Core Insights - The XPRIZE Wildfire competition, co-sponsored by PG&E and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, is a four-year initiative with a total prize pool of $11 million aimed at developing innovative solutions to combat destructive wildfires [1][4][10] Competition Overview - The competition has announced its finalists and semi-finalists, showcasing teams that are advancing in their efforts to end wildfires [2][3] - The competition is structured into two tracks: Space-Based Wildfire Detection & Intelligence and Autonomous Wildfire Response, each focusing on different technological innovations [5][7] Technological Innovations - In the Space-Based Wildfire Detection track, teams must detect fires across large landscapes within one minute and report data accurately within ten minutes, with 11 teams from 5 countries advancing as finalists [7] - The Autonomous Wildfire Response track requires teams to autonomously detect and suppress fires in a challenging 1,000 km² area, with 15 teams from 7 countries advancing as semi-finalists [7] Funding and Awards - A total of $300,000 was awarded to six finalist teams for their data analytic capabilities during the semifinals, while semi-finalists are eligible for a portion of a $750,000 milestone award based on performance [7][11] - The winning team in each track will receive $3.5 million at the end of the competition in 2026, with an additional $1 million bonus for exceptional performance in wildfire detection [11] Industry Context - The urgency of addressing wildfires is underscored by recent global commitments from leaders, including the G7, and a new U.S. Executive Order aimed at overhauling federal wildfire governance [4] - The increasing frequency and destructiveness of wildfires highlight the need for innovative solutions, as stated by industry leaders involved in the competition [5][11]