FireDrone Receives €161K from Venture Kick for Heat-Resistant Drone Development
Swiss startup FireDrone has secured €161,000 (CHF 150,000) in funding from Venture Kick to advance its technology for drones capable of operating in extreme heat environments. The company aims to enhance safety in emergency response and industrial inspection through specialized unmanned aerial systems.
Innovating for High-Risk Operations
FireDrone, a spin-off from Empa, focuses on creating drones that can endure temperatures of around 200°C. These autonomous systems are built for hazardous settings such as burning structures or industrial furnaces, where typical drones fail due to extreme heat, toxic gases, or unstable infrastructure.
Technology and Application Areas
The drones integrate thermal insulation and active cooling components, ensuring real-time hazard detection and communication. This technology helps reduce downtime, support safe operations, and enable faster decision-making in dangerous conditions.
- High-temperature industrial inspections
- Public safety and first-responder environments
Target Industries
FireDrone’s initial markets include:
- Cement and steel plants
- Aluminium and glass production
- Waste-to-energy and fertilizer industries
- Rescue operations with heat and smoke exposure
“The startup is developing technologies that enhance safety in emergency response and industrial inspection, using drones designed to protect people, infrastructure, and the environment.”
Author’s Summary: FireDrone’s heat-resistant drones are set to improve safety and efficiency in hazardous industrial and emergency operations where traditional aerial systems cannot function.