UK Space Agency funds projects using satellite technology and AI in initiatives that include tackling climate change, managing transport networks and supporting accessible travel
Funding of £1.5m has been awarded by the UK Space Agency to six innovative projects that use satellite data combined and artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver practical, scalable solutions to real-world challenges.
Photo by ImaginEarth La Terre En Images / Unsplash
The funding is in line with the government’s wider industrial strategy to drive innovation in priority sectors, boosting growth while developing technological leadership in the UK space sector, which already employs some 56,000 people. More specifically, the money is intended to help financial services and transport businesses accelerate the deployment of innovations that reduce carbon emissions, support the transition to net zero, and increase accessibility.
Each of the six projects addresses identified gaps in market gaps where traditional terrestrial data has proven to be lacking or too expensive. The new funding means that these businesses can now develop scalable solutions to be deployed nationally and exported internationally.
The projects are as follows:
Ether Capital is working to develop a real-time carbon risk dashboard for the shipping industry. The idea is to integrate satellite tracking data with advanced AI to provide immediate insights into vessel emissions. That will help maritime finance institutions, insurers and operators comply with ever-tightening international regulations. That will in turn support a transition to greener shipping, help to de-risk investments and build global leadership for the UK in sustainable maritime finance.
Foresight Group will develop tools that provide financial insights from satellite data to help investors assess climate and nature-related risks.
Furrer+Frey intends to build satellite-powered tool that will identify railway assets and produce optimised electrification designs to cut planning times, project costs and levels of carbon emissions. The automated generation of high-precision designs will help engineers and decision-makers decarbonise our railways more efficiently and cheaply.
Howden and Rebalance Earth will each use satellite intelligence to improve environmental and biodiversity risk assessments for financial institutions. Combining space data with AI analytics will enable more accurate tracking of nature-related risks, support stronger climate-related disclosures, and enhance investment decisions. The aim is to open new market opportunities in sustainable finance as well as strengthen the UK’s role in developing innovative green finance solutions.
MakeSense Technology aims to apply Earth observation data to generate safe, high-precision walking routes tailored for visually impaired people so that they can make spontaneous travel decisions, increasing independence and confidence. The project will also help the company scale its innovative navigation platform nationally.
Dr Craig Brown, Investment Director at the UK Space Agency, says: ‘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. 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.’
Ian Murray MP, Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, adds: ‘These innovative projects showcase the transformative power of Britain’s space sector. 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.’
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