Madison-based weather tracking technology startup Understory Inc. today launched a new initiative to monitor air pollution in cities.
Understory, established in 2016, manufactures weather sensors that are placed in fields to collect hyperlocal weather data. The company then analyzes data on historical, current and forecasted weather events to provide insights and early risk detection to the agriculture and insurance sectors. Understory has more than 500 weather stations providing granular weather data in five major U.S. cities and plans to grow to 5,000 sensors in 2019. In November, the company completed a $7.5 million funding round to fuel its growth.
This new project would track urban air quality. Understory, which has so far installed its Atmosphere pollution measurement network in Dallas, Texas, is seeking 10 new applicant cities from around the world.
By using its hyperlocal weather stations and air quality sensors, Understory says Atmosphere can gather data on pollution such as ozone and nitrous oxide and analyze it to provide real-time readings of air quality that city leaders can use to take immediate action and develop long-term strategies for improvement.
“We have created new technology in air quality monitoring at a time when the world needs it the most,” said Alex Kubicek, chief executive officer of Understory. “Project Atmosphere can truly move the needle for improving air quality and slowing climate change. With Atmosphere, city leaders can understand the dynamics of major air pollutants in their city in real-time, and then take informed, measurable actions to create cleaner, more livable cities.”
The startup also was recently named to the Forbes 25 Most Innovative AgTech Startups in 2018, and co-founder and vice president of engineering Bryan Dow was listed on the Forbes 30 Under 30 for 2019 in the Manufacturing & Industry category.
