IXA

IXA (inspired by Ix’a’, meaning “to see/observe” in Maya K’iche’) is a low-budget volcanic gas and seismic detector designed for rural Guatemalan communities living near active volcanoes.

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Inspired by the tragic 2018 Volcán de Fuego eruption — which caused over 200 deaths and wiped out communities in San Miguel Los Lotes, El Rodeo, and Alotenango — IXA was built to close the gap between life-saving technology and the people who need it most.

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Using a Raspberry Pi, atmospheric gas sensors, a seismic sensor, and a visual monitoring camera, IXA detects early warning signs of volcanic activity. The system operates inside a 3D-printed weather-resistant casing, making it durable, customizable, and affordable for local deployment.

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With a current cost of $175 (vs. $15,000–$20,000 for commercial stations), IXA empowers vulnerable communities with faster alerts, localized data, and greater evacuation readiness — moving life-saving tech closer to those historically left out of institutional monitoring systems.