This spring, students at MacEwan University had a unique opportunity: earn academic credit while helping FireSafe AI develop innovative solutions for Alberta’s growing wildfire challenges. Through the Griffin Challenge, a pilot program offering real-world experience in exchange for course credits, students from chemistry, business, computer science, and design and marketing worked directly with FireSafe AI CEO Nafaa Haddou—a MacEwan alumnus himself.
Real-World Innovation in Action
Over 100 hours, student teams collaborated to build a business case, technical roadmap, and prototype for an AI agent addressing a real business problem for FireSafe AI. Their focus wasn’t just on fighting fires directly, but on using artificial intelligence to improve FireSafe’s market intelligence, content creation, customer success, and management. This approach highlights how AI can accelerate FireSafe’s growth and engagement, supporting the broader mission of smarter wildfire prevention and response.
Bridging the Innovation Gap
Haddou emphasized that while governments are responsible for wildfire response, private industry can innovate more quickly. “We have a very disjointed, fractured system of communications,” he noted, pointing out that bureaucracy can slow down community action. By partnering with students and leveraging AI, FireSafe AI aims to help municipalities and first responders keep wildfires under control—identifying patterns and risks that aren’t always obvious to the human eye.
Recognition and Community Impact
FireSafe AI’s work is already making waves: the company recently won a prize at the YEG Startup Community Awards and was a finalist at the Startup TNT summit. Its technology is being used in places like the Bighorn municipal district, helping communities better prepare for and respond to wildfire threats.
Looking Ahead
The Griffin Challenge culminated with student presentations at MacEwan’s Friendly Friday event, showcasing how collaboration between education, technology, and industry can drive real progress on urgent issues like wildfire management.
At FireSafe AI, we believe that empowering the next generation of innovators is essential to building safer, more resilient communities. We’re excited to continue working with students, municipalities, and partners to advance the future of wildfire prevention.
Interested in learning more or partnering with us? Reach out to FireSafe AI to join the conversation on the future of wildfire technology.