Israeli startup develops AI-based firefighting system

FireDome, an Israeli startup, has introduced a new approach to combating wildfires with AI-powered technology.

The company, which recently secured $3 million in pre-seed funding led by Third Sphere and Gravity Climate, along with additional investors, unveiled its system designed to create fire suppressant perimeters.

This funding brings FireDome’s total investment to $4.5 million.

According to Inc., the technology launches capsules containing fire retardant and water into the air, targeting specific coordinates to prevent wildfires from spreading to properties.

Gadi Benjamini, FireDome’s co-founder and CEO, noted that his 14-year tenure in the Israeli Defence Forces influenced both his mindset and the inspiration for this system.

FireDome integrates camera monitoring for enhanced fire detection

The system incorporates cameras placed across a property to identify spot fires caused by embers.

Benjamini explained: “Embers are a very lethal consequence of wildfires because they can drift in the wind from miles away.

“The computer vision enables us to identify those spot fires when they’re very small and then react to them using the mechanical launching.”

While the company has yet to finalise a fire suppressant material, it plans to select an EPA-approved, environmentally friendly agent.

Initial tests will cover a quarter-mile radius, with plans to expand the protective range to a mile.

Global wildfire mitigation aspirations

FireDome’s focus extends to wildfire-prone regions such as California, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe.

The company aims to relocate much of its operations to the US to better serve its target markets.

Benjamini outlined a broader vision for the technology: “Our goal is to place systems in strategic forest locations to prevent wildfires from spreading.”

The economic and environmental impact of wildfires is significant.

A 2023 US Congress Joint Economic Committee study found that wildfires cost th eUS  between $400 billion and $900 billion annually.

Wildfires also drive carbon dioxide emissions, which have increased by 60% since 2001, according to a study in Science.

FireDome targets product launch by 2026

FireDome is working towards launching a minimum viable product by late 2025 or early 2026.

Over the next year, the company will engage with potential customers and design partners while refining its technology under the guidance of its co-founder and CTO, Adi Pomerantz, PhD.

FireDome launches wildfire perimeter defence system: summary

FireDome, an Israeli startup, has announced an AI-powered firefighting system capable of launching fire suppressant capsules to form protective perimeters.

With $4.5 million in funding, the company plans to relocate to the US to better serve wildfire-prone regions, including California and Australia.

The system uses cameras and AI to detect spot fires caused by embers and plans to deploy environmentally friendly materials.

The company aims to deliver a minimum viable product by 2026.

A 2023 study reported the economic cost of wildfires in the US ranges between $400 billion and $900 billion annually, highlighting the need for innovative solutions like FireDome’s technology.