FireDome, an Israeli startup, has developed an innovative AI-based system to combat wildfires by creating protective perimeters. The technology launches capsules containing fire retardant and water to precise locations, helping to stop the spread of fires.
With $4.5 million in total funding, including a recent $3 million pre-seed round led by Third Sphere and Gravity Climate, FireDome plans to relocate operations to the US to serve wildfire-prone regions like California, Australia, Canada, and Europe.
The system uses cameras equipped with computer vision to detect spot fires caused by embers, a major wildfire threat. Once detected, the system reacts by deploying its mechanical launching technology. Co-founder and CEO Gadi Benjamini, drawing on his experience in the Israeli Defence Forces, highlighted the system’s ability to address fires at an early stage.
The company is committed to using environmentally friendly, EPA-approved fire suppressant materials. Initial tests will cover a quarter-mile radius, with plans to extend protection to a mile.
FireDome aims to launch a minimum viable product by 2026, refining its technology in collaboration with design partners and potential customers. With wildfires costing the US up to $900 billion annually and contributing significantly to carbon emissions, FireDome’s innovative approach could play a crucial role in mitigating these devastating impacts.
