Project Owl

Restoring Communication After Disasters

Problem
When hurricanes, earthquakes, or wildfires strike, traditional communications infrastructure is often destroyed—leaving communities cut off from emergency responders and critical information.

Solution
Project OWL developed a network of portable, solar-powered mesh communication devices—known as “DuckLinks”—that can be rapidly deployed to restore connectivity in disaster zones. The system allows affected communities to send messages, request assistance, and receive emergency information even when conventional networks are down.

Impact

• Deployed following major disasters including Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and hurricanes in the United States
• Developed into a global open-source project supported by developers across six continents
• Recognized internationally as a leading example of disaster-response innovation

Technology
IoT • Mesh Networking • Edge Computing.