Corporate action on climate change has created new markets in environmental monitoring, including voluntary carbon offset market tools, climate risk analytics, environmental monitoring solutions and services for businesses, such as emissions monitoring and lifecycle analysis of products.  

These all branch from investor, public, and regulatory drivers for large corporations to get on top of climate change. From corporate commitments to reduce emissions to increasing climate risks, companies need to mitigate.  

We expect consolidation in this market, which is highly saturated, but we also expect continued innovation as innovators diversify to cater their products to specific industries, applications, and different environmental metrics, e.g., biodiversity. 

Climate risk and resilience continue to see underinvestment. As physical climate risks intensify, we expect a greater focus on prevention and resilience innovations.  Although at present, funding and partnerships are few and far between, while customers are mostly cash-strapped public entities and stubborn insurance companies. As such, losses (human, environmental, and economic) will likely get worse before they can get mitigated.  

RainbirdGEO Addresses Critical Climate-Related Challenges 

Within the sphere of environmental monitoring and disaster risk management, RainbirdGEO is emerging as a key player in the Asia-Pacific region (a 2024 APAC Cleantech 25 company), leveraging satellite technology to address critical climate-related challenges. Founded by a dedicated satellite researcher with a passion for societal impact, RainbirdGEO’s journey began with a pragmatic approach to filling gaps in meteorology and disaster management, particularly in regions lacking expertise and resources. 

Recognizing the potential for technology to bridge these gaps, the idea of RainbirdGEO began to take shape. Despite encountering hurdles typical in international development cooperation, the vision persisted, fuelled by a desire to provide tangible solutions to pressing climate challenges. 

How Does it Work? 

At the core of RainbirdGEO’s offerings lies the Rainbird Mobile Early Warning System. This technology harnesses data from geostationary orbit satellites, employing sophisticated algorithms to forecast climate risks such as heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides, and wildfires. 

The process begins with data collection from the GK2A geostationary orbit satellite, which provides a comprehensive view of weather patterns and environmental conditions. This satellite data is supplemented with localized climate and land surface information to enhance the accuracy of forecasts. 

RainbirdGEO’s proprietary algorithms analyze these datasets, utilizing advanced techniques such as physical modelling and artificial intelligence. By extrapolating trends and patterns, the algorithms generate forecasts of impending climate risks, which are then processed through cloud servers. 

What sets RainbirdGEO apart is its practical approach to blending satellite remote sensing technology with mobile ICT. This integration enables rapid dissemination of critical information to users, facilitating prompt response to impending disasters. Moreover, RainbirdGEO’s customizable solutions cater to the specific needs of diverse user groups, ensuring effectiveness across various environments and communities.  

The company operates on a made-to-order basis, catering primarily to Business-to-Government (B2G) and Business-to-Business (B2B) transactions. Furthermore, its business model focuses on upfront payments, ensuring long-term sustainability and customer satisfaction. 

The RainbirdGEO App in Action 

Cambodia 

In Cambodia, RainbirdGEO’s application understands the differential gender impacts of heat stress. The app delivers guidance alerts on adaptation solutions and codes of conduct, leveraging awareness of heat wave risks and vulnerability identification. Users can conveniently report risks through the app, enhancing active information sharing and enabling timely actions to protect infrastructure and vulnerable structures. 

Five Pacific Island States 

RainbirdGEO enhances the responsiveness of its early warning app in five Pacific countries by improving the accuracy of disaster algorithms and enabling rapid notifications. Challenges such as extreme weather conditions and unreliable internet connectivity in coastal areas are addressed through SMS systems, ensuring individuals receive alerts promptly. This system not only saves time but also yields social and economic benefits, particularly for those in the marine industry. 

Indonesia  

In Indonesia, RainbirdGEO’s early warning system fosters community connection through mobile applications. The app integrates information from various sources and introduces a field manager system across 11 villages in Bandung, enhancing information management and disaster prevention efforts. Additionally, an illustration contest involving children from each village contributes to community engagement and awareness building, enriching the app’s functionality and impact. 

Current Stage and Future Prospects 

RainbirdGEO’s clientele spans international organizations, national meteorological agencies, disaster management authorities, NGOs, financial institutions, and insurance companies. Collaborations with esteemed partners such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) underscore the company’s commitment to global climate resilience efforts.  

Through deployments in countries like Cambodia, Palau, and Indonesia, RainbirdGEO has already demonstrated the clear benefits of its technology in enhancing climate resilience and disaster preparedness. By providing tailored solutions and fostering community engagement, the company empowers individuals and organizations to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. 

Currently piloting its technology in five Pacific countries under the UNEP’s Green Climate Fund, RainbirdGEO is focused on refining its offerings and expanding its reach. With plans to establish a global climate risk broadcasting portal and enhance partnerships with stakeholders worldwide, the company aims to consolidate its position as a leader in climate risk solutions in Asia. 

As a Seed-stage company, RainbirdGEO has secured investments to support its growth trajectory. However, challenges such as efficient communication with end-users and market feedback integration remain areas of ongoing improvement. 

Looking ahead, RainbirdGEO envisions continued innovation and collaboration to address evolving climate challenges. By leveraging satellite technology and strategic partnerships, the company aims to foster resilience and sustainability on a global scale, contributing to a more secure future for all.