Akula Tech, in partnership with the University of South Australia, Swinburne University of Technology, and AIILA Innovations, has officially qualified for the XPRIZE Wildfire competition’s Space-based Detection and Intelligence Track (Track A) — this qualification marks a significant milestone in the use of advanced satellite technology and AI to combat the global challenge of wildfires.
The Akula Tech-led consortium brings together top-tier academic institutions and industry partners to develop a next-generation satellite constellation designed for real-time, autonomous disaster detection and management, particularly wildfires. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies in machine learning, AI-onboard image processing, and remote sensing, the consortium aims to provide unprecedented situational awareness and data analysis capabilities to firefighting and disaster management agencies worldwide.
The hot, dry and drought ridden Australian landscape is prone to frequent and severe bushfires. When these extreme patterns are experienced close to populated areas, we know all too well that significant loss of human life, wildlife and property is probable. First responders are also risking their lives by being so close to danger, and by the time that emergency services are notified, fires may already have spread out of control.
The Akula Tech space-based service will provide emergency management services with the ability to track wind directions and temperatures and understand the spread of fires who can in turn alert civilians in the likely affected areas before it’s too late to leave. When operational, this service will be capable of preventing and or controlling major fire outbreaks.
“By integrating sophisticated satellite technology with deep learning and geospatial analytics, we are building a system capable of identifying and managing wildfires more effectively than ever before,” said Preetham Akula, Founder and CEO of Akula Tech. “This effort will not only help in firefighting but also in reducing the devastating impact of wildfires on communities, wildlife, and ecosystems globally.”
The project benefits from the combined expertise of its consortium members:
- Akula Tech leads the project, using its innovative satellite technology equipped with continuous on-orbit machine learning capabilities that enhance real-time monitoring and data processing.
- University of South Australia specializes in Satellite Remote Sensing and Data Analytics, contributing deep insights into space-based fire detection.
- Swinburne University of Technology offers its expertise in Machine Learning and Computer Vision, enhancing the algorithmic precision for smoke and fire detection.
- AIILA Innovations brings project management and high-stakes operational experience from global defence projects, ensuring the robustness and reliability of the deployment.
This collaborative initiative is set to revolutionize how wildfires are detected and managed, with the potential to significantly mitigate their impact through faster, more effective emergency response.