Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 10 NOVEMBER 2026

Podcast - Rethinking Wildfire Response With Drone Technology

Holland & Knight
Explore more from Holland & Knight

Ryo Chijiiwa, founder of Ponderosa.ai, discusses developing heavy-lift drone solutions for wildfire response, navigating FAA regulations, and building aviation-focused startups in a competitive market. The conversation explores customer-driven product development, regulatory strategy as competitive advantage, and the operational realities of serving fire departments with cost-effective drone platforms.

United StatesMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Patrick Driscoll
Patrick Driscoll
Katie Inman
Katie Inman
Author LinkedIn connections

1866798a.jpg

Building breakthrough technology requires more than engineering expertise. On this episode of "The Innovation Imperative," host Patrick Driscoll and Partner Katie Inman speak with Ryo Chijiiwa, founder of Ponderosa.ai, about developing drone solutions for wildfire response.

Mr. Chijiiwa discusses Ponderosa.ai's efforts to create heavy-lift drones capable of supporting firefighting operations, as well as the regulatory, operational and fundraising realities of building an aviation-focused startup. Mr. Chijiiwa shares lessons on customer-driven product development, navigating Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements alongside state and local corollaries, and the importance of identifying underserved market opportunities. The conversation also highlights the potential for emerging technologies to improve safety and efficiency in wildfire management.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

California Requires Disclosure Of AI-Generated People In Advertising

California has enacted a groundbreaking AI disclosure law requiring advertisers to clearly identify when synthetic performers appear in their marketing materials. The legislation, set to take effect in 2027, includes a private right of enforcement that could potentially open the door to class action litigation against brands using AI-generated performers without proper disclosure.
United StatesMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Foley Hoag LLP
Foley Hoag LLP
Article

FCC Revises TCPA Consent Revocation Rules: Exclusive Opt-Out Methods, Category-Specific Revocations, And Other Key Changes

The Federal Communications Commission has unanimously approved sweeping changes to its Telephone Consumer Protection Act consent revocation rules, fundamentally altering how businesses must handle consumer opt-out requests for calls and texts. These new regulations replace the controversial 2024 "revoke all" rule with more flexible options that allow companies to designate exclusive opt-out methods while distinguishing between marketing and informational messages.
United StatesMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Kelley Drye & Warren LLP
Kelley Drye & Warren LLP
Article

FCC Tightens Equipment Rules

The Federal Communications Commission has adopted sweeping new restrictions targeting equipment containing components from entities on its Covered List, fundamentally reshaping how manufacturers, online marketplaces, and equipment modifiers must approach FCC compliance. These rules establish unprecedented prohibitions on logic-bearing hardware components, impose strict display requirements for e-commerce platforms, and clarify when existing authorizations can support equipment modifications.
United StatesMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Steptoe LLP
Steptoe LLP
Article

Nationwide EAS Test Coming November 17, 2026

FEMA and the FCC will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System on November 17, 2026, requiring participation from all radio and television stations, cable systems, and satellite services. EAS Participants must file three separate forms through the EAS Test Reporting System, with specific deadlines ranging from October 30, 2026, through January 2027. Certain translator and repeater stations are exempt from the registration and filing requirements.
United StatesMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Wiley Rein
Wiley Rein