Wildfires Meetup - Pilot Field Testing Edition
Wildfires are reshaping Europe. Every year, communities are affected and emergency systems are pushed to their limits. Yet many solutions never move beyond controlled demos.
We're changing that.
Help us shape the future of emergency tech in Europe. This pilot meetup is an informal, collaborative initiative designed to connect wildfire problem-solvers with real operational needs. We are bringing together startups, drone operators, public authorities, and firefighters to talk, learn, and see technology in action.
The Core Event: The Wildfire Tech Meetup A dedicated space to share knowledge, discuss real-world pain points, and build the ecosystem.
Operational Insights: Hear directly from firefighters and civil protection units about what they actually need in the field.
Ecosystem Networking: Connect with municipalities, aviation authorities, and investors looking for practical emergency solutions.
Open Dialogue: Skip the polished sales pitches. This is about honest conversations regarding the limitations and future of wildfire tech.
The Side Event: Heatseeker – The Hot Water Drone Challenge Move from theory to practice. As part of the meetup, we are hosting a low-stakes, highly practical drone challenge designed to test thermal detection capabilities.
The Mission: We are replacing dangerous flames with a safe, simulated thermal signature. Drones will be tasked with locating hidden "hotspots"—transparent plastic boxes filled with hot water—scattered across a realistic outdoor environment.
Live Feedback: Prove your thermal imaging payloads and search algorithms while getting real-time, constructive critiques from operational commanders watching your deployment.
Capability Showcase: Demonstrate to investors and public authorities how your solution handles real wind, terrain, and operational pressure while effectively mapping and identifying heat signatures.
Who should join:
Startups and companies with wildfire or emergency response solutions
Firefighters and civil protection units
Municipalities and public sector organizations
Aviation authorities and ecosystem players
Investors in emergency tech
Location: Coimbra, Portugal
Format: Ecosystem Meetup + Outdoor Drone Challenge
This is not a trade show or conference. This practical effort connects wildfire problem-solvers with real operational needs and moves promising solutions closer to field readiness.