Dryad Networks, a leader in ultra-early wildfire detection, is setting up its first office in Australia and New Zealand 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.
Leading the ANZ expansion is Sohan Domingo, VP of Sales, Technology, and Operations. 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 landscape.
“Australia and New Zealand are on the frontlines of climate adaptation, and early fire detection is critical,” said Sohan Domingo. “With a local team, we 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.
“Bushfires don’t just destroy landscapes and communities, they also fuel climate change,” Domingo added. “Early detection is the key to stopping them before they spread. Our 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 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.
To accelerate deployment, Dryad is partnering with Indigenous Industries Australia (IIAust), Thinxtra, Indicium Dynamics, and New Zealand’s Direct Safety. These alliances tap into local expertise to scale wildfire detection across ANZ. The company is also working with research institutions, government agencies, and emergency responders to refine its system and strengthen bushfire resilience in diverse landscapes.
