TELUS and Dryad: IoT revolutionizes forest protection

Transforming wildfire detection: Dryad Networks and TELUS’ IoT solution partnership

News, blog articles and discussion papers · Jul 30, 2025

Intelligent networks that save forests

In the race against climate change-fueled wildfires,

(Dryad) emerges as a beacon of hope with its innovative IoT solution for wildfire detection. This dynamic startup has developed Silvanet, a game-changing ultra-early wildfire detection system that's redefining forest protection. Silvanet's

AI-powered sensors

, part of a comprehensive IoT solution, can spot fires within minutes of ignition, often before they're visible to the human eye.

"Our product is sold on a global basis. We currently have 50 installations across the world. A growing number of countries have problems with wildfires and our solution addresses this critical need." —Carsten Brinkschulte, Co-founder and CEO of Dryad Networks

The Silvanet system represents a leap forward in wildfire detection technology. Its network of solar-powered sensors creates an intelligent mesh throughout the forest, analyzing environmental conditions to detect fires at the crucial smoldering stage. This isn't just about spotting smoke – it's about identifying potential fires before they have a chance to spread, all enabled by a cutting-edge IoT solution that ensures reliable communication even in remote areas.

Complementing this ground-based network is Silvaguard, Dryad's innovative drone system. This autonomous solution, which will soon enter production, represents the next evolution in wildfire management. When Silvanet detects potential fire activity, Silvaguard will provide immediate aerial observation, delivering crucial real-time data to firefighting teams.

Dryad's Silvanet wildfire detection chart

A global challenge meets local ingenuity

Dryad's ambition to deploy their revolutionary technology worldwide came with a number of hurdles. The company faced a complex web of technical, financial and market-entry challenges that could potentially slow their progress.

"We needed a connectivity solution that could work across borders without having to change SIM cards," Carsten explains. "We wanted to have a single SKU, one device that can be sold on a global basis."

Beyond connectivity requirements, Dryad needed capital investment to scale up operations and refine their technology. Entering the Canadian market, with its extensive forestlands, presented additional opportunities for growth.

TELUS: Powering innovative wildfire detection with IoT expertise

Enter TELUS, with a comprehensive solution that addressed Dryad's needs head-on:

Capital infusion: The TELUS Global Ventures -
Pollinator Fund for Good
stepped in with crucial investment. "TELUS’ investment was key for Dryad to industrialize and scale our solutions," Carsten notes. This financial backing allowed Dryad to accelerate their research, refine their technology and ramp up production.
Global connectivity: TELUS Partner Solutions delivered a game-changing IoT solution that solved Dryad's connectivity puzzle. "With TELUS, we have a single contract that allows us to sell with a single SKU," Carsten explains. "Thanks to TELUS IoT, we can use a local profile. While hundreds of providers offer IoT solutions, TELUS is one of the rare few that provides this advanced capability."

This innovative approach allows Dryad's devices to adapt to local networks seamlessly, ensuring reliable communication even in the most remote forest areas. The multi-IMSI technology enables Dryad to deploy their solution globally without changing SIM cards, overcoming regulatory challenges such as permanent roaming restrictions in certain countries.

Market access: TELUS became Dryad's exclusive distributor and reseller of their solutions in Canada, leveraging its extensive network and strong relationships in the forestry sector.This partnership opens up new opportunities for Dryad in the Canadian market, a critical region for wildfire prevention.
Technical support: TELUS provides ongoing technical support to help Dryad overcome challenges in implementing their innovative solution. This collaboration has been crucial in refining and improving the Silvanet system.
Alignment with social purpose: The partnership between Dryad and TELUS goes beyond business, aligning with both companies' commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. As Carsten emphasizes, "We are aligned with the TELUS Pollinator impact mission. We help to prevent wildfires, which is also in line with TELUS' ESG commitments."

"TELUS is essential for us," Carsten emphasizes. "They invested in us, we're using their connectivity and they're selling our product in Canada. There are three benefits where Dryad really benefits from collaborating with TELUS: investment, connectivity and sales."

This comprehensive partnership demonstrates how TELUS' diverse capabilities can support innovative startups like Dryad in overcoming complex challenges and scaling their solutions globally.

Results that speak volumes

The Dryad-TELUS partnership has already yielded impressive results, enabling Dryad to overcome significant operational challenges and expand their global reach.

"We would not have chosen TELUS if it wasn't the best solution we could find," Carsten states. "Others claim global roaming and connectivity, but it is actually limited in reality. In some countries, permanent roaming is not allowed. With TELUS, we can deploy in Brazil with a SIM that behaves as a local solution."

This capability extends to other key markets as well. "In the US, for instance, we have a preferred profile," Carsten adds. "The system behaves as if it were a local SIM inserted."

The reliable connectivity provided by TELUS ensures that every alert and data point gets through, even in the most remote forest locations. This has enabled real-time monitoring and rapid response capabilities that were previously impossible. This IoT solution for wildfire detection has enabled real-time monitoring and rapid response capabilities that were previously impossible.

A future rooted in innovation

Looking ahead, Dryad and TELUS are pushing the boundaries of forest intelligence. Their collaboration extends beyond wildfire detection, aligning with broader environmental and social responsibility goals.

"We want to be the internet of trees. We're currently working on motion and sound sensors to prevent illegal logging and poaching."—Carsten Brinkschulte, Co-founder and CEO of Dryad Networks

These advanced sensors will be able to detect specific sounds such as chainsaw activity, helping prevent illegal logging. The motion detection capabilities serve a dual purpose: identifying potential poaching activities while also detecting people who might need to be brought to safety in case of a wildfire.

By expanding their IoT solution beyond wildfire detection, Dryad and TELUS are creating a comprehensive forest management system.

Dryad's roadmap includes enhancing their current offerings and developing new capabilities. From advanced environmental monitoring to expanding their mesh network capabilities, the potential applications of their technology are vast. "We're working on soil moisture and tree growth sensors," Carsten reveals. "These will allow us to extend our vision of the internet of trees into many use cases beyond wildfire detection, providing valuable data for forest management and conservation efforts."

"The experience has been positive and I think the synergies between TELUS and Dryad are multiple," Carsten notes. "There's a strong ESG alignment with TELUS."

This partnership exemplifies how innovative startups and established telecommunications leaders can join forces to address pressing global challenges. By combining Dryad's cutting-edge sensor technology with TELUS' robust connectivity and market expertise, they're creating a more resilient and sustainable future for our forests.

A partnership combining innovation and shared values

The collaboration between Dryad Networks and TELUS exemplifies how innovative technology and shared values can create powerful solutions to global challenges. Dryad's commitment to forest protection and environmental sustainability aligns perfectly with TELUS' dedication to leveraging technology for social good.

TELUS Partner Solutions' advanced IoT connectivity is the backbone of Dryad's global ambitions. Our innovative multi-IMSI technology enables seamless operation across borders, allowing Silvanet and the upcoming Silvaguard to function flawlessly in diverse environments. This single SKU solution simplifies deployment and scaling, making it ideal for companies with global aspirations.

Beyond connectivity, this partnership showcases TELUS' commitment to fostering innovation that addresses critical environmental issues. Through the TELUS Pollinator Fund, we're not just investing in technology – we're investing in a more sustainable future.

Looking to deploy IoT solutions globally? TELUS Partner Solutions offers world-class telecommunications infrastructure and innovative connectivity options to help your technology reach its full potential. Our expertise in delivering reliable, borderless IoT solutions can help transform your vision into reality.

Contact TELUS Partner Solutions

today to discover how our technology can power your innovation, simplify your global deployment and help you make a lasting impact on the world.

Dryad Networks' Silvanet wildfire detection system

Testimonial overview

Situation

Dryad Networks, a startup with innovative wildfire detection technology, needed to deploy their solution globally. They faced three main challenges:

Required a single connectivity solution that worked across borders without changing SIM cards
Needed substantial capital to scale operations and refine technology
Sought market entry into Canada, a key region for forest protection

Solution

TELUS provided a comprehensive three-part solution:

Investment: The TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good provided crucial capital for scaling and industrialization
Connectivity: TELUS Partner Solutions offered a unique IoT solution with multi-IMSI technology, enabling global deployment with a single SKU
Market Access: TELUS became the exclusive distributor for Dryad's solutions in Canada

Results

Global deployment: Dryad can now operate in multiple countries (e.g., Brazil, US) using local network profiles without changing SIM cards
Scalability: Secured funding to industrialize and scale their solutions
Market expansion: Gained entry into the Canadian market with a strong, established partner
Operational efficiency: Simplified logistics with a single SKU for global operations
Future innovation: Partnership enables exploration of new applications beyond wildfire detection
ESG Alignment: The partnership strengthens both companies' commitment to environmental and social responsibility, with Dryad's wildfire prevention technology aligning closely with TELUS' ESG goals

Key benefits

The strategic partnership between TELUS and Dryad Networks combines innovative technology with robust connectivity solutions, accelerating the global deployment of advanced forest protection systems.