The African continent is struggling with inaccurate weather forecasts due to a lack of reliable atmospheric data, leading to poor crop yields and wasted resources. WindBorne, an A.I.-powered weather balloon startup backed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to improve the accuracy of weather prediction by making data easily accessible in Africa.
The African continent is grappling with a significant challenge: a severe lack of reliable atmospheric data, exacerbated by the impacts of climate change. This shortage of data has led to inaccurate weather forecasts, poor crop yields, and wasted resources, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa.
Agriculture is the lifeblood of many African nations, supporting more than half of the continent’s labor force. However, productivity has fallen 34 percent since 1961 due to climate change, more than any other region in the world, according to a 2023 report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
WindBorne is an A.I.-powered weather balloon startup backed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Founded in 2019 by John Dean, a former engineer at SpaceX and Lyft, the company aims to tackle climate change by improving the accuracy of weather prediction.
WindBorne has raised $25 million from Khosla Ventures, Footwork VC, and Susa Ventures. Its clients include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Air Force. The company also has a partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has invested $5 million in developing A.I. weather forecasting technologies.
Africa’s economic losses due to climate change are expected to range between $290 billion and $440 billion, depending on how much temperatures rise, according to the African Economic Outlook.
WindBorne is determined to transform how weather data is captured and utilized in Africa. By making data easily accessible, the company fosters collaboration and innovation with local researchers, academics, and private companies to create solutions tailored to Africa’s challenges.
Kenya was chosen as WindBorne’s first area of operation due to its combination of significant challenges with data scarcity and a relatively advanced meteorological infrastructure. The company addresses the data gap that has long hindered accurate weather forecast in the region through partnerships with the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD).
Precise weather prediction significantly impacts smallholder farmers, who rely heavily on rainfall. Accurate forecasts can inform farmers about the optimal time to plant or irrigate crops, maximizing yields and conserving resources.
WindBorne’s open-source data approach empowers local communities by making data easily accessible. This fosters collaboration and innovation, leading to more inclusive and impactful solutions.
Through its work in Kenya, WindBorne addresses the broader challenges facing Africa, including climate change, food security, and economic stability. The company’s A.I.-driven solutions have the potential to play a pivotal role in the global fight against climate change.
