October 19, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SONORA, CA – Kodama Systems, Inc. an innovator in forest restoration and wildfire mitigation, has been selected to join the Esri Startup Program as a Startup Partner.

The up to three-year program is part of a global Esri initiative to help startups succeed by giving them access to ArcGIS software along with the services, tools, content, education and training they need to successfully integrate ArcGIS mapping and location technology into their business platforms.

Kodama is building technology to improve forest health and mitigate the impacts of climate change by thinning dense tree stands vulnerable to high-intensity wildfire. Additionally, the company is piloting a method for storing excess woody biomass that would otherwise be piled for burning and emit its carbon into the atmosphere. Labor shortage and excess, low-value biomass are two of the greatest challenges facing forest restoration projects, according to Merritt Jenkins, Kodama CEO and Co-Founder.

“Our participation as a Startup Partner in the Esri Startup Program will better equip Kodama to address these challenges and develop our services,” said Jenkins. “Esri is a world leader in GIS and spatial data analysis. Using the tools and resources from the Startup Program, Kodama can better assess vulnerable tree stands, inventory marketable biomass quantities, as well as identify key areas for our carbon storage locations across the Western U.S.”

The applications used by Kodama could include custom data visualizations and cloud-based mapping tools, accessible via web browsers or handheld devices.

Companies are selected for the Esri Startup Program through a competitive application process. Once selected, participating companies receive three years of access to Esri’s ArcGIS system, a globally leading location and mapping software platform, along with education and training, networking and co-promotional opportunities, and other support resources designed to help emerging businesses thrive. More information can be found at www.esri.com/startups

About Kodama:

Kodama Systems is a CA-based technology company optimizing forests for wildfire resilience and carbon storage. Kodama augments thinning operations with semi-autonomous machines and site connectivity while offering a new method to utilize low-value biomass. For more information, visit www.kodama.ai.

Contact:

Kodama Systems: Media Contact, press@kodama.ai

Esri:  Media Contact, media.help@esri.com