FireSwarm Selected from Record 3,680 Submissions for NATO DIANA’s 2026 Challenge Programme

VANCOUVER, BC — December 10, 2025

FireSwarm Solutions Inc. today announced that it has been selected to join the 2026 cohort of NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), marking a major milestone in the company’s growth as a dual-use technology leader in wildfire and emergency-response logistics operations.

150 pioneering companies were selected from 24 NATO countries to participate in the 2026 Challenge Programme. The initiative connects innovators with military end-users, mentors, and investors to accelerate the development, validation, and adoption of technologies that address urgent operational needs across the Alliance.

FireSwarm will participate in NATO DIANA’s Accelerator Programme under the Operations in Extreme Environments challenge area. Through the programme, the company will advance and test its ultra heavy-lift autonomous aerial system designed to enable faster, safer, and more effective wildfire detection and logistics response, supporting both civil and defence applications.

“FireSwarm is built for the realities of today’s evolving emergency and infrastructure risk landscape.” said Alex Deslauriers, Co Founder and CEO. “Being selected by NATO DIANA’s Challenge Programme from a record 3,680 submissions across the Alliance reinforces the growing need for autonomous systems that improve operational readiness and response in the toughest environments and conditions.”

Starting in January 2026, FireSwarm will receive contractual funding and gain access to DIANA’s expanding network of 16 accelerator sites and more than 200 test centres across the 32 NATO nations. This will provide the company with critical real-world validation and operational insight to accelerate deployment. Access to the DIANA Programme’s Rapid Adoption Service opens a path to sell wildfire and emergency logistics solutions to the NATO-member states and NATO bodies, giving innovators access to all 32 markets.

“DIANA’s mission is to find the most innovative companies, help them advance their solutions and grow their business, and get the technologies we need into the hands of NATO operators. Over the next year, these innovators will accelerate breakthrough technologies that can help to transform how the Alliance defends against current and emerging threats,” said James Appathurai, Interim Managing Director of NATO DIANA.

NATO DIANA creates a unique space for allies and innovators to collaborate and co-develop solutions, ensuring solutions are better tailored to Allied needs. It also opens rapid adoption and commercial pathways across all NATO nations, supporting the Alliance’s mission to safeguard the freedom and security of its one billion citizens.

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About FireSwarm Solutions Inc.

FireSwarm Solutions Inc. is a wildfire technology company built by multidisciplinary experts developing comprehensive, turn-key solutions for wildfire and emergency logistics management. While leveraging advanced ultra heavy-lift, long-endurance uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) as a platform, FireSwarm develops the autonomous coordination software, patent-pending AI and machine-learning algorithms, and specialized fire-mission kits that enable rapid response. The company is committed to strengthening community resilience, supporting climate adaptation efforts, and protecting people, property, and critical ecosystems. 

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MORE ABOUT NATO DIANA

NATO DIANA finds and accelerates cutting-edge technologies to deliver battle-winning defence and security solutions for the Alliance, while fostering deep-tech innovation. As a cornerstone of NATO’s innovation and technology strategy, DIANA brings together world-class talent and the latest advancements to maintain the Alliance’s technological edge. Leveraging a network of leading accelerator sites, test centres, expert mentors, and Allied expertise across 32 nations, DIANA empowers innovators working at the intersection of defence readiness, commercial potential, and technological breakthroughs. 

More information about the challenges can be found at DIANA | Challenges. For any questions on DIANA’s announcement, media or guidelines, please contact press@diana.nato.int. 

FireSwarm Solutions Named One of Canada’s Top 50 Most Investable Cleantech Companies

VANCOUVER, BC — November 5, 2025
FireSwarm Solutions Inc., a Canadian technology company developing coordinated ultra heavy-lift drone solutions for wildfire and emergency response, has been recognized by Foresight Canada as one of the country’s Top 50 Most Investable Cleantech Companies in the 2025 Foresight 50 showcase.

Now in its fifth year, the annual list highlights ventures demonstrating strong climate impact, commercial readiness, and investment potential. Honourees are selected by an independent panel of investors and domain experts from leading firms, including The Atmospheric Fund, Pangaea Ventures, INP Capital, Vine Ventures, Evok Innovations, and Active Impact Investments and many others. The program identifies companies most ready to scale solutions that deliver climate adaptation and economic resilience.

“To be included among Canada’s most investable cleantech companies is both humbling and motivating and it validates the growing demand for wildfire and emergency-resilience technologies,” said Alex Deslauriers, CEO of FireSwarm Solutions. “This moment is bigger than wildfire alone. The world needs cross-sector solutions that can scale and deliver economic value while protecting people, infrastructure, and ecosystems.”

FireSwarm develops technology to automate and swarm ultra heavy-lift drone systems supporting wildfire, forest management operations through autonomous suppression, rapid situational awareness, safer monitoring, and real-time data collection. The platform also has dual-use applications across logistics, disaster response, infrastructure protection, and remote operations.

From evacuations and housing and business loss to transportation disruptions, utility outages, and health impacts, wildfire costs now touch nearly every government ministry. FireSwarm’s systems will strengthen preparedness and response capacity, helping reduce cascading social and economic impacts.

The company joins this year’s Foresight 50 with a mission to help wildfire teams, communities, and industries prepare and respond more effectively. Its systems aim to achieve a 20–50% reduction in the time required to action early-stage wildfires in remote and wildland-urban interface areas, improving containment success rates.

Operating at the intersection of Canada’s most urgent investment priorities — climate adaptation, emergency response modernization, defence readiness, and economic resilience — FireSwarm delivers a dual-use, scalable technology solution built for the realities of today’s evolving emergency and infrastructure risk landscape.

Kelowna Fire Department test drives new drone tech to combat wildfires

CITY OF KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA
This Spring, the Kelowna Fire Department partnered with FireSwarm Solutions Inc. for an Integrated Training Exercise on Knox Mountain, showcasing advanced drone technology designed to support early wildfire suppression and prevention—particularly in hard-to-reach terrain, during nighttime or low-visibility conditions, or in situations that are unsafe for pilots and ground crews.

The training exercise drew interest from a wide range of public safety leaders and agencies -- including representatives from Transport Canada, BC Wildfire Service, Kelowna RCMP, the City of Kelowna and fire chiefs from surrounding communities such as West Kelowna, Lake Country and Peachland.
While smaller drones were used during the demonstration, they represented the core capabilities of FireSwarm’s scalable, drone-agnostic wildfire defense platform.

During actual fire suppression operations, three or more coordinated FireSwarm drones, manufactured by ACC Innovation in Sweden, can each carry up to 400 kilograms—collectively swarming to match the payload capacity of a medium-sized helicopter. This enables the delivery of water or equipment into remote, high-risk areas that are often inaccessible or unsafe for crewed aircraft.

“Wildfires aren’t going away—and in many cases, they’re becoming more severe,” said Chief Seymour. “Leveraging emerging technologies like this is critical to reducing safety risks to our crews and the communities we protect.”

By combining next-generation drone systems with existing aerial and ground-based strategies, Kelowna is exploring a more resilient, proactive wildfire response model. It is hoped that this investment in new training and technology will provide Kelowna and surrounding areas with significant fire suppression benefits when combined with existing aerial firefighting strategies.

“We’re proud to partner with forward-thinking leaders like Chief Seymour,” said Alex Deslauriers, CEO of FireSwarm. “Kelowna Fire’s openness to innovation and collaboration reflects what’s needed to fight the growing wildfire problem. FireSwarm is built to augment—not replace—existing response, bringing safe, smart, multi-purpose support to wildfire crews.”

Kelowna’s Fire Department is continually exploring new strategies and technology to battle wildfire and protect our residents and firefighting crews as well. To learn how you can do your part to help protect your home and community from the threat of wildfire, visit kelowna.ca/firesmart. For more information about autonomous drone systems for wildfire and forest management, visit fireswarmsolutions.com.

See video of the day captured by Jan Vozenilek - Copper Sky Productions HERE
Read/Watch as Brittany Webster, reported on the event HERE

Kongsberg Geospatial and FireSwarm Join Forces to Strengthen Early Wildfire Suppression and Drone Swarm Logistics

[Ottawa, ON / Squamish, BC] — June 25, 2025
Kongsberg Geospatial (KG), a leader in real-time geospatial visualization and situational awareness, and FireSwarm Solutions Inc. (FireSwarm), a pioneering Canadian company focused on drone-based, AI enabled, wildfire suppression and transport logistics, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their collaboration.

This MOU establishes a framework for the two companies to jointly develop, demonstrate, and market an integrated solution that enhances operational readiness in wildfire response and defense logistics. The partnership brings together KG’s proven situational awareness software, IRIS Terminal and FireSwarm’s proprietary early suppression drone swarms to create a new standard in proactive wildfire management.

“Being part of a global corporation focused on developing technology that protects people and critical infrastructure around the world is inspiring. Applying that focus to tackling Canada's biggest threats brings that inspiration home.” said Jordan Freed, President and Managing Director at Kongsberg Geospatial. “By integrating FireSwarm’s pioneering suppression technology with our real-time visualization platform, IRIS Terminal, we’re not only improving the speed and effectiveness of wildfire response, we're actively shaping the future of disaster resilience and defense readiness.”

Under the MOU, the two companies will:

• Jointly market their complementary solutions and conduct collaborative sales efforts;

• Participate together in implementation projects focused on early wildfire suppression and situational awareness;

• Respond to industry innovation calls from governments and agencies globally, including those from NATO DIANA, DRDC, and Horizon Europe;

Expand into adjacent sectors such as military drone swarm logistics for crisis response and support FireSwarm’s ThunderWasp GT platform into Canadian defense transport logistics opportunities.

“Wildfires are no longer seasonal or remote; they have become a year-round threat and have overwhelmed our capacity to defend our values at risk,” said Alex Deslauriers, CEO at FireSwarm Solutions. “This partnership with Kongsberg Geospatial allows us to bring our autonomous swarm response systems into real-world crisis response operations with a trusted, field-proven situational awareness partner. Together, we can make wildfire suppression faster, smarter, and safer for communities, industry, and first responders.”

The MOU also outlines collaboration on demonstrations that showcase technology readiness both within and beyond the wildfire space. With rising global demand for integrated emergency response systems, the combined offering from KG and FireSwarm is well-positioned to meet calls for scalable, autonomous, and mission-ready drone deployments.

About Kongsberg Geospatial:

Based in Ottawa, Canada, Kongsberg Geospatial (https://kongsberggeospatial.com), developer of the TerraLens Geospatial SDK, creates precision real-time software for air traffic control UAS and situational awareness. The Company’s products are primarily deployed in air-traffic control, Command and Control, and air defense solutions. Over three decades of delivering dependable performance under extreme conditions, Kongsberg Geospatial has become the leading geospatial technology provider for mission-critical applications in Aerospace, Defense, and the rapidly evolving Commercial UAV market. Over three decades of providing dependable performance under extreme conditions, Kongsberg Geospatial has become the leading geospatial technology provider for mission-critical applications where lives are on the line. Kongsberg Geospatial is a subsidiary of Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace.

About FireSwarm Solutions: 

FireSwarm Solutions Inc. is a wildfire technology company developing comprehensive, wildfire management solutions and services. By leveraging advanced autonomous ultra heavy-lift, long-endurance Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) and drone technology, along with the development of patent-pending AI and machine learning algorithms and a  fire mission kit, the company is committed to enhancing the rapid detection, assessment, and response to wildfires, ensuring the safety of people, values at risk and the planet. Visit FireSwarmSolutions.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.

Pioneering Agreement with Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. for Wildfire Resiliency Solutions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 16, 2025 

Strategic Natural Resource Group and FireSwarm Solutions Form Pioneering Agreement with Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. for Wildfire Resiliency Solutions 

[Squamish, B.C./Prince George B.C.] - Strategic Natural Resource Group (Strategic) and FireSwarm Solutions Inc. (FireSwarm) are pleased to announce an innovative partnership agreement with Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. (Innergex), a recognized leader in the renewable energy sector. 

With a total capital investment exceeding $4.6 billion in British Columbia across 22 operating facilities and 3 in construction, Innergex has long prioritized wildfire prevention and suppression in the regions where it operates. As climate change intensifies and wildfire seasons grow increasingly severe, Innergex is committed to finding new solutions to protect critical infrastructure and safeguard local communities. “We are committed to the safety of our neighbours and protection of our assets,” said Colleen Giroux-Schmidt, Senior Vice President - Development Western Canada and Federal Government Affairs, Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. “With this new partnership, we are enhancing our already comprehensive wildfire prevention and mitigation plans by incorporating additional wildfire resiliency and crew response capability. We will be exploring and testing these solutions, and we intend to expand their implementation to various sites, projects and communities.” 

“Innergex's climate leadership makes them the partner of choice for integrating FireSwarm's technological advancement in wildfire response into a community-based effort aimed at protecting valuable assets at a regional scale,” said FireSwarm CEO Alex Deslauriers. 

“As the largest Indigenous majority owned natural resource consulting group in B.C., Strategic is proud to continue partnering with a company like Innergex who has developed and maintained meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities in B.C. for decades”, said Domenico Iannidinardo, CEO of Strategic Natural Resource Group. “Their commitment to wildfire resiliency solutions demonstrates their commitment in protecting their assets but most importantly in being a responsible developer and good neighbour.” 

Together, the partners are setting a new standard for collaboration in wildfire prevention and community safety across B.C. 

BACKGROUND: 

About Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. 

For 35 years, Innergex has believed in a world where abundant renewable energy promotes healthier communities and creates shared prosperity. As an independent renewable power producer which develops, acquires, owns and operates hydroelectric facilities, wind farms, solar farms and energy storage facilities, Innergex is convinced that generating power from renewable sources will lead the way to a better world. Innergex conducts operations in Canada, the United States, France and Chile and manages a large portfolio of high-quality assets currently consisting of interests in 91 operating facilities with an aggregate net installed capacity of 3,737 MW (gross 4,693 MW), including 42 hydroelectric facilities, 36 wind facilities, 10 solar facilities and 3 battery energy storage facilities. Innergex also has 40 longstanding partnerships with Indigenous Nations across Canada, including 26 in British Columbia. Its approach to building shareholder value is to generate sustainable cash flows and provide an attractive risk adjusted return on invested capital. Visit Innergex.com and connect with us on LinkedIn. 

About Strategic Natural Resource Group: 

As the largest Indigenous-owned natural resource management and consultancy firm in Western Canada, Strategic Natural Resource Group (Strategic) provides technical expertise and project management services to clients that prioritize respect for culture and the environment. In addition to emergency response, Strategic’s service areas cover a wide range of sectors, including forestry, mining & exploration, energy & utilities, transportation & infrastructure, and strategic advisory. Visit SNRgroup.com and connect with us on LinkedIn. 

About FireSwarm Solutions: 

FireSwarm Solutions Inc. is a wildfire technology startup comprised of multidisciplinary experts, developing comprehensive, turn-key wildfire management solutions and services. By leveraging advanced autonomous ultra heavy-lift, long-endurance Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) and drone technology, along with the development of patent-pending AI and machine learning algorithms and fire mission kits, the company is committed to enhancing the rapid detection, assessment, and response to wildfires, ensuring the safety of people, property and the planet. Visit FireSwarmSolutions.com and connect with us on LinkedIn. 

Cited in Geneva Association Report— Safeguarding Home Insurance: Reducing exposure and vulnerability to extreme weather

May 7, 2025

We applaud the tremendous work of Maryam Golnaraghi, Director Climate Change & Environment, and her colleagues at the Geneva Association. Their latest report issues an urgent call to action to safeguard access to home insurance in the face of escalating extreme weather events — with global insured losses from natural catastrophes now regularly surpassing USD 100 billion each year.

The report highlights the need for an all-of-society approach, urging homeowners, lenders, governments, regulators, and the re/insurance industry to take coordinated action. It reinforces that risk-based insurance pricing is essential to incentivize mitigation measures and preserve home insurance as a vital safety net.

Notably, the report calls for the development and scaled adoption of innovative solutions — including early fire suppression (FireSwarm acknowledged on page 45). Being recognized as part of the solution reinforces our mission to protect what matters most from destructive wildfire. Read report here.

Founded in 1973, the Geneva Association is the only international association of insurance companies; its members are insurance and reinsurance CEOs.

Revolutionary drone technology for battling wildfires takes major step forward with new partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 16, 2025 [Squamish, B.C./Prince George, B.C.]

In a partnership aimed at revolutionizing wildfire response, Strategic Natural Resource Group (Strategic) and FireSwarm Solutions Inc. (FireSwarm) have joined forces to make automated aerial fire suppression a reality in Canada. With wildfires escalating in frequency and severity, innovative solutions are urgently needed to support firefighters and protect communities. This collaboration combines Strategic’s expertise in emergency response management with FireSwarm’s first-of-its kind wildfire defence platform, which integrates surveillance, ultra heavy-lift drones, and AI-driven swarm technology. The partnership will focus on Canadian distribution, deployment and operator training.

Strategic, the largest Indigenous-owned natural resource consulting group in BC, has supplied wildfire crews to support provincial government firefighting efforts for more than a decade.  

“We see this unique opportunity to combine our expertise with firefighting and remote aircraft operation in resource management to make a monumental improvement in early attack opportunities,” said Domenico Iannidinardo, CEO, Strategic Natural Resource Group. “Extending our operations to nighttime is an intuitively efficient and generational leap in safety for communities and infrastructure threatened by wildfire.” 

FireSwarm is a BC wildfire technology startup pioneering autonomous aerial fire suppression solutions using ultra heavy-lift Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). Designed to operate in conditions when traditional aircraft cannot, it fills critical gaps in wildfire response.  

“First Nations, wildfire crews, communities and ultimately, families will be safer when our services are approved and ready for deployment in Canada.” said Alex Deslauriers, CEO of FireSwarm. “This BC-based collaboration represents a true step change in wildland firefighting. Together, we’re advancing technology that has the potential to become a standard tool in the field—especially in the currently underserved areas of night and remote wildfire attack.” 

The swarm technology is being tested in multiple locations across Canada this summer, with the goal of FireSwarm and Strategic delivering this solution in 2026.  

For video and information on FireSwarm Solutions visit:  

www.fireswarmsolutions.com 

For information about Strategic Natural Resource Group visit:  

www.snrgroup.com 

Media enquiries and interview requests, please contact: 

SandraHermiston@kirkandco.ca  

 
BACKGROUND:  

About Strategic Natural Resource Group:   

As the largest Indigenous-owned natural resource management and consultancy firm in Western Canada, Strategic Natural Resource Group (Strategic) provides technical expertise and project management services to clients that prioritize respect for culture and the environment. The company is 110% Canadian owned with employee and majority Indigenous ownership, delivering a diverse and nimble team of resource professionals dedicated to each client’s individual needs. 

In addition to emergency response, Strategic’s service areas cover a wide range of sectors, including forestry, mining & exploration, energy & utilities, transportation & infrastructure, and strategic advisory.  

About FireSwarm Solutions:  

FireSwarm Solutions Inc. is a wildfire technology startup comprised of multidisciplinary experts, developing comprehensive, turn-key wildfire management solutions and services. By leveraging advanced autonomous ultra heavy-lift, long-endurance Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) and drone technology, along with the development of patent-pending AI and machine learning algorithms and fire mission kits, the company is committed to enhancing the rapid detection, assessment, and response to wildfires, ensuring the safety of people, property and the planet. 

FireSwarm Joins the Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM) Ecosystem

February 27, 2025

FireSwarm Solutions Inc announces it has joined the Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM) ecosystem.

Read CAAM’s press release here: CAAM Announcement

FireSwarm is pioneering autonomous, drone-based wildfire suppression, leveraging ultra heavy-lift drones and AI-driven swarm technology. Our drone-agnostic platform is built to operate in conditions where traditional aircraft are grounded—filling a critical gap in wildfire response.

Designed to integrate seamlessly into existing wildfire operations, FireSwarm is a force multiplier for government agencies, emergency responders, and industries looking to enhance their wildfire defence strategies.

By joining CAAM, we’re connecting with industry leaders to advance aerial solutions for emergency response. Collaboration drives innovation, and we’re eager to help shape the future of air mobility while scaling our impact in wildfire suppression.

We look forward to working alongside the CAAM community to enhance resilience, safety, and efficiency in Canada’s airspace!

Innovate BC and NRC IRAP Invest $1.5M to Support 12 Cleantech Innovation Pilot Projects in British Columbia

Feb 4, 2025

Read official Innovate BC release here

FireSwarm Solutions Inc. is proud to be among the 12 companies selected for funding through Innovate BC and NRC IRAP’s latest cleantech pilot initiative. This $500,000 investment supports pioneering projects that address environmental and climate challenges in British Columbia. FireSwarm’s technology enhances wildfire response by enabling autonomous drone coordination, providing real-time situational awareness to firefighting teams. With this funding, we are accelerating pilot deployments to demonstrate how our system improves operational readiness in the face of increasing wildfire threats.

This collaboration highlights British Columbia’s commitment to advancing climate resilience through innovation. By supporting companies like FireSwarm, Innovate BC and NRC IRAP are helping to bridge the gap between research and real-world implementation. As wildfires grow more frequent and severe, scalable solutions like FireSwarm Solutions are critical for protecting communities and infrastructure. We are excited to work alongside industry and government partners to showcase the impact of next-generation wildfire management technology.

Tsunami Tsolutions and FireSwarm Solutions join forces to field innovative aerial fire suppression technologies

New partnership leverages expertise of both companies to field FireSwarm’s integrated response platform

Squamish, British Columbia, Canada, & Glastonbury, Connecticut USA, Dec. 4, 2024 — Tsunami Tsolutions and FireSwarm Solutions announce a groundbreaking partnership which supports the initial certification and fielding of FireSwarm’s Aerial Fire Suppression platform designed around the Fire Wasp heavy lift drone (payload capacity of 350Kg). The partnership brings Tsunami’s experienced engineering, continued airworthiness and fleet management expertise to FireSwarm’s experienced team of firefighting experts and technologists. Additionally, the teams’ combined experience with ground based operational and compliance management systems ensures that the platform will meet production and expansion goals.

FireSwarm’s mission is to integrate cutting-edge drone technology with advanced flight automation and logistics to deliver cost-effective solutions for governments, industries, First Nations, and special interest groups. By offering a comprehensive end-to-end solution, the company strives to provide faster, safer, and more efficient methods to combat wildfires, safeguarding people, property, and our planet.

The first heavy-lift UAS, developed in partnership with ACC Innovation, is scheduled for delivery in Q1 2025, with its initial fire suppression mission configuration planned for the spring. The FireSwarm platform will commence advanced demonstrations and testing in Spring 2025.

“Tsunami has a proven track record of delivering exceptional performance and high-quality engineering and technology services,” said Mark Buongiorno, CEO, Tsunami Tsolutions. “We believe in the FireSwarm mission and are committed to apply our expertise to assist in the transition from development to production enabling the certification process and helping to build the support and sustainment network from both an engineering and enabling IT technologies perspective.”

“This collaboration between Tsunami and FireSwarm is key to our platform moving from the design phase into certification and operations in an efficient and effective manner.  Additionally, it demonstrates our commitment to the scalability and commercialization of the solution and our recognition of in-service support requirements” said Alex Deslauriers, Founder and CEO of FireSwarm Solutions.

About Tsunami Tsolutions
Tsunami is a world leader in engineering and information technology services within the aerospace and defense sector specializing in sustaining engineering, configuration management, maintenance and engineering system implementation and support. To learn more, visit www.tsunamitsolutions.com.

About FireSwarm Solutions Inc
FireSwarm Solutions Inc. is a wildfire technology startup comprised of multidisciplinary experts, developing end-to-end comprehensive wildfire management solutions and services. By leveraging advanced autonomous ultra heavy-lift, long-endurance UAS and drone technology, along with the development of patent-pending AI and machine learning algorithms, the company is committed to enhancing the detection, assessment, and response to wildfires, ensuring the safety of people, property and the planet.

TsunamiTsolutions
Joseph LeVasseur, Executive Vice President
jlevasseur@tsunamit.com
https://www.TsunamiTsolutions.com

FireSwarm Solutions Inc
Melanie Bitner, Co-Founder & CMO
melanieb@fireswarmsolutions.com
https://www.fireswarmsolutions.com/

FireSwarm Solutions Inc. Secures $500,000 Investment from BC Centre for Innovation & Clean Energy to Advance Autonomous Drone Swarms for Wildfire Suppression

[Squamish, British Columbia] — [December 3, 2024] — FireSwarm Solutions Inc., a leader in autonomous drone technology for wildfire management, is proud to announce its selection as a funding recipient under the BC Centre for Innovation & Clean Energy(CICE) Wildfire Tech Call for Innovation. The $500,000 in non-dilutive funding will accelerate FireSwarm’s deployment of long-endurance, heavy-lift autonomous drone swarms to detect, map, and suppress wildfires with unmatched speed and precision.

With wildfires becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, the need for innovative firefighting solutions has never been greater. In 2023 , wildfire suppression costs reached $1.2 billion CAD in British Columbia and Alberta, and $4.5 billion CAD in the U.S. Traditional firefighting methods, reliant on manned aircraft and ground crews, struggle with accessibility, hazardous conditions, and slow response times, allowing fires to spread further and cause higher environmental, economic, and human tolls. Additionally, wildfires contribute massively to greenhouse gas emissions, worsening climate change. This pressing challenge calls for more rapid, precise, and effective wildfire management strategies to mitigate both the immediate and long-term impacts of uncontrolled burns.

FireSwarm’s autonomous drone swarms offer a groundbreaking solution. Equipped with a 350kg load capacity, the drones can autonomously detect hotspots, execute precise water drops, and deliver real-time data to optimize suppression efforts, even in remote or nighttime operations. Initial projections estimate a 30% reduction in burned area, potentially preventing up to 3,900 tons of CO2 emissions annually in high-risk regions.

"This project is vital for addressing the escalating threat of wildfires with innovative, effective solutions," said Alex Deslauriers, CEO of FireSwarm Solutions Inc. "By supporting FireSwarm and our partner, Data Blanket, CICE is enabling us to revolutionize wildfire and forest management through autonomous drone swarms that detect, map, and suppress fires with precision and speed. CICE’s support is accelerating the development and commercialization of this transformative technology, which will allow us to support the wildland fire industry to protect lives, communities, and ecosystems."

The CICE Wildfire Tech Call for Innovation was created to identify and support cutting-edge technologies that can mitigate the devastating impacts of wildfires. CICE is investing a total of $3.5 million in six of the 74 companies that applied for the 2024 Wildfire Tech Call for Innovation. FireSwarm was selected alongside other innovative companies working to reduce fire risk, improve response times, and protect vulnerable regions. 

"Wildfires are becoming more frequent and destructive, threatening communities, ecosystems, and the economy," said Sarah Goodman, CEO of CICE. "The companies we selected, including FireSwarm, are developing cutting-edge solutions to reduce fire risk, improve response times, and protect vulnerable regions. Congratulations to FireSwarm and all other funding recipients of the Wildfire Tech Call for Innovation."

FireSwarm is currently actively seeking investors, strategic partners, and early adopters to scale innovative solutions. With CICE’s support, FireSwarm Solutions is poised to transform wildfire suppression, providing a scalable and efficient solution to one of the most pressing challenges of our time. 

About FireSwarm Solutions Inc.
FireSwarm Solutions Inc. is a wildfire technology startup comprised of multidisciplinary experts, developing end-to-end comprehensive wildfire management solutions and services. By leveraging advanced autonomous ultra heavy-lift, long-endurance UAS and drone technology, along with the development of patent-pending AI and machine learning algorithms, the company is committed to enhancing the detection, assessment, and response to wildfires, ensuring the safety of people, property and the planet. 

About CICE  

The B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) is an independent, not-for-profit corporation that provides early-stage, non-dilutive investment to fast-track the commercialization of British Columbia’s most impactful clean energy solutions – from Canada to the world. We match the urgency and efficiency of the companies we fund, driving innovation like the planet depends on it. Because it does. Together with our climate-first community of innovators, industry leaders, academia, government, and Indigenous partners, we advance future pathways to net-zero – leveraging British Columbia’s clean energy advantages to attract investment, create good jobs and build sustainable economic prosperity for decades to come. www.cice.ca    

FireSwarm Solutions Inc and ACC Innovation Announce Strategic Partnership to Revolutionize Aerial Fire Suppression

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Squamish, British Columbia Canada & Linköping Östergötland Sweden, Sept 5, 2024

FireSwarm Solutions Inc and ACC Innovation, a leading Swedish UAS and robotics manufacturer with close to 40 years of industry expertise, are excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership. Effective immediately, FireSwarm Solutions Inc becomes the exclusive distributor of ACC Innovation’s full product catalog, including its renowned Ultra Heavy-Lift, Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), across North America. This partnership also marks the beginning of joint product development efforts aimed at enhancing the ultra heavy-lift, long endurance Thunder Wasp UAS Quadcopter to be wildfire-ready.

ACC Innovation, with over two decades of experience, stands as a pioneer in the UAS industry. Their advanced technology is now complemented by FireSwarm’s expertise in aviation, emergency management, swarm AI intelligence and aerial fire suppression solutions. This collaboration positions both companies at the forefront of automated, aerial fire suppression technology, setting the stage for future global leadership in this critical field to support and complement current aerial firefighting assets.

Key Benefits of the Partnership:

1. Enhanced Market Reach: FireSwarm Solutions Inc will leverage its presence in North America to distribute ACC Innovation’s full range of products, including UAS Quadcopters and other advanced drone solutions. This strategic move will expand the availability of cutting-edge technology for fire suppression in Canada, the US and Mexico.

2. Innovative Product Development: FireSwarm and ACC Innovation are joining forces to adapt the Thunder Wasp UAS Quadcopter, capable of carrying up to 350 kg (770 lb) payloads, to meet the unique challenges of wildfire environments including in heavy smoke and at night when current aerial firefighting assets are grounded. Our goal is to ensure the technology is fully optimized with hardware and patent-pending Swarm AI Intelligence for precise, effective and efficient fire management.

3. Global Leadership: This partnership not only strengthens the position of both FireSwarm and ACC Innovation in North America but also sets the foundation for future expansion into global markets. The combined expertise and resources of both companies are poised to redefine the standards of automated aerial fire suppression worldwide.

“We at ACC Innovation are excited to collaborate with the knowledgeable and talented team at FireSwarm to integrate AI and automation into our UAS systems, providing the precision and lift capacity essential in the fight against wildfires.” Claes Drougge, Founder, ACC Innovation

“FireSwarm is thrilled to bring the ACC Innovation ultra heavy-lift, long-endurance UAS to North America, adding capacity to wildfire services in a way not seen since the advent of helicopters.” Alex Deslauriers, Founder & CEO, FireSwarm Solutions Inc

About FireSwarm Solutions Inc: FireSwarm Solutions Inc. is a wildfire technology startup comprised of multidisciplinary experts, developing end-to-end comprehensive wildfire management solutions and services. By leveraging advanced autonomous ultra heavy-lift, long-endurance UAS and drone technology, along with the development of patent-pending AI and machine learning algorithms, the company is committed to enhancing the detection, assessment, and response to wildfires, ensuring the safety of people, property and the planet.

About ACC Innovation: Based in Sweden, ACC Innovation has been at the forefront of robotics and UAS robotics technology since 1986. With a presence in the UAV industry since its inception, they have developed substantial expertise in global sales, aftermarket support, and technological innovation. Known for commitment to quality and innovation, ACC Innovation holds multiple patents on UAS technology and offers a comprehensive range of high-performance uncrewed vehicles and related products. ACC Innovation continues to develop cutting-edge tools that empower first responders and agencies worldwide. 

Opinion: B.C.'s wildfires can only be met with a new era of innovation to fight them

By Sarah Goodman With wildfires now surging — from B.C. to Labrador — it’s hard not to reflect on last summer’s devastating fires. These fires took lives and displaced thousands as an estimated 18.5 million hectares of land burned. Last June, New Yorkers choked on thick, polluted air and smoke reached as far as Europe, leading some to quip that Canada’s largest export was wildfire smoke. READ MORE

FireSwarm Solutions Inc. Qualifies for Prestigious XPRIZE Wildfire Autonomous Wildfire Response Track

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Squamish, British Columbia Canada, July 15, 2024 – FireSwarm Solutions Inc. is proud to announce that it has been selected by the XPRIZE Wildfire’s independent judging panel as one of the 29 Qualified Teams from around the world to advance to the next round of the XPRIZE Wildfire Autonomous Wildfire Response track. This cohort of interdisciplinary teams will equally share a $750,000 milestone prize purse. See announcement here.

The XPRIZE Wildfire competition aims to revolutionize wildfire detection and response through innovative technology. The Autonomous Wildfire Response track challenges teams around the globe to develop solutions that can autonomously detect, assess, and respond to wildfires, ultimately reducing the devastating impacts of these natural disasters.

“We are thrilled to be recognized as one of the leading teams in this prestigious competition,” says Alex Deslauriers, CEO of FireSwarm Solutions Inc. “With 2023 being the worst fire season on record in Canada, many people witnessed fires advancing toward their homes and businesses and felt helpless to do anything about it. The destruction was unprecedented. On August 18, 2023, our own family experienced the total devastation of a Rank 6 wildfire firsthand when a fire tornado uprooted ancient trees and obliterated everything in its path. At that moment, I knew I would dedicate my career to making a significant difference in the fight against wildfires. Qualification in the XPRIZE Wildfire Competition is a testament to our commitment and the innovative spirit and momentum of our team and co-founders, David Thanh and Melanie Bitner.”

FireSwarm will be pre-positioning and deploying autonomous drone swarms for rapid, precise wildfire suppression.

FireSwarm's mission is to integrate cutting-edge drone technology with advanced flight automation and logistics to deliver cost-effective solutions for governments, industries, and special interest groups. By offering a comprehensive end-to-end solution, the company strives to provide faster, safer, and more efficient methods to combat wildfires, safeguarding people, property, and our planet.

As the competition advances, and with Pilot Projects scheduled for this fall and winter, FireSwarm’s team is hyper focused on refining its technology. The company is enthusiastic about collaborating with partners and stakeholders to push the boundaries of wildfire management.

For more information about FireSwarm Solutions Inc., or to learn how to invest, partner, and support its mission, please visit www.FireSwarm.com or contact Melanie Bitner, Chief Marketing Officer.

About FireSwarm Solutions Inc. — Autonomous drone swarms for rapid, precise wildfire suppression. FireSwarm Solutions Inc. is a startup comprised of multidisciplinary experts, developing a comprehensive wildfire management solution. By leveraging advanced autonomous heavy-lift, long-endurance drone technology, along with AI and machine learning algorithms, the company is committed to enhancing the detection, assessment, and response to wildfires, ensuring the safety of communities, property and natural resources.

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