Kat James is a drone and information specialist based mostly in Nairobi, Kenya. She has labored in international well being for over a decade — however lately, her work has introduced her into the drone world.
Kat is the founding father of 4 Hundred Ft, a drone and information consultancy that helps researchers, NGOs, and social good organizations design and implement drone applications to deal with urgent wants in international well being, the surroundings, and humanitarian efforts.
Her most up-to-date venture is creating the 2024 Drones for Good Information. The Drones for Good Information is a instrument for anybody seeking to navigate the #dronesforgood ecosystem. (Obtain the information right here!)
Kat’s purpose was to create an trade useful resource that curates the perfect toolkits and webinars whereas highlighting corporations and organizations utilizing drones for good.
We right here at Drone Woman spoke with Kat James to debate 4 Hundred Ft, her Drones for Good Information, and all issues drones:
The next interview has been flippantly edited for readability and size.
Caroline Dobrez: What’s 4 Hundred Ft?
Kat James: 4 Hundred Ft is a drone and information consultancy based mostly in Nairobi, Kenya. We primarily work with researchers, NGOs, and social good organizations that wish to leverage drone expertise.
Caroline Dobrez: You do lots! So, what does a day in life seem like for you?
Kat James: I’m obsessed with ecosystem constructing. Within the drone trade proper now, there have been lots of pilot applications exhibiting what drones can do when it comes to drones for good. However adoption continues to be fairly low. So, I do lots of actions to fight that. Along with working with my varied purchasers on initiatives, I additionally create trade assets. I share academic content material on LinkedIn. Proper now, I’m doing work to assist enhance drone rules on the African continent to have the ability to improve the adoption of drone expertise.
Caroline Dobrez: Superb! Are you able to inform me extra in regards to the regulation work you’re doing in Africa?
Kat James: I’m working with the Drones Doing Good Alliance on a venture referred to as Wakanda Past. We’re collaborating with 9 civil aviation authorities in Africa to design future-fit drone rules. The purpose is to create an enabling surroundings for the drone trade whereas guaranteeing security and safety. We’re additionally operating a drone enterprise booster to assist operators run sustainable drone companies.
Caroline Dobrez: How did you get the thought to create Drones for Good information, and the way has it grown?
Kat James: After I first entered the drone trade, I acknowledged that there have been quite a few purposes of drones for good in varied sectors, however they appeared fairly siloed. There have been superb developments in medical drone supply, international well being, reforestation, and wildlife conservation. Nonetheless, there wasn’t a lot cross-collaboration between these sectors.
As I began researching and making an attempt to study extra about the place I would wish to work, I started doing deep dives into completely different drones for good sectors on LinkedIn. I’ve been doing this for about two and a half years now. Over time, it has advanced, and there was an enormous curiosity from completely different corners of the trade in studying in regards to the varied drones for good purposes in different sectors, from well being to addressing local weather change, and extra. From there, I began placing the information collectively.
Caroline Dobrez: What are among the matters coated within the Drone for Good information?
Kat James: The information covers how drones are used for catastrophe administration, medical supply, precision agriculture, wildfire administration, and conservation, amongst others. There are 15 completely different verticals addressed.
Caroline Dobrez: Was there something that stunned you whereas creating the information?
Kat James: I used to be stunned by how a lot exercise is occurring in these areas and the way siloed they’re. Many initiatives have been reinventing the wheel. I hope the information helps individuals construct off the educational of others and resolve new challenges.
Caroline Dobrez: What influence has the information had to date?
Kat James: We had over a thousand downloads within the first 24 hours. Folks have discovered new collaborators, instruments, and job alternatives. It’s thrilling to see the way it’s serving to individuals apply their technical abilities to social influence.
Caroline Dobrez: What’s your final hope for the information and drones for good on the whole?
Kat James: I hope the information helps improve collaboration and adoption of drone expertise at scale. Transferring past the pilot venture stage to full-scale adoption can considerably improve the influence of drone expertise.
Caroline Dobrez: You’ve had such a big impact on drones within the NGO house. What recommendation do you’ve got for ladies seeking to enter the drone trade?
Kat James: Get on the market, discuss to individuals, discover a group, and search mentorship. Additionally, there are a lot of alternatives past being a drone pilot. Communities like Girls in Drones are extremely supportive.
You’ll be able to join with Kat James by way of LinkedIn, to study extra about #dronesforgood or join her weekly mailing listing right here.
If you recognize any nice drone ladies who deserve a profile (together with your self!) contact us right here.
