We founded Skyward to work on this problem before ignition: building better lightning forecasts and developing a way to reduce ground strikes in carefully selected thunderstorms.
Our purpose
We work to prevent catastrophic wildfires.
We have spent decades improving how we prepare for, detect, and fight fires. But when a dangerous thunderstorm crosses dry country, there are still limited options for addressing the lightning itself. We believe there’s room to change that.
Skyward develops two distinct capabilities: forecasting software that helps prepare for lightning-caused ignitions, and targeted lightning abatement intended to reduce the strikes that reach the ground.
The goal isn’t to eliminate fire from the landscape. It’s to give society another way to manage the ignitions that could have the greatest consequences.
How we work
New technology has to earn its place.
We’re working on something new, and we recognize what that requires. Our technology has to perform outside the lab, in real weather, under the operational constraints firefighters face every day. Our results need to withstand independent scientific scrutiny.
That’s why we work with wildfire agencies, researchers, and independent experts as we develop, test, and evaluate our technology.
We see this as a long-term effort, built on strong science, practical experience, and the trust of the people who may ultimately use these tools.
Our team
The people working on the problem.
Skyward’s work spans atmospheric science, forecasting, software, engineering, aviation, and wildfire operations. Meet the people bringing those disciplines together.
“Wildfires are no longer a seasonal threat — they are a year-round crisis consuming lives, communities, and critical resources at an unprecedented scale around the world. For too long, our response has been just that: response.
Skyward is changing the equation by attacking the problem at a frequent ignition source. Preventing lightning strikes before they ignite is exactly the kind of bold, science-based thinking the industry needs.”
Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell Former U.S. Fire Administrator and Skyward Advisor
Our investors
Our investors and supporters.
Careers
Interested in working on this?
We’re building forecasting products, testing new approaches to lightning, and working with wildfire agencies to understand what they need.
