SPOTLIGHT ON REVOLUTIONARY DRONE TECHNOLOGY THAT BATTLES WILDFIRES

Foresight Canada showcases B.C.’s   FireSwarm Solutions™ in 50 Most Investible Cleantech Companies

“FireSwarm Solutions™ delivers an automated aerial fire suppression platform, combining ultra-heavy-lift technology and advanced automation to provide fast, efficient wildfire defence for governments, firefighting teams, forestry managers, First Nations, private industries, and at-risk industries.”

-- Melanie Bitner, Co-Founder FireSwarm Solutions

Interview with Melanie Bitner, Co-founder FireSwarm Solutions™

By Suzanne Forcese

WT: Melanie, it has been approximately half a year since we first connected to learn about your start-up. It appears to have been a whirlwind of success and recognition. Most recently FireSwarm was named as one of the top 50 most investible companies by Foresight Canada. Congratulations!

What does this mean for you and the Team?

Bitner: This recognition has been both humbling and energizing for our team. Being named one of Canada’s Top 50 Most Investible Cleantech Companies validates our technology and our mission: helping wildfire teams, communities, and industries prepare and respond more effectively.

We also appreciate that this recognition comes through a rigorous selection process. The Foresight 50 companies are chosen by a panel of experienced investors from firms. Knowing that these industry leaders see potential in what we’re building adds a real layer of confidence and momentum for our team.

WT: FireSwarm has also achieved some very significant milestones. Tell us about the global awards received, and national recognition.

Bitner: It’s been an incredible few months for FireSwarm. We successfully completed XPRIZE Wildfire Semi-Finals Field Testing in Sweden this September (video link here). This is a major step in demonstrating the real-world performance of our system.

Our COO, David Thanh, was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his contributions to public safety and emergency response.

Our CEO, Alex Deslauriers, was named a Nation Maker by Maclean’s magazine for FireSwarm's leadership in advancing wildfire resilience.

Alex was also invited to testify to the Senate of Canada on the topic of Wildfire (See Alex on Video starting at 09:03:17).

To top it off, FireSwarm was recognized as one of BC Tech’s Top 3 Startups of the Year, a strong signal of both technical and business momentum.

WT: Looks like FireSwarm is making sparks! (in a good way). What is the vision propelling you toward next?

Bitner: Like many cleantech ventures, fundraising in the current geopolitical and economic climate has been challenging, but we’re starting to see strong tailwinds, including this Foresight 50 recognition, growing demand and outreach from around the globe, and increasing public focus on wildfire resilience.

Next up is closing our current funding round to support solution validation in several scheduled pilots and integrated training exercises.

We’re also deepening partnerships with wildfire agencies, industry operators, and First Nations communities as we prepare for operational use in 2026.

Related WT Article:

DRONES DELIVERING WATER AND EQUIPMENT TO WILDFIRES DIRECTLY