Pano AI is a wildfire-detection startup that uses ultra-high definition, 360-degree cameras and an artificial intelligence platform to scan, identify, and monitor wildfires. Founded in 2020 by Sonia Kastner and Arvind Satyam, who were motivated by their experiences with wildfire devastation, Pano AI's mission is to accelerate global resilience to the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters.

The company's hardware, known as Pano Stations, consists of high-definition cameras and edge computers that are mounted on high vantage points to monitor designated areas. The cameras rotate and capture images every minute, which are transmitted to the cloud where computer vision algorithms detect smoke and fire. Human analysts also review the detections. When a fire is confirmed, automatic alerts with location information are sent to customers, which include government agencies, utilities, telecom companies, and private landowners. Pano AI's early warnings have been credited with helping first responders contain wildfires before they grow out of control, in some cases accelerating response times by 20-30 minutes.

Pano AI has already deployed over 100 systems across the US and Australia, monitoring over 6 million acres of land. It operates on both 4G and 5G wireless networks, with 5G enabling connectivity in more remote locations and the potential for video streaming. The company has raised $17 million in funding to date and is rapidly expanding. With the worsening wildfire conditions due to climate change, Pano AI's technology has the potential to play a critical role in mitigating devastation, although the company will need to continue proving its effectiveness and value to customers to achieve adoption at scale. For prospective employees who are passionate about using cutting-edge technology to help society adapt to climate change, Pano AI offers the opportunity to have a tangible impact.