Picture this: a determined ecologist, armed with nothing but a vision and unwavering persistence, sets out to solve a seemingly impossible challenge in wildlife conservation. Enter Dr. Debbie Saunders, whose quest to track tiny endangered birds led her on an unexpected journey from the forests of Eastern Australia to the cutting edge of drone technology.

In a recent conversation with Jupiter, our program for early-stage women founders, Dr. Saunders shared her journey from passionate conservationist to tech founder of Wildlife Drones. Her story is a testament to the power of thinking outside the box and refusing to take no for an answer.

If you’re interested in joining our next Jupiter program, register your interest here.

From Conservationist to Tech Entrepreneur

Dr. Debbie Saunders began her career as a conservation ecologist, focusing on endangered species in Eastern Australia. Her research faced a significant hurdle: tracking the migratory patterns of small birds that were too tiny for existing tracking technologies. This challenge sparked the idea of using drones to track wildlife, leading to the birth of Wildlife Drones.

"It was never a grand plan of mine. It was more about me as a researcher. I had a problem in that I couldn't track their movements... So we came up with the thought of using a drone."

The Road to Realisation

The journey from concept to reality was anything but smooth. Dr. Saunders faced numerous rejections and funding challenges. It took three years of persistence and an ARC linkage grant to finally get the project off the ground with the University of Sydney's Field Robotics Lab.

Despite initial setbacks, including a failed demonstration due to interference issues, the project eventually proved successful. This success, however, came with the realisation that the prototype had significant limitations, leading Dr. Saunders to rebuild the technology outside of the university environment.

Today, the latest drone model, Dragonfly is one of the most advanced animal tracking drone systems in the world, allowing operators to track up to 40 animals simultaneously, over tricky terrain and with real-time data.

"Surround yourself with people who lift you up, and don't stop asking for help and figuring out ways to move forward. Be really persistent."

Researcher to Entrepreneur

The transition from academia to entrepreneurship was challenging. Dr. Saunders had to navigate the complexities of starting a business while balancing family life. Her perseverance paid off, as she managed to secure initial funding through local innovation networks and programs like Innovation ACT.

A pivotal moment came when she won a $10,000 prize, which led to the formal establishment of Wildlife Drones. This initial funding was spent on legal agreements, setting a solid foundation for the company.

"That was actually the moment I'm like, okay, we've got $10,000. We need a name and we need a bank account. That's kind of the moment which Wildlife Drones was born officially."

Fundraising and Market Validation

Dr. Saunders' fundraising journey involved a mix of grants and private investments. She highlighted the importance of leveraging grants, such as the Accelerating Commercialization grant, which provided substantial support. Her first significant private investment came unexpectedly through LinkedIn, showcasing the importance of networking and visibility.

Despite being in a niche market, Wildlife Drones found its footing by validating its market through early paying customers. Dr. Saunders emphasised the need to understand and support customers, which included obtaining a pilot's licence to understand the client's journey.

Challenges and Lessons

One of the toughest challenges was balancing the demands of R&D with the operational needs of a growing business. This often led to long hours and the need for strategic outsourcing on a tight budget.

"The importance of the team is so crucial. It's so hard without really great people on your team."

Current Success and Future Vision

Today, Wildlife Drones is thriving, having doubled its revenue year on year and surpassing $1 million in revenue. The company continues to innovate, working on a second product focused on biodiversity data analytics for corporates in the supply chain.

However, the journey is far from over. Dr. Saunders is now exploring significant investments to support the next phase of growth for both sides of the business.

Dr. Debbie Saunders' story is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and the support of a strong community. Her journey from conservation ecologist to tech entrepreneur offers valuable lessons for early-stage founders, especially women in tech.

If you're inspired by Dr. Saunders' story and want to be part of a supportive network for women founders, consider registering for our next Jupiter cohort. 

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