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UW Startup Voltair Wins $15,000 Prize for AI Self-Charging Drones Inspecting Power Lines to Boost Grid Reliability

University of Washington startup Voltair won the $15,000 grand prize at the UW Environmental Innovation Challenge with AI-powered self-charging drones that inspect power lines to prevent outages. Their drones recharge from power lines and detect vegetation threats, aiming to improve grid reliability amid rising energy demands and workforce retirements.