MyRadar, a provider of weather and environmental monitoring solutions based in Orlando, Florida has been recognized by the XPRIZE Wildfire competition for its AI-powered Orbital Wildfire Resilience (OWR) solution developed to combat the growing threat worldwide. As of April, 8,433 fires this year have burned more than 1.7 million acres in the U.S. alone.
Using patented satellite technology, the OWR solution is anticipated to detect wildfires larger than 10 square meters within one hour at a 90% detection efficiency. By delivering alerts through the MyRadar app, which has been downloaded more than 50 million times, the system’s early warning capabilities aim to protect lives, land and property before it’s too late.
MyRadar has been selected as a Qualified Team in the prestigious XPRIZE Wildfire competition. MyRadar is among 20 teams chosen to advance in Track A: Space-Based Detection & Intelligence.
The XPRIZE Wildfire competition aims to revolutionize wildfire prevention, detection and response, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches from organizations around the world to combat the growing threat of wildfires. MyRadar was recognized for its Orbital Wildfire Resilience solution, which uses patented compact satellite technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to deliver alerts through the MyRadar app.
MyRadar’s OWR solution uses patented Hyperspectral Orbital Remote Imaging Spectrometer (HORIS) satellites, which collect data and employ AI detection and alerting models. The first satellite will be launched later this year, three more by the end of 2025 and an additional 10-15 in 2026, at which time global coverage will be achieved.
The full HORIS constellation of 150 satellites will be in place by the end of 2028. It is anticipated the full constellation will be able to detect wildfires larger than 10 square meters anywhere on the globe within one hour at a 90% detection efficiency. HORIS satellite data products and alerts will be available from within the MyRadar app and through “Powered by MyRadar” APIs.
“We believe the OWR system can revolutionize wildfire detection globally, and we’re honored to be recognized by the XPRIZE judging panel,” said Dr. Sarvesh Garimella, chief scientist and CTO at MyRadar. “When fully deployed, the system’s unprecedented early warning capability could save countless lives and hundreds of millions of dollars in property damage each year,” he added.
As a Qualified Team, MyRadar will gain access to resources and collaboration opportunities while competing with other leading innovators and experts in fire detection to demonstrate the effectiveness and scalability of its solution.
With more than 50 million downloads across iOS, Android and Windows platforms, MyRadar develops science and technology applications to provide unparalleled access to weather and environmental data. By providing severe weather alerts for tropical storms, earthquakes, wildfires, blizzards and road weather conditions, MyRadar facilitates informed decision-making in a rapidly changing climate. It is also a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador, keeping individuals and organizations informed and prepared.
