FireDrone gets €161K from Venture Kick for heat-resistant drones

Swiss startup FireDrone, a spin-off from Empa, has received €161,000 (CHF 150,000) from Venture Kick to continue developing drones built to operate in extreme heat conditions. The company’s innovations aim to improve safety in emergency response and industrial inspection by protecting people, infrastructure, and the environment.

Technology and Purpose

FireDrone is engineering autonomous drones capable of functioning at temperatures up to 200°C. These drones offer real-time hazard detection in locations where conventional systems fail, such as burning buildings or industrial furnaces.

Application and Impact

Assisting firefighters and industrial safety teams in high-risk environments
Reducing exposure to toxic smoke and structural instability
Enhancing situational awareness during crisis operations

“FireDrone develops heat-resistant drones designed to withstand around 200°C and provide real-time hazard detection where standard drones cannot operate.”

Target Markets

The company targets sectors such as cement, steel, aluminium, waste-to-energy, fertiliser, and glass production. It also supports public safety applications, particularly first-responder missions involving extreme heat and smoke.

Technology Benefits

Thermal insulation and active cooling to maintain drone integrity
Reduced downtime for industrial inspections
Enhanced decision-making through improved data collection

Author’s summary: FireDrone’s funding drives innovation in drones capable of surviving extreme heat, advancing safety and operational efficiency across public safety and industrial sectors.

Tech.eu — 2025-11-04