Dryad Networks launches in Australia and New Zealand to combat bushfires with AI-driven early detection

March 20, 2025 – Dryad Networks, a leader in ultra-early wildfire detection, is setting up its first office in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) to help tackle the region’s growing bushfire crisis. Based in Macquarie Park, New South Wales, the new hub strengthens Dryad’s ability to work directly with governments, emergency services, and industry partners to prevent fires before they spread. 

Sohan Domingo, VP of Sales, Technology, and Operations leads the ANZ expansion. Dryad is starting with a dedicated local team and will scale up as demand grows. Having a local base means working closely with emergency responders, forestry services, and national parks to roll out fire detection solutions tailored to Australia and New Zealand’s unique landscapes. 

Sohan Domingo said, “Australia and New Zealand are on the frontlines of climate adaptation, and early fire detection is critical. With a local team, Dryad can work directly with authorities and land managers to stop fires before they spread.” 

Building on success in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, the company is bringing its technology to ANZ to detect fires before flames appear and prevent devastating losses. Each sensor runs maintenance-free for up to 15 years, powered by a small, integrated solar cell. Designed for rugged conditions, the sensors form a wireless mesh network that provides reliable coverage even in remote areas. 

Detecting fires at the smouldering stage gives emergency services a crucial head start. The system provides real-time fire maps and outperforms spotting towers, infrared cameras, and satellites, which only detect fires once they’ve spread. 

Sohan Domingo said, “Bushfires don’t just destroy landscapes and communities, they also fuel climate change. Early detection is the key to stopping them before they spread. Dryad’s expansion isn’t just about growth; it’s about protecting lives, infrastructure, and forests. By reducing fire risk, we’re also cutting carbon emissions and building a more resilient future.” 

Dryad is also advancing wildfire suppression with Silvaguard, an autonomous artificial intelligence (AI)-powered drone that uses acoustic waves to extinguish fires. This innovation will provide a rapid, automated response to fire outbreaks detected by Dryad’s sensors, reinforcing early intervention efforts. Plans are underway to explore deployment opportunities in Australia and New Zealand, where fast-moving fires pose a critical challenge. 

Dryad is partnering with Indigenous Industries Australia (IIAust), Thinxtra, Indicium Dynamics, and New Zealand’s Direct Safety to accelerate deployment. These alliances tap into local expertise to scale bushfire detection across ANZ. Dryad also works with research institutions, government agencies, and emergency responders to refine its system and strengthen bushfire resilience in diverse landscapes. 

ENDS 

About Dryad Networks  

Dryad provides ultra-early detection of wildfires and health and growth-monitoring of forests through the Silvanet solution, which includes solar-powered gas sensors deployed in a large-scale Internet of Things (IoT) sensor network. Dryad reduces unwanted wildfires, which cause up to 20 per cent of global CO2 emissions and have a devastating impact on biodiversity. By 2030, Dryad aims to prevent 3.9 million hectares (9.6 million acres) of forest from burning, preventing 1.7 billion metric tons of CO2 emissions.