In conversation with Aisya, Adilah and Shami from Sunway iLab’s LaunchX programme, Disruptr speaks to the young founders on their long-term goals with Drangue and the key challenges they aim to address.
The inception of Drangue, a startup dedicated to leveraging AI for natural disaster management, arose from a convergence of personal passion and societal necessity. Founded in response to the tragic Batang Kali Landslide, the team embarked on a journey to develop innovative solutions that could mitigate such calamities. Now, poised to commercialize their technology, Drangue aims to revolutionise disaster response and geological mapping, setting ambitious goals for the year ahead.
The founders of Drangue were driven by a profound interest in utilizing AI to confront climate change challenges. Witnessing the devastation of the Batang Kali Landslide prompted them to delve into research and development. By April, they resolved to forge ahead with their mission, aiming to provide efficient tools for disaster preparedness and response.
Addressing Key Challenges
One of Drangue’s primary objectives is to streamline manual geological mapping processes, enabling NGOs to plan disaster responses more effectively. Additionally, they aspire to collaborate with researchers to enhance understanding of Earth sciences, fostering advancements beneficial to society at large.
Drangue presents a compelling case to potential investors by focusing on building a more resilient world. Their team possesses a unique blend of expertise in GIS software development and a steadfast commitment to their mission. Investment would accelerate the refinement and scaling of their solutions, particularly in markets vulnerable to natural disasters like Indonesia and the Philippines.
The startup’s target markets further span governmental agencies, private sectors (including construction and agriculture), academic institutions, and NGOs focused on disaster relief. Geographically, Drangue aims to address Southeast Asia’s specific needs in natural disaster management, leveraging their technology to fill critical gaps in the region.
Learning from LaunchX and University Ventures
Founding a startup in university has been a challenging yet rewarding experience for the Drangue team. They’ve embraced a steep learning curve, emphasizing the importance of rapid skill acquisition and the fulfillment derived from creating impactful solutions. Key insights from programs like LaunchX have encouraged them to think globally and foster collaborations essential for growth.
Looking ahead, Drangue envisions collaborating with strategic partners to enhance their offerings. They aspire to learn from established entities like 7Analytics, potentially bridging knowledge gaps to fortify their position in Southeast Asia’s climate resilience landscape. Such partnerships could pave the way for mutual learning and innovation in disaster management solutions.
Drangue represents a beacon of hope in the realm of disaster management, driven by a vision to harness AI for societal benefit. As they navigate the complexities of scaling their technology and reaching new markets, their commitment to innovation and resilience remains steadfast. With each milestone achieved, Drangue advances closer to their goal of creating a safer, more prepared world in the face of escalating climate challenges.