Preventing wildfire ignitions by stopping lightning.

Wildfires have become one of the most destructive climate disasters of our time. The 2023 Canadian fires alone released five times the annual emissions of the entire aviation sector, and the scale and frequency of these events continue to rise. Lightning is the leading ignition source for the largest and most catastrophic fires, yet it's also the one intervention point we can influence without having to rapidly change ground conditions. Skyward focuses on preventing lightning strikes in high-risk areas by predicting which storm cells pose the greatest threat and then deploying specialized aircraft and drones carrying inert, de-energizing material to safely manage the electric field inside the cloud. This offers a new way to reduce ignitions before fires start.

Skyward's team and technology give them a rare ability to execute on this mission. Founder Sam previously built d.light into a global energy company operating in 65 countries and generating more than $100 million in revenue, demonstrating a deep track record of scaling complex operations. Skyward already has early commercial traction, winning government contracts with Canadian provinces and U.S. states that are under intense pressure to invest in wildfire prevention. This combination of proven leadership, differentiated science, and strong early demand positions Skyward to become the essential provider of lightning-strike prevention and a critical partner in reducing catastrophic wildfire risk.