Rainforest Connection
Model & Strategy
Rainforest Connection (RFCx) is focused on preventing rainforest deforestation, a leading cause of climate change and species extinction, by providing real-time monitoring and detection of illegal logging activity. RFCx transforms recycled cell-phones into autonomous, solar-powered listening devices that can remotely monitor and detect logging activity. Using this data, RFCx partners with local NGOs and indigenous tribes to deter incursions through more effective patrols or to pressure governments to take action to prevent further incursions. RFCx plans to make this data available to academic researches and government agencies in the hopes of reshaping the fields of field ecology and conservation.
Topher White is Founder and CEO of Rainforest Connection. Topher has experience building systems for large and small startups as well as international science projects, including four years working on nuclear fusion at ITER, in France. He has received multiple accolades for his work, including being named a National Geographic Emerging Explorer in 2015 and an “Engineering Hero” by the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Rainforest Connection News
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How Old Cell Phones Are Being Used to Save the RainforestTopher White has a black eye, but there’s no cause for alarm. He just got it from walking through the forest, getting swiped by flying…Nov 2016 -
The Guardians of the ForestThe Borneo rainforest is severely threatened by deforestation. In this new video James Reed, a tree climbing expert, collaborates with the Rainforest Connection to place…Sep 2016 -
This Accelerator Is Building An Ecosystem For Climate Change StartupsRainforest Connection transforms recycled cellphones into solar-powered devices that monitor and pinpoint deforestation activity for intervention in real time. While the breakthrough technology has proven…Jun 2016 -
National Georgraphic: 2015 Emerging ExplorersDeforestation, much of it illegal, is one of the main contributors to climate change. Detecting and interdicting illicit loggers in remote areas has always been…Jun 2015 -
Topher White TEDx Talk: What Can Save the Rainforest? Your Used Cell PhoneThe sounds of the rainforest include: the chirps of birds, the buzz of cicadas, the banter of gibbons. But in the background is the almost-always…Sep 2014
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RT @LilitjeJauregui: technology+law+conservation vote for our innovation. @spdaorg @luisaliariosr @RainforestCx @IUCNNL https://t.co/JEG1nj…
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RT @ponderbop: Great multimedia longread on deforestation. Firefighting & plant nurseries. Conservation drones. Sun bears. Listening to for…
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RT @PegKeiner: We need to listen, learn, and collaborate to work on solutions together. Old cellphones, solar cells, and machine learning a…
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RT @LilitjeJauregui: @RainforestCx guardians at work protecting our forests. In collaboration with @spdaorg @IUCNNL #Peru https://t.co/6WP…
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RT @katieboue: Stoked to have been a small part of this project: turning the bought-and-paid-for @CraghoppersUK booth into a non-profit com…
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RT @oaseit: @RainforestCx is such an inspiring example of how we can use what we have lying around to solve a complex environmental issue…
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RT @SparroHawkShake: I love playing the @RainforestCx at work! Especially when you put on the cricket channel and the Howler monkeys start…
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RT @OpenAcoustics: Inspired by the Californian conservation tech innovators while touring the length of the state. #TechToReconnect @sandie…
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RT @Revkin: Thirty years ago today, #GlobalWarming first became headline news as NASA's James Hansen testified, DC baked, Yellowstone burne…
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RT @FNGhadaki: .@topherwhite of @RainforestCx on defending the #rainforest using throw-away smartphones & #AI to detect & track chainsaw no…
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RT @PegKeiner: With my students and teachers gone for year, my background for working is livestream of @RainforestCx. Learn how technology…
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RT @MrsJBurgin: Speaking about the Tembé tribe and his work with audio alerts about illegal logging. @topherwhite Beneath the Canopy @Insid…
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RT @LittleMsFossil: 2 of my dearest buddies have their films shown today at National Geographic Explorers Festival - at the Further Film Fe…
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RT @EKTyson: Machine Learning + Artificial Intelligence + Public Participation = spotting illegal logging in the Amazon at the source @Rain…
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RT @JustinCMAdams: Great example of effective #NatureTech. The Tembé and @RainforestCx are using old cell phones hidden in #trees and @Tens…
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RT @OutpostTrade: Meet me in the canopy 🌲🌲🌲 @rainforestcx workshop demo of installing listening stations like they do in the rainforest to…
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RT @Theteamatx: Using AI in the fight against illegal logging: Smartphones tethered to solar panels listen in on ambient sounds and transmi…
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RT @outsidemagazine: Promo: Meet three entrepreneurs tackling the world’s toughest problems with next-gen science and technology @saxxunder…