UK Space Agency allocated £1.5 million for innovative projects, combining satellite data and artificial intelligence for real-world challenges: from combating climate change to optimizing transport and developing inclusive travel solutions.
Funding was provided as part of the Unlocking Space for Business program, which aims to integrate space technologies into the financial sector, transport and green economy.
Key projects:
- Ether Capital – Real-Time Carbon Risk Dashboard for Trade Finance
An integrated platform is being developed, which combines AIS data from satellite ship monitoring with artificial intelligence algorithms to estimate CO₂ emissions in real time. The instrument will provide financial institutions, insurers and transport operators with unified analytical products for monitoring carbon risks and compliance with international climate regulations.
- Foresight – Satellite Intelligence for Climate and Nature Risk
Analytical tools are being created to convert Earth remote sensing data into financially significant indicators. The use of satellite multispectral and radar images will make it possible to form quantitative estimates of climatic and biological hazards, which will increase the accuracy of investment decisions and expand the possibilities of sustainable financing.
- Furrer+Frey GB – ECOFAST (Electrification Cost Optimisation, Feasibility Analytics & Savings Tool)
An automated design system is being developed, which uses high-resolution satellite images and AI algorithms to identify railway infrastructure facilities and create optimized electrification schemes. This will reduce the time spent on engineering planning, reduce the cost of works and reduce the carbon footprint when modernizing the transport network.
- Howden – Biodiversity Risk Assessment
In partnership with CATALYST Earth, a tool is being created to monitor changes in land use and the state of ecosystems based on satellite data. Use of multispectral indices (NDVI, EVI etc) will enable the quantification of biohazards and support insurance companies and businesses in reporting according to TNFD standards (Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures).
- MakeSense Technology – Navigation for Blind and Visually Impaired Pedestrians
An innovative navigation system is being implemented, that uses Earth remote sensing data and high-precision cartographic models to build safe walking routes. The technology will make it possible to create personalized trajectories of movement for people with visual impairments, taking into account the micro features of the urban environment, and thereby increase the level of accessibility of transport infrastructure.
- Rebalance Earth – ALAN (Accelerated Landscape Assessment for Nature Investments)
A methodology for satellite assessment of the effectiveness of nature-oriented investment projects is being developed (example, forest restoration, biodiversity protection). The system will use medium and high spatial resolution satellite data to determine changes in land cover, carbon balance and ecological return, which will allow investors to make more informed decisions.
In the words of UK Space Agency Director Craig Brown, these initiatives prove, that the UK space sector can create real solutions for sustainable development while opening up new economic opportunities. The Unlocking Space for Business program has already attracted over 350 organizations and has delivered over £2.2bn of investment and revenue to the UK space sector 2024/2025 years.
Source: https://www.gov.uk