Solutions Incubator - Drones, Data & AI for Disaster Risk Management

Incubator Background

In 2022, South Africa Flying Labs applied for a Turning Data into Action (TDIA) microgrant, to turn an idea into a proof of concept on how drones can contribute to flood response and risk reduction in informal settlements. What started as a small collaborative learning project has been catalytic both for South Africa Flying Labs and WeRobotics. It showed the incredible ripple effects possible when investing in a collaborative project bringing together key stakeholders.

This project led to the first Drones for DRM conference in 2023, a conference that has since grown to the largest regional Drones, AI and GIS for DRM annual conference in Southern Africa. And it is spreading in 2026 across the planet for a first Caribbean and Central America conference edition in Jamaica.

Through this experience, and others alike, we have learned how to grow ideas into highly impactful, replicable and scalable collaborations and solutions, launching the Incubator as an intentional space for locally-led, globally-supported Drones for DRM solutions in 2025.

About the Incubator

In the Incubator space, Flying Labs can bring in their ideas on how drones, data, GIS and AI can contribute to solving disaster risk management issues in their country and communities. And apply for funding to implement a proof of concept of their idea. In addition to funding, they can also request support from WeRobotics and partners.

Who the Incubator Brings Together and How You Can Join

The Incubator is a great example on how locally led, globally supported ideas turn into replicable and scalable solutions with the following actors and roles:

• Flying Labs, deciding and leading their proof of concepts;
• Flying Labs' local key stakeholders and local partners who are integral part of the collaborative learning projects;
• Funders, contributing to the "Incubator Fund" with grants or donations that are not tied to a specific project;
• Partners of the global partner ecosystem, to support with needs expressed by Flying Labs (technology, expertise, etc.);
• WeRobotics, to coordinate and support as needed with MEL, strategy (stakeholder engagement strategies, sustainability and scale), communication, and partner matchmaking.

We are currently building out the Incubator, and are happy to onboard more funders and partners. Are you interested in learning more? Please contact us.

What's Next

As disasters rapidly become more perennial and increase both in frequency and impact, our goal is to build out the Incubator fund for more local ideas to turn into replicable solutions.