Skip to main content

Fast Forward

Category: AI in Climate / Energy

An AI-driven utility inspection platform that automates power line and substation monitoring using vehicle-mounted sensors and computer vision to prevent outages and wildfires. Fast Forward was founded in 2021. The company is led by Dusty Birge. Based in Kearney, Nebraska. Team size: 11-50. Total funding raised: $1.04M. Latest round: Seed. Key investors include Invest Nebraska, Nebraska Angels.

Founded
2021
Headquarters
Kearney, Nebraska
Team size
11-50
Total funding
$1.04M

Value proposition

Reduces utility inspection costs by up to 80% by replacing manual patrols and expensive drone flights with high-speed, vehicle-mounted AI data collection and automated defect detection.

Products and solutions

Automated Line Patrol (ALP) System, Vehicle-Mounted AI Camera & Sensor Array, Automated Thermal Inspection Suite (Level 3 Thermography), AI-Powered Defect Detection & Reporting Dashboard, Rural Utility Maintenance & Documentation Tool

Unique value

Utilizes a 'drive-by' inspection model that collects high-resolution visual and thermal data at driving speeds, eliminating the regulatory and operational hurdles of drone-based or manual foot patrols.

Target customer

Rural electric cooperatives (RECs), municipal utilities, investor-owned utilities (IOUs), and energy infrastructure managers.

Industries served

Electric Utilities, Energy Infrastructure, Public Works & Municipalities, Wildfire Prevention & Safety

Technology advantage

Proprietary computer vision models trained specifically on utility hardware defects combined with Level 3 Thermography expertise, allowing for passive, large-scale infrastructure auditing.

How they differentiate

Utilizes a 'passive' drive-by data collection model using vehicle-mounted sensors rather than expensive, regulation-heavy drone or helicopter patrols, allowing utility staff to collect data during routine daily operations.

Main competitors

eSmart Systems, Sharper Shape, Buzz Solutions

Key partnerships

Nebraska Angels, Invest Nebraska, University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), Regional Rural Electric Cooperatives (e.g., Cozad, NE pilot partners)

Notable customers

Cozad Board of Public Works, Various Rural Electric Cooperatives (RECs)

Major milestones

Founded in 2021 as Snappy Workflow, Awarded Nebraska BIA Prototype Grant in 2021, Rebranded to Fast Forward and secured $1M Seed funding in June 2022, CEO Dusty Birge received UNK Distinguished Alumni Award in 2023, Released new specialized product for rural electric companies in February 2026

Growth metrics

Scaled from a single-city pilot in Cozad, Nebraska, to a national provider for rural electric cooperatives; expanded team to 11-50 employees.

Market positioning

Specialized utility-tech provider focusing on Rural Electric Cooperatives (RECs) and municipal utilities that require cost-effective, scalable infrastructure monitoring.

Geographic focus

North America, with a primary concentration on the United States Midwest and rural energy corridors.

Patents and IP

Proprietary AI models and hardware mounting systems; recipient of Nebraska BIA Prototype Grants for technology development.

About Dusty Birge

Dusty Birge is a veteran utility inspection innovator and Level 3 Thermographer with over a decade of experience in the energy infrastructure sector. He is a serial entrepreneur who has founded three successful businesses in the past seven years, including a prior startup focused on sUAS (drone) flights for utility inspections. He is recognized as a subject matter expert in both aerial and ground-based sensors for power line and substation maintenance.

Official website: