Understory, a Madison-based startup that uses technology to track weather data, unveiled new technology this week to help civic leaders measure air quality and atmospheric insights in real time.
CEO Alex Kubicek announced the new technology, called “Atmosphere,” in Katowice, Poland at the 9th annual Sustainable Innovation Forum (SIF), a forum designed by the UN to build connections between policy makers and environmental tech companies like Understory.
Understory uses data gathered at a hyperlocal, on-the-ground level to analyze the impact of weather conditions on business and communities. Unlike a traditional weather-tracking company, which uses satellites or sensors on tall buildings to evaluate patterns, Understory installs durable, low-cost sensors that track weather, atmospheric conditions, precipitation and more right at ground level. It sells its weather and atmosphere data to companies in many industries, including the insurance, agriculture and utility sectors.
With Atmosphere, Understory intends to give cities and communities a comprehensive view of air quality.
“Marrying weather and air quality together in one network allows it to be seen as it truly is, incredibly dynamic,” Kubicek said in a press release. “Accurate, real-time weather and air quality data allows us to understand a city’s air quality on a very granular level across time.”
Armed with insights on air quality, including types and sources of pollutants, community leaders can react to issues and mitigate any harmful effects to citizens.
Atmosphere is the latest development in what has been an eventful year for Understory. In November, the startup announced it raised $7.5 million in new funding from Madison-based venture capital firm 4490 Ventures and Revolution's Rise of the Rest fund. The company has raised more than $16 million since its founding in 2012.
Earlier this year, Understory announced a partnership with Monsanto to expand into South America, Forbes named the startup as one of its “25 Most Innovative AgTech Startups in 2018,” and co-founder and VP of Engineering Bryan Dow landed on Forbes’ “2019 30 Under 30 within Manufacturing” list.
Atmosphere is live in Dallas, Texas, and Understory plans to implement the technology in cities around the world throughout 2019.
