FireDrone Secures €161K for Heat-Resistant Drone Development
Swiss startup FireDrone has raised €161,000 (CHF 150,000) from Venture Kick to advance its heat-resistant drone technology designed for extreme conditions. The company aims to enhance safety in emergency response and industrial inspection by protecting people, infrastructure, and the environment.
Enhancing Safety in High-Risk Scenarios
Emergency responders and industrial teams face serious hazards when assessing high-temperature environments such as burning buildings or industrial furnaces. Risks often include toxic fumes, structural instability, and intense heat that conventional drones cannot handle, reducing real-time visibility and safety insights.
FireDrone’s Heat-Resistant Innovation
As an Empa spin-off, FireDrone develops autonomous drones capable of operating in environments reaching around 200°C. These systems offer real-time hazard detection and remain functional where standard drones fail.
FireDrone’s platform employs advanced thermal insulation and cooling mechanisms to support safety, minimize downtime, and improve operational decision-making.
Market Focus and Applications
The company targets two main areas: industrial inspection under high temperatures and public safety operations. Its initial markets include cement, steel, aluminium, waste-to-energy, fertilizer, and glass production sectors, as well as first-responder use cases where traditional drones are ineffective due to heat and smoke.
Author’s Summary
FireDrone’s funding from Venture Kick marks a major step toward safer, heat-resistant drones that support emergency and industrial operations in hazardous, high-temperature environments.