Transforming Conservation with AI
Wildhackers is a team of AI developers and researchers dedicated to supporting environmental conservation. We offer freelance development services to help organizations build custom AI solutions, from data analysis to full-scale applications. Whether you need expert AI consulting or hands-on development, we’re here to bring your vision to life.
We also lead open-source projects that drive innovation in conservation technology. We welcome collaboration from researchers, developers, and organizations who share our mission to protect and restore the natural world through AI
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Our Mission
Turbocharge Conservation
We are a collective of AI researchers with deep industry experience, specializing in conservation, climate and technology for positive impact. We use cutting-edge technology to protect our planet faster.
Consulting Services
We offer expert AI consulting for conservation projects, developing tailored solutions in areas like machine learning, computer vision, and geospatial analytics to solve complex environmental challenges.
Open Contribution
We welcome everyone to apply their skills to conservation and contribute open-source projects! With international partners, we foster global collaboration and secure grants to scale these projects globally.
Meet the Team
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Sonny Burniston
Machine Learning Engineer focused on conservation tech, with expertise in computer vision, RAG systems, and geospatial analytics. I build end-to-end solutions, combining ML systems with robust software architecture and data pipelines. At NatureMetrics, I lead projects using AI to monitor biodiversity and plan conservation efforts. My work spans wildlife tracking systems, environmental data platforms, and automated pipelines that scale from prototype to production.
Filippo Varini
Machine Learning Researcher from Imperial College London and former AI Engineer at Palantir, now specializing in AI for Ocean Conservation. I bring expertise in computer vision for biodiversity monitoring and multimodal machine learning (e.g., bioacoustics, eDNA). As the creator of SharkTrack, an open-source software for analyzing videos to monitor shark biodiversity, I am advancing tools for marine conservation. Currently, I am collaborating with OceanX to develop AI solutions for monitoring marine biodiversity.
Projects & Testimonials
ChatMPA
2024
Multimodal AI - RAG - MPAs
Multimodal RAG pipeline with frontend interface for retrieving information related to Marine Protected Areas by policymakers and researchers
"Sonny is a skilled, patient and professional person that I fully recommend. He built a prototype we needed in a timely manner and was always available for comments and additions. I really hope we will be able to work together again soon."
- Fabio Favoretto, Partner from Scripps, San Diego
SharkTrack
2024
Computer Vision - Sharks - Rays
A Machine Learning software that researchers use worldwide to analyze underwater videos of sharks and rays in near-instant time.
SharkTrack has transformed our ability to monitor marine biodiversity captured by remote camera systems. We can now local partners what animals live in their marine habitats in matter of a few hours, rather than months, and boost conservation.
- Prof Matthew Witt - Partner from University of Exeter
Join WildHackers
Do you want to contribute in protecting Nature with AI?
Join one of our open-source projects below!
Universal Fish Detector
Computer Vision - Data Engineering
Help us create the AI model capable of detecting any fish-like creature, anywhere! We are compiling the biggest fish dataset globally and we need your help.
Edge AI Underwater
Edge AI - Computer Vision - Hardware
NVIDIA released the Jetson, a small, portable AI computer. Can we use it to create a waterproof AI camera for automatic visual biodiversity census?
Improving SharkTrack
Computer Vision - Sharks - Rays
Can we make SharkTrack work in turbid water? Can we classify rare shark species? Can we classify other marine species beyond sharks and rays?