Auckland-based Hyades has raised $1.5 million to develop an AI platform that turns complex geospatial information into data that machine-learning systems can use.
The platform combines information from sources such as satellite imagery, drone footage, climate records and historical data. Potential uses include modelling exposure to floods, cyclones and wildfires, as well as applications in agriculture, mining and climate science.
Key facts
- Hyades was founded by University of Auckland graduates Ashin Alex, Samuel Kurian and Jimin Seo.
- Its platform is designed to reduce geospatial data preparation from months to days.
- The funding includes a $400,000 MBIE research and development grant.
- Investors include Icehouse Ventures, K1W1 and Allbirds co-founder Tim Brown.
- The funding will support recruitment, enterprise partnerships and a wider platform release.
Our take
This is a positive New Zealand example of AI being applied beyond chatbots and content creation. Preparing large amounts of fragmented spatial data is traditionally slow and expensive. Making that information easier to use could help insurers, farmers and other organisations make faster and more informed decisions about climate and environmental risks.
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