By: Julie Means

Sparked by the desire to prevent wildfires from raging out of control, Ryan Honary created an early warning detection system that can alert firefighters at the very beginning of a fire while it’s still manageable. Ryan’s company, SensoRY AI, partnered with the Orange County Fire Authority recently to install sensors in Laguna Canyon, an area known for wind funnels, car crashes that ignite brush fires and previous wildfires that caused immense damage.

When he was a fifth grader, he was shocked and dismayed by the horrific tragedy of the Camp Fire in Northern California and concerned that it could happen in his own neighborhood. Initially just a science project, a grant from the Irvine Ranch Conservancy led to the formation of his company, SensoRy AI. Now 17, the award-winning inventor and entrepreneur from Newport Coast has been a UNESCO/Learning Planet Youth Fellow, a Top 10 Finalist for the Earth Prize, and the founder of the educational non-profit Climate Solutions Society. Hitting his stride at a pivotal time, we asked this visionary changemaker how he manages to make a difference, go to high school and enjoy his time as a teenager. We also wanted to learn more about his invention that could potentially save lives, homes and animals not just in our community, but around the world.

Where do you attend school?

Newport Harbor High School/Stanford Online High School (Hybrid program)

Describe yourself in 5 words:

Passionate – ambitious – athletic – adventurous - social.

What does a typical day look like for you?

It varies greatly; school/tennis/homework/working on my project/hanging with friends…

What did your family think when you came up with the initial concept?

Initially it was a simple science project and my parents didn’t take it very seriously. As I

continued to work on it, they thought “ok great, this can help for Ryan’s college

application,” but when OC Fire Chief Brian Fennessy reached out to me and turned this

into a serious project, I think my parents were stunned – they never assumed it would get

here. I’ve been working on this project for five years, which considering that I’m 17 years

old, is 30% of my life.

How did you come up with the name of your company?

I have AI-enabled sensors, and my name is Ryan, so SensoRy-AI kind of made sense (that’s why the second R is a capital R)

Where is the company based? Do you have employees?

It's still based out of my garage and I have consultants helping with the productization of my original design.

What do you call your product?

SensoRy AI platform.

What components did you use at the beginning?

Too many to list here – but the main processing unit is a Raspberry Pi.

How has that changed to become the product you use today?

There is still a Raspberry Pi, but many peripherals around it have been switched from flimsy science project stuff to serious weather-proof components.

How did your partnership with the OCFA come about?

About two and a half years ago, Chief Brian Fennessy, (who happened to be on 60 Minutes several weeks ago after the LA fires) read an article about me in the OC Register, and out of nowhere sent me an email. I initially thought it was someone trying to make fun of me. But after we verified it was accurate, Chief Fennessy took me to UC San Diego to present my idea to a bunch of wildfire research scientists at the WiFire lab. After the scientists provided a thumbs up to Chief Fennessy about the potential of my ideas, the chief introduced Captain Jeff Shelton to me (who is a 30-year Orange County veteran fire captain and wildland behavioral specialist) and with his mentorship, we turned my original science project into something truly valuable and useful for firefighters. One of the unique aspects of this journey was the close collaboration between technology developers and fire professionals from the very early stages of the product. So, bottom line, Chief Fennessy was VERY key in enabling the progress that I’ve made, and I’m truly lucky and appreciative that he decided to reach out to me.

What are your favorite things to do other than making a difference?

Playing tennis, surfing, snowboarding, playing electric guitar and hanging out with my friends.

Are you still playing tennis at the top level?

Not at the level I used to. I was Top 10 in Southern California when I was younger, which requires a very significant time commitment and traveling for tournaments. But once this project took off and became more serious, I just don’t have as much time for tennis anymore. I’m still captain of varsity tennis at my high school, and I still might end up playing college tennis. But it’s not at the level it used to be.

What is the goal for your company?

Right now, my immediate goal is turning this product into reality, and hopefully demonstrating it can actually make a difference. Obviously, I believe there will be much opportunity for this solution across California, the Western US and even internationally. In general, taking AI to sensor-based edge devices can open many applications beyond wildfires, (landslide detection, water pollution, gas leaks…) but one step at a time.

Do you plan to go to college? If so, where and what will you study?

Yes! I am a junior currently. My dream is to go to a school like Stanford or MIT but those are very difficult schools to get into. So I guess we will see.

What is the key to balancing your company, activities, studies and time for yourself?

I don’t know if there is a single formula for that. I have to admit it sometimes gets difficult. I

have had to make many sacrifices along the way. But one of the key things is not wasting time. And also making plans on a weekly basis with clear goals for each week. At least that works for me.

It’s exciting to see that you’ve been traveling the world, talking about your invention and also working on other projects, such as the safari in Africa. What has been your favorite experience so far? How has it shaped your vision for going forward?

One of the main reasons I started this project is when I realized how animals get harmed by these wildfires. They are so innocent. The safari was absolutely the best travel experience of my life. There is something magical about seeing wild animals roam freely in their natural habitat. It’s nothing like seeing them in a zoo. Only someone who has been on a safari can understand the difference.

Have you made any lasting connections during your competitions and travels?

Absolutely. It's been great meeting various people from different cultures from all over the world.

What’s next?

Continue improving the product and deploy it further, graduate from high school and figure out my college plans, travel the world and see who/where can benefit from this product, try to engage/motivate more teenagers to focus on developing solutions.

For more info, follow Ryan on IG @ryanhonary