#USA #New York #Lockheed Martin #PGE #XPRIZE Wildfire

XPRIZE Wildfire Awards Recognize Innovative Technology Solutions in Fire Management

On September 23, 2026, XPRIZE announced the winners of its inaugural Wildfire Awards, distributing a remarkable $4.55 million to teams that have demonstrated groundbreaking advancements in technologies aimed at detecting and responding to wildfires more effectively. The awards were presented in a ceremony held at the prestigious New York City Fire Museum.

The XPRIZE Wildfire initiative was launched in 2023 with an objective to expedite innovation in firefighting technologies, fostering a collaborative ecosystem among dedicated innovators. Sponsored by major entities including Pacific Gas and Electric (PGE), Minderoo Foundation, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and Lockheed Martin, the competition provided a platform for teams to explore two critical areas: Space-Based Wildfire Detection Intelligence and Autonomous Wildfire Response. Together, these tracks aim to enhance our ability to track and control wildfires at their earliest and most manageable stages.

According to Andrea Santy, the Executive Program Director of XPRIZE Wildfire, "Destructive wildfires are becoming more extreme, costly, and difficult to manage. This calls for innovative, faster approaches to wildfire detection and response. Our award winners have illustrated the significant progress possible through dedicated effort and ingenuity in this crucial area."

Track A: Space-Based Wildfire Detection Intelligence

In Track A, participants were tasked with utilizing advanced space-based Earth Observation data in conjunction with artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance the speed and accuracy of wildfire detection efforts across vast geographical landscapes. In total, $1.05 million was awarded to outstanding teams demonstrating notable advancements in integrating diverse detection methodologies and developing commercial-ready solutions.

1st place was awarded to SIRIUS Wildfire Alliance, which earned $500,000 for their comprehensive end-to-end methodology combining various data sources for fire characterization and spread modeling.

Other awardees included Team Snuffed with their innovative probabilistic data-fusion framework securing second place, and MyRadar, recognized for its commercial maturity and clear spatial advantages. Special recognitions were given to DeepFire and Mayday.AI, showcasing their capabilities in operational deliverables and innovative algorithms respectively.

Dr. Andrew Forrest, from the Minderoo Foundation, stated, "The teams applied their technologies in real-world conditions alongside operational fire services. These innovations can significantly improve firefighters' information access and support when they face imminent threats from wildfires."

Track B: Autonomous Wildfire Response

Track B challenged competitors to autonomously detect and suppress a high-risk fire within a strict timeframe of just 10 minutes over challenging terrains in Alaska. $3.5 million was distributed among finalist teams that illustrated distinct breakthroughs throughout the autonomous wildfire response cycle.

Anduril Industries took first place with $1.2 million for their modular Lattice software, integrating detection capabilities with comprehensive suppression processes. They were closely followed by Dryad Networks, which showcased an innovative sprawling network utilizing 170 sensors and drones, and AURA Foresight, which successfully demonstrated remarkable autonomous detection achievements.

Lockheed Martin also contributed to the competition by awarding an Accurate Detection Intelligence Bonus Prize of $1 million to Anduril Industries, highlighting the significant impact of multi-sensor detection systems. Adam Broecker of Lockheed Martin noted, "The ingenuity shown by these teams reinforces our belief that we must prioritize firefighter-centric advancements if we're to truly innovate under the pressing realities faced on the frontline."

Looking Ahead

The XPRIZE Wildfire initiative has successfully spotlighted the critical issue of wildfires and the pressing urgency for innovative responses. As the competition transitions into a 12- to 15-month Impact Phase, the focus will shift toward translating successful innovations into deployable solutions for practical wildfire management. Mark Quinlan, Chief Safety Officer at PGE, emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between innovation and deployment to bolster safety measures against wildfire threats.

Anousheh Ansari, CEO of XPRIZE, expressed her hopes for the future, stating, "We aim for these technologies to be utilized by emergency responders and communities, fortifying our capacity to detect and address wildfires before they escalate into disasters."

The collective achievements recognized by XPRIZE redefine the landscape of fire management and highlight the potential for technology to address one of humanity's most significant challenges. Through strategic partnerships and sustained innovation, the path is being paved for a safer, more resilient future.