What is the Finapp Project?
Finapp has designed and patented an innovative generation of CRNS probes that use cosmic rays to measure water in the soil and snow in a non-invasive, large-scale, deep, and real-time manner. This is the Finapp revolution: particle physics at the service of environmental and social sustainability. Simply put, Finapp has invented a new way of measuring water—something that didn’t really exist before. Thanks to CRNS—Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensing—technology and their cutting-edge, patented probes, soil moisture and snow water equivalent (SWE) can be assessed continuously, in real time, and over large areas. And all this with just one instrument that doesn’t even need to touch the ground.
Main Benefits of Finapp’s Technology
Here’s a quick snapshot of what Finapp has achieved so far:
- Present in 7 continents
- 750 probes installed in over 25 countries worldwide
- 1.7 billion liters of water conserved
- 1,300 tons of CO2 emissions avoided
These numbers tell a story of innovation meeting impact. The technology not only measures water but also helps conserve it and reduce carbon emissions. Pretty impressive, right?
How Does the Finapp Probe Work?
Cosmic rays come from space and, when they hit the Earth’s atmosphere, they create a cascade of particles—including fast neutrons. These fast neutrons interact mainly with water molecules. When they encounter water in soil or snow, some fast neutrons get absorbed, while others bounce back into the air, losing energy and turning into slow neutrons. The difference between the number of fast and slow neutrons tells you how much water is present. Since fast neutrons can penetrate soil up to 30-50 cm deep (and meters deep in snow), the measurement reflects water content at depth. Plus, because slow neutrons spread out over wide distances, the probe can monitor water content over vast areas—about 5 hectares at sea level. It’s like having a bird’s-eye view of water in the environment, but with particle physics!
Applications Across Various Fields
Starting from this unique knowledge of water content, Finapp offers specific solutions tailored to different sectors. Precision agriculture benefits hugely, as farmers can optimize irrigation and improve crop yields. Water resource management gets a boost, including the pre-localization of water leaks in municipal networks—catching problems before they become disasters. The technology also supports monitoring hydrogeological risks and fires, helping to protect communities and ecosystems. And let’s not forget scientific research, where accurate, large-scale water data is invaluable.
Why Large-Scale, Real-Time Measurement Matters
Measuring soil moisture and snow water equivalent on a large scale—hectares, not just square meters—and in real time, changes the game. Traditional methods often require physical contact with the ground, are limited in scale, or provide only snapshots in time. Finapp’s CRNS probes do it all continuously, deeply, and without disturbing the environment. This means better decision-making, faster responses to environmental changes, and smarter management of precious water resources. It’s technology that’s as dynamic as the natural world it monitors.
Finapp’s Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – by improving water resource management and leak detection
- SDG 13: Climate Action – through CO2 emissions reduction and environmental monitoring
- SDG 15: Life on Land – by supporting hydrogeological risk and fire monitoring
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – via precision agriculture and optimized water use
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through patented, innovative sensing technology
The Future of Water Monitoring with Finapp
Finapp’s approach is more than just a new tool—it’s a paradigm shift. By harnessing cosmic rays and particle physics, it opens up possibilities for smarter, more sustainable water management worldwide. As climate challenges grow and water scarcity becomes more pressing, technologies like Finapp’s CRNS probes will be essential. They provide the kind of deep, continuous insight that helps communities, farmers, and policymakers make informed decisions. In a world where every drop counts, Finapp is making sure none go unnoticed.
