As Europe burns, firetech startups push new solutions: ‘We urgently need better tools'
22 aug. 2025
22:54
Europe is ablaze.
Almost 1 million hectares have burnt across the EU since the beginning of the year, more than four times the 19-year average.
As wildfires grow fiercer and less predictable, impact companies are looking for smart ways to forecast and fight them.
We explore:
—> A University of Cambridge spinout using jet engine research and AI to predict wildfires
—> Why Cambridge consistently punches above its weight when it comes to turning science into startups
—> And the growing wave of European “firetech” startups taking on the flames
Almost 1 million hectares have burnt across the EU since the beginning of the year, more than four times the 19-year average.
As wildfires grow fiercer and less predictable, impact companies are looking for smart ways to forecast and fight them.
We explore:
—> A University of Cambridge spinout using jet engine research and AI to predict wildfires
—> Why Cambridge consistently punches above its weight when it comes to turning science into startups
—> And the growing wave of European “firetech” startups taking on the flames
Wildfires have ravaged southern Europe this year, engulfing vast swathes of land – and homes – from Portugal to Greece.
And as the world heats up, wildfires like these are getting more intense and frequent. That’s put pressure on already stretched governments and their firefighting teams, many of which rely on volunteers.