless mesh network to ensure coverage even in remote areas.

The technology aims to give emergency services a significant advantage by providing real-time fire maps and outperforming traditional methods such as spotting towers, infrared cameras, and satellites, which typically identify fires only after they have already spread. "Bushfires don't just destroy landscapes and communities, they also fuel climate change. Early detection is the key to stopping them before they spread. Dryad's expansion isn't just about growth; it's about protecting lives, infrastructure, and forests. By reducing fire risk, we're also cutting carbon emissions and building a more resilient future," Domingo remarked.

Dryad is also pushing the envelope in wildfire suppression technology with the development of Silvaguard, an AI-powered drone that uses acoustic waves to extinguish fires. This system is expected to enhance rapid responses to fire incidents detected by Dryad's sensors and is being considered for deployment in Australia and New Zealand. The region presents particular challenges with fast-moving fires, making rapid intervention crucial.

To facilitate its deployment plans, Dryad is collaborating with local partners including Indigenous Industries Australia, Thinxtra, Indicium Dynamics, and New Zealand's Direct Safety. These partnerships are aimed at scaling the bushfire detection technology across the two nations and drawing on local expertise.

Dryad also engages with research institutions, governmental bodies, and emergency response organisations to refine its systems and bolster bushfire resilience across different landscapes.