A tornado blocked my way.
A few days ago, while jogging through the neighbouring serene woodlands of the Lower Rhine region, a path blocked by numerous trees felled by a tornado just hours before. This surprising disruption in such a tranquil area brought home the reality of more extreme weather events in all regions.
As we face the increasing impacts of climate change (See latest SwissRE report), innovative solutions are essential to adapt and thrive. This 5th edition of our series highlights startups that are pioneering climate adaptations – this time against strong winds. Here, we explore how their cutting-edge technologies and visionary approaches are making a significant difference: From AI-based forecasting, new protective materials or constructions, to water-treatments and smart rescue technology.
I highly welcome emerging initiatives to advance that adaptation ecosystem, like the 1st venture conference around that topic happening on April 25th in Munich. See you at Adapt you world!
1. Armor Screen
Armor Screen, based in Florida, is at the forefront of storm protection innovation. Their system, characterized by its simplicity and functionality, includes features like remote-controlled roll-up hurricane barricades. These barriers are designed to be quick and easy to install, offering protection against winds tested up to approximately 244 km/h (Category 5 hurricanes). More than just shielding homes, Armor Screen's solutions extend to safeguarding commercial properties and cultural artifacts globally. The transparency of the barricades allows natural light to enter, reducing the claustrophobic feeling often associated with storm preparations and maintaining a connection with the outside environment.
World Record for the most accurate weather forecast! WindBorne Systems, a young innovator in environmental and weather intelligence has redefined weather forecasting with its WeatherMesh AI model. Leveraging a unique constellation of long-duration, autonomous sensing balloons, WindBorne captures extensive atmospheric data, vastly improving forecast accuracy and efficiency. Their deep learning model, WeatherMesh, delivers real-time, medium-range global forecasts that outperform traditional methods and other AI models, offering essential insights for better decision-making in industries like transportation, agriculture, and emergency management. Partnered with major agencies such as NOAA and the U.S. Air Force, WindBorne is key in reducing weather-related uncertainties and advancing climate resilience of all community and organizations.
Leading the field in autonomous inspections, Percepto, an Israeli tech firm, utilizes AI-powered drones to revolutionize how we inspect and maintain essential infrastructure. Their central software platform, Percepto AIM, manages these drones, automating the collection and analysis of visual data. This technology enhances safety by reducing human exposure to hazardous environments and improves efficiency with frequent and reliable inspections. Industries such as oil, gas, and electricity benefit greatly, with reduced costs and downtime. Furthermore, Percepto's drones play a critical role in disaster response, rapidly assessing damage to infrastructure like power lines after hurricanes.
FlytBase in San Jose, California, offers a drone software solution tailored for emergency response scenarios. Their technology features automation capabilities, enabling drones to operate independently during critical search and rescue operations. Equipped with AI designed to detect humans, FlytBase helps streamline the search process, reducing errors and improving outcomes in post-disaster scenarios. Their drones, incl. the rugged DJI Matrice 300 RTK, are built to withstand harsh conditions. Sophisticated cameras and thermal imaging, making them right for disaster response, that we unfortunately will face more increasingly in the future.
3. OptiRTC
OptiRTC from Boston brings a sophisticated approach to managing urban water during extreme weather events. Their system intelligently integrates real-time monitoring, predictive weather modelling, and adaptive controls to manage stormwater. This innovative solution helps cities cope with the increase in heavy rainfall events by controlling water flow, optimizing storage capacity, and minimizing flood risks. The adaptive controls can react dynamically, adjusting operational strategies like gate operations and pump activations, significantly reducing the impact on urban environments and enhancing resilience against flooding, e.g. after severe storms.
5. GERARD Roofs
As storms loom ominously on the horizon, there's no better time to ensure your shelter stands strong against nature's fury. Enter GERARD Roofs a company based in New Zeeland: your ultimate shield against the elements. With lightweight steel panels boasting a stone chip coating, GERARD offers a blend of elegance and resilience. When the winds howl and the rain pours, Rest assured, GERARD stands by their promise of lasting protection with a 50-year warranty, offering peace of mind in the face of nature's unpredictability.
Conclusion
These startups exemplify the spirit of innovation necessary to tackle the challenges posed by strong winds, ever increasing. By embracing and promoting such technologies, we not only prepare ourselves for future weather events but also take proactive steps towards building a more resilient and sustainable world. Join us as we continue to explore and celebrate the advancements in technology that are paving the way for a better future in our upcoming editions (Mid May on Heat).
An illustrative city facing a storm (The Ranking in Action):
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an amber glow over the city, a sense of tranquillity settled in. However, tranquillity turned to apprehension as the warning app blared again, signalling an impending thunderstorm of catastrophic proportions. Residents braced themselves, knowing all too well the vulnerability of their community to resulting flooding.
But amidst the looming threat, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of innovative startups dedicated to adapt the impact of such disasters.
Opti Solutions swiftly sprang into action, managing waste water distribution and shielding water bodies from the deluge of storm runoff.
Gerard Roofs reinforced structures with storm-proof roofing, fortifying homes against the fury of nature.
Armor Screen deployed robust gates, standing as a last line of defense to safeguard residences from the onslaught of the storm.
Meanwhile, Percepto Autonomous Drones took flight, scanning the skies with precision and efficiency.
In the aftermath of the storm, damage and missing persons were reported in neighbouring communities with no resilience.
DJI Drones with AI swiftly located the missing individuals, aiding rescue efforts and reuniting families.
This integration of technology and compassion proved vital in the recovery process, highlighting the importance of innovative solutions in times of crisis.
As the storm raged on, these visionary enterprises worked tirelessly, weaving a safety net for the community and offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.
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