Kat James is a drone and knowledge specialist primarily based in Nairobi, Kenya. She has labored in world well being for over a decade — however 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 packages to deal with urgent wants in world 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 device 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 most effective toolkits and webinars whereas highlighting corporations 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 frivolously edited for readability and size.
Caroline Dobrez: What’s 4 Hundred Ft?
Kat James: 4 Hundred Ft is a drone and knowledge consultancy primarily based in Nairobi, Kenya. We primarily work with researchers, NGOs, and social good organizations that wish to leverage drone know-how.
Caroline Dobrez: You do so much! So, what does a day in life appear like for you?
Kat James: I’m captivated with ecosystem constructing. Within the drone business proper now, there have been numerous pilot packages exhibiting what drones can do by way of drones for good. However adoption remains to be fairly low. So, I do numerous actions to fight that. Along with working with my numerous shoppers on initiatives, I additionally create business sources. I share academic content material on LinkedIn. Proper now, I’m doing work to assist enhance drone laws on the African continent to have the ability to enhance the adoption of drone know-how.
Caroline Dobrez: Superb! Are you able to inform me extra concerning the regulation work you’re doing in Africa?
Kat James: I’m working with the Drones Doing Good Alliance on a undertaking referred to as Wakanda Past. We’re collaborating with 9 civil aviation authorities in Africa to design future-fit drone laws. The aim is to create an enabling surroundings for the drone business whereas guaranteeing 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 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, world 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 wish 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 developed, and there was an enormous curiosity from totally different corners of the business in studying concerning 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 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 totally 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 initiatives 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 thus far?
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 folks apply their technical expertise to social impression.
Caroline Dobrez: What’s your final hope for the information and drones for good on the whole?
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 house. What recommendation do you will have for ladies seeking to enter the drone business?
Kat James: Get on the market, speak to folks, discover a neighborhood, and search mentorship. Additionally, there are various alternatives past being a drone pilot. Communities like Girls in Drones are extremely supportive.
You’ll be able to join with Kat James through LinkedIn, to be taught 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.
