Perch Sensing Inc. started as a research project at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2019 and has since developed into a mission-driven company. The founders of Perch were selected for the College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) and worked to develop a new technique that quickly and efficiently detects wildfires using existing electrical utility power infrastructure. This key technology became a starting point in the detection methods behind the Perch Sensing Network and launched the team's interest and journey into the field of wildfire prediction and prevention space.

In 2022, Perch received a grant from the California Sustainable Energy Entrepreneur Development Initiative (CalSEED). Initially, Perch aimed to help utility companies deliver the highest value to their ratepayers by providing innovative software solutions. More recently, in connection with CalSEED, Perch is currently participating in CleanTech Open, a clean energy accelerator program. Now, the team at Perch is actively researching Wildland Urban Interface (or WUI) based fires with the intent of providing protection to at risk communities and increasing their resiliency.

Experts and leaders in fields related to the WUI have discussed with our team the gaps in wildfire prediction and prevention safety. To further build and validate our solution, we are currently looking to reach people in WUI-bounded communities and gain firsthand insight into the worries they have about wildfire disaster.