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 not too long ago, 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 packages 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 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 Woman spoke with Kat James to debate 4 Hundred Toes, her Drones for Good Information, and all issues drones:
The next interview has been frivolously edited for readability and size.
Caroline Dobrez: What’s 4 Hundred Toes?
Kat James: 4 Hundred Toes is a drone and information consultancy based mostly in Nairobi, Kenya. We primarily work with researchers, NGOs, and social good organizations that need to leverage drone expertise.
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 variety of pilot packages displaying what drones can do by way of drones for good. However adoption remains to be fairly low. So, I do a variety of actions to fight that. Along with working with my numerous purchasers 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 expertise.
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 venture referred to 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: After 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 be taught extra about the place I would need to work, I started doing deep dives into totally 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 totally 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 few of the matters 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 totally 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 tasks have been reinventing the wheel. I hope the information helps folks construct off the educational of others and resolve new challenges.
Caroline Dobrez: What impression has the information had up to now?
Kat James: We had over a thousand downloads within the first 24 hours. Individuals have discovered new collaborators, instruments, and job alternatives. It’s thrilling to see the way it’s serving to folks apply their technical expertise to social impression.
Caroline Dobrez: What’s your final hope for the information and drones for good generally?
Kat James: I hope the information helps enhance collaboration and adoption of drone expertise at scale. Shifting past the pilot venture stage to full-scale adoption can considerably enhance the impression of drone expertise.
Caroline Dobrez: You’ve had such a big impact on drones within the NGO area. What recommendation do you have got for ladies seeking to enter the drone business?
Kat James: Get on the market, speak to folks, discover a group, and search mentorship. Additionally, there are lots of alternatives past being a drone pilot. Communities like Ladies in Drones are extremely supportive.
You possibly can join with Kat James through LinkedIn, to be taught extra about #dronesforgood or join her weekly mailing checklist right here.
If you already know any nice drone women who deserve a profile (together with your self!) contact us right here.
