There will be £1.5 million of funding made available across the projects.
“From reducing emissions to making our streets more accessible, we’re backing the satellite technology and AI solutions that really make a difference to people’s lives,” said the DSIT Minister Ian Murray.
Carbon risk dashboard
For example, in one project Ether Capital will develop a real-time carbon risk dashboard for the shipping industry. The platform will process satellite tracking data with AI to give immediate insights into vessel emissions. The aim is to help maritime finance institutions, insurers, and operators comply with international regulations.
Another one involves rail decarbonisation. Furrer+Frey will create a satellite-powered tool that identifies railway assets and produces optimised electrification designs. The goal is to cut planning times, reduce project costs, and lower carbon emissions. This should enable faster delivery of green rail infrastructure across the UK.
New space uses
“These projects show how the UK’s space sector is delivering real-world impact, using satellite data and AI to tackle climate change, decarbonise transport, and improve accessibility,” said Dr Craig Brown, Investment Director at the UK Space Agency.
“By supporting innovation in sectors that haven’t traditionally used space technology, we’re unlocking new economic opportunities and helping to build a more sustainable, inclusive future.”
In August, the UK Space Agency (UKSA) was officially merged into the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). It is a move to “streamline support for the UK’s growing space industry”, said the UK government. The aim is to cut duplication, reduce bureaucracy, and increase public accountability.
The funded projects are described below in the Space Agency’s own words.
Ether Capital Ltd – Real-Time Carbon Risk Dashboard for Trade Finance
Ether Capital, in partnership with AAC Clyde Space and Morphing.ai will create a dashboard using satellite data and AI to help maritime finance firms track shipping emissions and manage carbon risks.
Foresight Group – Satellite Intelligence for Climate and Nature Risk
Foresight Group, in partnership with Frontierra, will develop tools that turn satellite data into financial insights to help investors assess climate and nature-related risks.
Furrer+Frey GB Ltd – ECOFAST: Electrification Cost Optimisation, Feasibility Analytics & Savings Tool
Furrer+Frey, in partnership with Airbus Defence & Space, will launch a tool that uses satellite imagery and AI to speed up and simplify railway electrification planning.
Howden – Biodiversity Risk Assessment
Howden, through a partnership between the Howden Resilience Laboratory and CATALYST Earth will build a satellite-based system to help insurers and businesses monitor land changes and meet nature-related regulations.
MakeSense Technology – Navigation for Blind and Visually Impaired Pedestrians
MakeSense Technology, in partnership with GIS Navigator, will use Earth observation data to create safe walking routes for blind and visually impaired people, making spontaneous travel easier.
Rebalance Earth – ALAN: Accelerated Landscape Assessment for Nature Investments
Rebalance Earth, in partnership with Treeconomy Ltd, will use satellite tools to support smarter investment decisions in nature-based carbon projects like reforestation.
You can read more about the Unlocking Space for Business programme.
Image: UK Space Agency
See also: UKRI invests in immersive technology for mental health care services
