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 @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…
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RT @GlobalDevLab: New technology makes it possible for us to be one with nature! Find out how our innovator, @RainforestCx is protecting w…
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RT @JustinCMAdams: Illegal #logging accounts for up to 90 % of deforestation. #NatureTech @RainforestCx is fighting back in the Peruvian ra…
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RT @rocketium: @RainforestCx enlists machine learning to "listen" in the Amazon #rainforestconnection #google #amazon #RC #guardian https:…
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RT @davyfreeman: Can #MachineLearning save the day? https://t.co/Fdot1EvKHw @NBCNewsMACH @katarinazimmer @RainforestCx
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RT @NBCNewsMACH: These tiny 'guardians' are helping protect the world's forests https://t.co/YrGElXObsD
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RT @DRKFoundation: “The future is a circular economy. There are new business models and innovation,” @BassettNicole of grantee @renewalwork…
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RT @Autumn_McDo: Inspired by @renewalworkshop - a circular economy for the fashion industry @solvehungernow - a mobile app to donate perish…
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RT @FatimaSees: Live-streaming the forest??! That’s a new one that most of the room at #NationSwellSummitWest just learned about from @Rain…
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RT @NationSwell: How can big business help fight #climatechange? More creative, attractive sustainable products. - @jlh8740 of @Toyota talk…
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RT @PlanetVision: Rainforest Connection uses old cell phones to build solar-powered devices to listen for the sounds of illegal logging & p…
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RT @sapcp: #SAPInnovation award winner, @RainforestCx, has been using machine learning & predictive analytics on #sapcp to predict & preven…