Finding a water leak under the asphalt without having to break up the street is one of the biggest headaches for water companies. But a company from Lanzarote, Skynox Drones SL, has managed to turn this situation around thanks to a combination of drones, high-precision sensors, and artificial intelligence. Their solution allows them to locate thermal anomalies in water supply networks without the need for excavation, resulting in considerable savings of time and money.
The startup, recognized by the Lanzarote and La Graciosa Chamber of Commerce as a success story of the CIDE Network, has been working for years to transform field data into actionable information for decision-making. And in a place like the Canary Islands, where water is such a precious resource, this technology is especially valuable. The Canary Islands Government, through the Ministry of Universities, Science and Innovation and Culture, announced the company's progress this Monday, highlighting the numerous awards it has already received for its work.
A solution for water leaks
The system developed by Skynox Drones is based on remote sensing. Drones equipped with thermal cameras fly over areas where leaks are suspected and detect temperature anomalies consistent with pipe ruptures . This avoids unnecessary excavation and reduces inspection times, which were traditionally slow and costly. The company has perfected this protocol to the point that it has already received an award: in 2025, it won the Sustainable Talent Award, granted by the Lanzarote Chamber of Commerce, the Líneas Romero Foundation, and Bankinter.
But they're not stopping there. Now they're taking it a step further with the Skynoxwater project, a methodology that integrates advanced sensors , artificial intelligence, and the digitization of water supply networks. The goal is to more accurately identify areas where leaks may exist before physical intervention , and even to continuously monitor the network to prioritize repairs. With this, water authorities and operators could significantly reduce unaccounted-for water losses, a problem affecting many Spanish and European cities.
Recognition and next steps
Skynox Drones' work has not gone unnoticed. In addition to the aforementioned award, the company has established itself as a leader in critical infrastructure inspection . Its technology is not only applied to water infrastructure but is also used to inspect photovoltaic plants and wind turbines. The drones are equipped with thermal cameras, multispectral sensors, LiDAR, and high-resolution RGB cameras, allowing them to automatically detect defects in energy infrastructure using machine vision systems.
Among its lines of work, the creation of digital twins, precision surveying, and the development of tools for intelligent asset management also stand out. All of this with a clear focus: transforming information obtained in the field into a tool for decision-making , as the company itself points out. And indeed, in an archipelago like the Canary Islands, where water is a limited resource, any progress in its management is crucial.
The support of the CIDE Network
Behind this project are its co-founders, Juan Manuel García Laría and Francisco Javier Cáceres Ferrer, who readily emphasize the role the CIDE Network has played in the company's growth. Thanks to this program, promoted by the Government of the Canary Islands through the Canary Agency for Research, Innovation and the Information Society (ACIISI), they have been able to expand their network, access specialized programs such as Impulsa Startup, learn about leading technology centers, and stay informed about calls for proposals for R&D&I projects.
“It has provided us with knowledge, visibility, and access to resources that accelerate the growth of an innovative company. It’s a true business launchpad,” the founders state. They also encourage other companies to incorporate innovation as part of their strategy, reminding them that the cost of asking is zero and the return can transform a business project . The CIDE Network, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) at a rate of 85% within the framework of the ERDF Canary Islands 2021-2027 Program, offers free advisory services and specialized support to companies in the archipelago.
With this technology, Skynox Drones not only contributes to improving water management in the Canary Islands, but also paves the way for its application in other regions. The combination of drones, sensors, and artificial intelligence to detect leaks without construction work is a solution that could be implemented in any city, and would undoubtedly help reduce unaccounted-for water loss, a problem affecting many supply networks in Spain and Europe. The company has already demonstrated its feasibility and is now working to refine its system and expand its reach.