KenCast Named Finalist for 2025 ICCA Award in Public Safety Innovation

We’re proud to announce that KenCast Inc. has been named a finalist for the 2025 International Critical Communications Awards (ICCA) in the category of Best Use of Critical Communications in Public Safety.

Our nomination recognizes the groundbreaking project: "Real-time hurricane data collection utilizing reliable satellite transmission," submitted by KenCast in collaboration with R4 Integration and the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron — better known as the Hurricane Hunters.

A WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft with the "Hurricane Hunters" at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. Image Credit: US Air Force/Staff Sgt. Heather Heiney.

🌪️ The Project: Real-Time Hurricane Intelligence in the Air

KenCast’s patented Fazzt® managed content delivery software enables real-time airborne transmission of meteorological data gathered during hurricane reconnaissance missions. These data are transmitted live from WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft directly to NOAA, significantly enhancing the accuracy and speed of hurricane tracking and forecasts.

Before Fazzt, data collected mid-air had to be offloaded only after missions concluded — a delay that cost valuable forecasting time. Fazzt changed that.

With our application-level forward error correction (FEC) algorithms, NOAA now receives live, uninterrupted weather data, even in the extreme atmospheric conditions hurricanes present. The result: improved hurricane warnings, faster advisories, and better tools to protect lives and property.

🛠️ Why It Stands Out

• True real-time data delivery — not just after-action downloads

• Operational resilience — proven reliable inside actual hurricanes

• Public safety impact — directly supports NOAA’s hurricane warning infrastructure

• Seamless integration — with NOAA systems, boosting forecasting accuracy
  

🏆 The ICCA Recognition

The International Critical Communications Awards (ICCA) celebrate the most innovative and impactful uses of mission-critical communications around the world. This year’s awards highlight the technologies and teams improving emergency response, disaster resilience, and public safety.

Our nomination was submitted under:

• Category: Best Use of Critical Communications in Public Safety

  
  

Winners will be announced at the ICCA 2025 ceremony later this year.

👏 Gratitude and Forward Momentum

We thank the ICCA committee for this recognition and extend our appreciation to our partners at R4 Integration and the dedicated Hurricane Hunters team. We’re honored to play a part in strengthening public safety through more resilient and reliable communications.