Kat James is a drone and knowledge specialist based mostly 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 Ft, a drone and knowledge 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 challenge is creating the 2024 Drones for Good Information. The Drones for Good Information is a device 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 Ft, 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 Ft?
Kat James: 4 Hundred Ft is a drone and knowledge 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 lots! 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 quite a lot of pilot applications exhibiting what drones can do when it comes to drones for good. However adoption remains to be fairly low. So, I do quite a lot of actions to fight that. Along with working with my varied purchasers on initiatives, I additionally create business assets. I share instructional 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 challenge 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 working a drone enterprise booster to assist operators run sustainable drone companies.
Caroline Dobrez: How did you get the concept 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 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. Nevertheless, 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 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 shocked you whereas creating the information?
Kat James: I used to be shocked by how a lot exercise is occurring in these areas and the way siloed they’re. Many initiatives had been reinventing the wheel. I hope the information helps individuals construct off the training 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. 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 impression.
Caroline Dobrez: What’s your final hope for the information and drones for good normally?
Kat James: I hope the information helps improve collaboration and adoption of drone expertise at scale. Transferring past the pilot challenge stage to full-scale adoption can considerably improve the impression of drone expertise.
Caroline Dobrez: You’ve had such a huge effect on drones within the NGO house. What recommendation do you could have for girls trying to enter the drone business?
Kat James: Get on the market, speak to individuals, discover a neighborhood, and search mentorship. Additionally, there are a lot of 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 listing right here.
If any nice drone women who deserve a profile (together with your self!) contact us right here.
