German startup Dryad Networks, based in Eberswalde, has raised €6.3 million to scale its wildfire detection and suppression solutions. The funding includes a €3.8 million grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Investitionsbank des Landes Brandenburg (ILB), alongside €2.5 million from climate-tech investor First Imagine!.
Dryad Networks is pioneering the use of solar-powered IoT sensors for ultra-early wildfire detection. Its core product, Silvanet, monitors forests for potential fire outbreaks and tracks forest health. The company is also developing Florian, an AI-powered system that combines early wildfire detection with drone-based suppression. The new capital will be used to scale Silvanet and accelerate the development of Florian.
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Global Expansion and Environmental Impact
Dryad’s technology is already deployed in more than 20 countries, with over 20,000 sensors shipped. The startup’s mission is to address wildfires, which contribute up to 20% of global CO2 emissions and pose a significant threat to biodiversity. Dryad’s AI-driven solutions aim to mitigate these risks by enabling faster and more effective wildfire management.
Strategic Investment for Climate Tech
Boris Dorin, a partner at First Imagine!, highlighted the urgency of scalable, proactive wildfire solutions, calling Dryad’s approach transformative. The investment supports Dryad Networks efforts to protect critical ecosystems and contribute to a more sustainable future.
