Field trial of AI-enabled lightning forecasting and reduction technology in B.C.
Summary
__________
With support from the B.C. government, a Vancouver business is conducting a field trial of its technology to assess whether it can reduce the frequency of wildfires ignited by lightning.
Through the Province’s Integrated Marketplace program, delivered by Innovate BC, Vancouver-based Skyward Wildfire Technologies is receiving as much as $1 million to assess the effectiveness of its lightning-caused wildfire prediction and reduction technology in reducing wildfires ignited by lightning.
Lightning is the leading cause of wildfires in B.C. In 2024, lightning was responsible for 70% of wildfire ignitions and 97% of all area burned in B.C.
“A big part of our Look West strategy is about creating the conditions for local businesses to grow and generate good jobs for people in B.C.,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “By helping companies like Skyward test innovative solutions to global challenges, we’re bringing innovation and economic opportunity together to build a stronger, more-resilient future for everyone.”
Skyward’s technology uses proprietary AI-enabled forecasting to identify areas of elevated lightning-caused wildfire risk and a targeted intervention designed to reduce cloud-to-ground lightning strikes. This technology has the potential to support wildfire-prevention efforts in fire-prone regions in B.C. and protect:
“We are pleased to work with the Province of B.C. and Innovate BC on this field trial,” said Sam Goldman, CEO, Skyward Wildfire Technologies. “Wildfire agencies need more tools to help reduce risk on the highest-consequence days. This project is an opportunity to evaluate our approach in real-world conditions as part of broader wildfire-preparedness and prevention efforts.”
Helping grow B.C. tech
As part of the trial, the BC Wildfire Service will assess whether the technology meets operational standards for wildfire prevention in B.C. This will provide valuable data needed to help the company grow and reach new customers in Canada and around the world. It supports made-in-B.C. innovation by giving Skyward access to real operational conditions to test, validate and strengthen its wildfire-prevention technology.
“British Columbia has experienced record wildfire seasons,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “We must continue looking at ways to think outside of the box. B.C. is seeing real investment into technological innovation through local companies. With this funding, we’re creating real opportunities for innovators to test their technology on-the-ground in real-world environments.”
Forestry and Emergency Management Testbed
This demonstration is the first approved project under Integrated Marketplace’s Forestry Innovation and Emergency Management Testbed. Announced in December 2025, this testbed enables technology testing that will generate insights and data that could be implemented throughout the province. This data and insight could help to:
“Wildfire response and community resilience are areas where innovation can have a direct and meaningful impact,” said Peter Cowan, president and CEO, Innovate BC. “Integrated Marketplace projects are enabling B.C. companies, like Skyward, to deploy and validate their technologies in real-world conditions, while accelerating and de-risking adoption for industry customers, and in this case, help improve emergency response. It’s a strong example of how, by advancing innovation, we can support public safety and economic growth in line with the Province’s Look West strategy.”
Part of the Look West strategy
Created by the B.C. government in partnership with Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) in 2023, the Integrated Marketplace is delivered by Innovate BC.
This work supports the Province’s Look West strategy for jobs and industry, which outlines B.C.’s vision to deliver jobs and opportunities by strengthening the workforce to develop a more-independent economy.
It includes delivering major projects quicker, diversifying markets and growing targeted sectors, such as technology, aerospace, marine, AI and quantum, life sciences, agriculture construction innovation, mining and critical minerals.
Quotes:
Rosanne Casimir, Kukwpi7 of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (and former Premier’s Task Force member) –
“Advancing fire-suppression technology strengthens our collective ability to respond to emergencies and protect communities. This work must continue in partnership with First Nations, grounded in respect, shared knowledge and collaboration so that our systems are resilient, responsive and reflective of the communities they serve.”
Ken Uzeloc, protective services director and fire chief, City of Kamloops –
“Kamloops Fire Rescue is supportive of advancing technologies that are available to aid in early detection of emerging incidents to support the rapid deployment of appropriate resources and the ongoing safety of firefighting crews.”
Barbara Roden, board chair, Thompson-Nicola Regional District –
“Many parts of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District have been affected by wildfires, and there is a risk every year of damaging wildfires during hot and dry conditions. We look forward to collaboration with the Province to understand and apply the intelligence that this initiative will introduce."
Airini, president and vice-chancellor, Thompson Rivers University –
“Advancing and testing new fire-suppression technology is critical to protecting communities and supporting economic stability as wildfire seasons become more complex. As a dual-sector research university, Thompson Rivers University recognizes that applied research and innovation play an important role in reducing business disruption and strengthening wildfire resilience. Technologies like these help bring practical, effective solutions closer to real-world use, supporting businesses and local economies across British Columbia.”
Quick Facts:
Learn More: