Just last week, the Fire Grand Challenge Solutions Summit ignited at the Oakland Museum of California, turning a spotlight on the boldest innovations in wildfire resilience.
The summit gathered the 12 finalist teams alongside Indigenous leaders, scientists, and policymakers from across Western North America. It was a day defined by a powerful truth: the path to a fire-adapted future is paved with a blend of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge technology.
The day began with a land acknowledgment by Renée Castro of the Lisjan band of the Ohlone, setting a grounded tone. Attendees were also given exclusive access to the "Good Fire: Tending Native Lands" installation, a reminder that fire stewardship is a practice as old as the land itself.
Following inspiring remarks from CXL’s Paul Bunje and Marion Adeney, Dr. Joshua R. Ginsberg (Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies) delivered a keynote that challenged us to rethink our relationship with fire.
The energy shifted as the 12 finalist teams took the stage. Across thematic showcase blocks, these innovators proved that solutions aren't just theoretical; they are happening on the ground right now.
Through technical pitches and moderated conversations with community partners, each team demonstrated how collaboration is the ultimate force multiplier for innovation.
Watch the finalist profile videos to see the stories behind the innovations and communities
Finalist pitch sessions were followed by a networking lunch, attendees dove into focused discussions during themed breakout sessions. These panels and workshops explored critical themes shaping fire adaptation:
Followed by a Solutions Fair, a hive of activity, as funders and community leaders connected directly with the finalist teams to explore adoption pathways.
The day culminated in an electric Prize Ceremony. After nine months of rigorous field-testing, three teams were recognized for their potential to fundamentally transform our fire-prone landscapes:
By the end of the day, the global cohort of 12 finalist teams gathered for the final Prize Ceremony. After nine months of field-testing across western North America, three teams were recognized for their successful development and potential to transform how we live with fire.
• Grand Prize Winner: Vibrant Planet Data Commons (Colorado, USA) & The Kalispel Tribe of Indians (Washington, USA) – An AI-powered decision support tool to assist community planning for fire mitigation and restoration, developed through deep collaboration and engagement with Tribal Nations.
• Runner-Up: International Savanna Fire Management Initiative (Victoria, AUS) & BIOMASA AC (Chiapas, MEX) – A process called Emissions Reduction Traditional Fire Management (ERTFM) that implements early dry season burns. The process utilizes geospatial information systems (GIS) and local knowledge to prevent destructive burns in the late dry season.
• Runner-Up: Flash Forest Inc. (Ontario, CAN) & Grand County Wildfire Council (Colorado, USA) – Forest regeneration technology guided by AI software that uses drones to distribute seed pods for replanting.
The Fire Grand Challenge is made possible through a powerful global partner coalition, including the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, The Coca-Cola Foundation, Esri, and Planet, among others.
This is just the beginning for the teams and our collective work in wildfire resilience. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue our work into South America, focusing on the critical ecosystems that need these innovations most.
If you are interested in supporting these teams, or collaborating in our future work, contact us at: fire@conservationxlabs.org
