Kat James is a drone and information specialist primarily based in Nairobi, Kenya. She has labored in international well being for over a decade — however just lately, her work has introduced her into the drone world.
Kat is the founding father of 4 Hundred Toes, 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 undertaking is creating the 2024 Drones for Good Information. The Drones for Good Information is a software for anybody trying to navigate the #dronesforgood ecosystem. (Obtain the information right here!)
Kat’s aim was to create an business useful resource that curates the perfect toolkits and webinars whereas highlighting firms and organizations utilizing drones for good.
We right here at Drone Lady spoke with Kat James to debate 4 Hundred Toes, her Drones for Good Information, and all issues drones:
The next interview has been evenly edited for readability and size.
Caroline Dobrez: What’s 4 Hundred Toes?
Kat James: 4 Hundred Toes is a drone and information consultancy primarily based in Nairobi, Kenya. We primarily work with researchers, NGOs, and social good organizations that need to leverage drone know-how.
Caroline Dobrez: You do quite a bit! So, what does a day in life appear like for you?
Kat James: I’m obsessed with ecosystem constructing. Within the drone business proper now, there have been a whole lot of pilot applications exhibiting what drones can do by way of drones for good. However adoption remains to be fairly low. So, I do a whole lot of actions to fight that. Along with working with my numerous shoppers on tasks, I additionally create business sources. 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 enhance the adoption of drone know-how.
Caroline Dobrez: Wonderful! 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 undertaking known as Wakanda Past. We’re collaborating with 9 civil aviation authorities in Africa to design future-fit drone rules. The aim is to create an enabling surroundings for the drone business whereas making certain 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: Once I first entered the drone business, I acknowledged that there have been quite a few functions of drones for good in numerous 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 need 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 developed, and there was an enormous curiosity from completely different corners of the business in studying in regards to the numerous drones for good functions 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 a number of the subjects lined 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 shocked you whereas creating the information?
Kat James: I used to be shocked by how a lot exercise is going on in these areas and the way siloed they’re. Many tasks had been reinventing the wheel. I hope the information helps individuals construct off the educational of others and resolve new challenges.
Caroline Dobrez: What impression has the information had to this point?
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 expertise to social impression.
Caroline Dobrez: What’s your final hope for the information and drones for good typically?
Kat James: I hope the information helps enhance collaboration and adoption of drone know-how at scale. Transferring past the pilot undertaking stage to full-scale adoption can considerably enhance the impression of drone know-how.
Caroline Dobrez: You’ve had such a big impact on drones within the NGO area. What recommendation do you’ve for ladies trying to enter the drone business?
Kat James: Get on the market, discuss to individuals, discover a neighborhood, and search mentorship. Additionally, there are numerous alternatives past being a drone pilot. Communities like Girls in Drones are extremely supportive.
You may join with Kat James by way of LinkedIn, to study extra about #dronesforgood or join her weekly mailing record right here.
If you recognize any nice drone ladies who deserve a profile (together with your self!) contact us right here.
