from the editor
Pano AI operates a network of ultra-high-definition 360-degree cameras mounted on mountaintops and ridgelines, scanning continuously for smoke. When its computer vision model flags a plume, human analysts verify the alert and push precise coordinates to fire agencies and utility operators within minutes.
The San Francisco company, founded in 2020 by Sonia Kastner and Arvind Satyam, sells to electric utilities and fire agencies as a managed service rather than raw sensor data. Customers include Pacific Gas & Electric, Xcel Energy, Portland General Electric, and Arizona Public Service.
Cameras plus computer vision is not, by itself, novel. What is novel is selling early wildfire detection as enterprise infrastructure to the utilities and insurers most exposed to climate liability. Pano's bet is that detection minutes are the cheapest line item in a worsening risk pool.
WHY IT STANDS OUT
Named to TIME's 100 Most Influential Companies of 2025 and Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies of 2026 for wildfire intelligence work.
Currently serves more than 250 first responder agencies and 15 U.S. electric utilities including Pacific Gas & Electric, Xcel Energy, and Portland General Electric.
Covers roughly 30 million acres across 10 U.S. states, five Australian states, and British Columbia, detecting brush fires before first 911 calls arrive.
Recognized for
Climate Resilience & Disaster Response
Headquarters
San Francisco, CA, USA
CEO
Sonia Kastner
Founded
2020
Official Links
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