Prototyping the power of EU Space

Producing bioenergy, tagging timber, making deliveries by drone and enabling safer driving – these are just a few examples of how EU Space is defining the future. 

They’re also a sampling of some of the wining ideas from the CASSINI Challenges initiative.  

With a total prize purse of EUR 1 million, the Cassini Challenges aim to support the development of innovative commercial solutions that leverage EU Space data from EGNOS, Galileo and/or Copernicus. 

“Space data is at the heart of the technological revolution currently sweeping Europe,” says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. “Entrepreneurs are particularly enthusiastic about embracing the potential offered by the EU Space Programme and translating it into the innovative solutions that will help answer some of society’s most pressing challenges.”

Open to anyone from the EU27 plus Switzerland, Norway and Iceland, applicants can participate with either an idea, a prototype or a product, depending on the maturity of a solution. Regardless of which track one participates in, all proposed solutions must target one of the following innovation areas:

1. Next Generation Challenge: applicants are asked to leverage Galileo and Copernicus data to craft value adding solutions to improve the well-being, safety, security and connectivity of EU citizens.
2. Sustainable Future Challenge: participants are tasked with developing innovative solutions for the conservation of ecosystems, sustainable agriculture and management of energy and resources.
3. Emerging Technologies Challenge: innovators must develop disruptive solutions combining EU Space data with deep technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, blockchain, Extended Reality or the Metaverse.

And the winning prototypes are…

A remarkable 87 prototypes were received from 21 different countries, each of whom presented an innovative prototype or beta version of a space-based solution that has already been tested in a relevant environment. 

In addition to the prototype itself, each applicant was required to provide a description of the typical use case of the prototype, the customer needs that it addresses and the value proposition. The expected Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for this track was between TRL4 and TRL7. 

After careful consideration, the 10 winners of the Submission of a Prototype Track are:

Next Generation

• Spotlight: a web application that uses Galileo’s location accuracy and Copernicus datasets to provide the required tools for civil engineers and city planners to properly design and optimise street and urban lighting.
• STADIM-GI: a subsidence monitoring service for such infrastructure as open-pit mines, dams, large bridges and buildings that uses Copernicus Sentinel 1 data and a Galileo receiver to detect structural problems.
• Drone Helipad: a drone landing platform equipped with sensors, Galileo positioning and automation for precise final approach landings and subsequent parcel transportation. 

Sustainable Future

• RegenRate: using Copernicus data, this digital platform enhances the sustainability of biofuel production by optimising the cultivation of non-food-competing feedstocks. 
• Roboloon: a Galileo and Copernicus enabled manoeuvrable airship drone that can automate the inspection of long-range infrastructure like power lines, pipelines and rail tracks. 
• IMAGO: an EU-space based solution for tagging timber in order to exclude illegally sourced wood from the market.
• PLENO: an automation solution for blue carbon projects that combines Sentinel data with machine learning to accurately estimate carbon sequestration and generate carbon credits. 
• SAR-GATE: an anomaly prediction and early warning system for ground displacement tailored for geological and geotechnical conditions. The system integrates multiple Earth Observation data sources.

Emerging Technologies 

• SPACECAR: combining artificial intelligence, data fusion, Galileo-based positioning and extended reality, this solution aims to elevate autonomous vehicles from mere machines to intelligent and perceptive partners.
• NIMBO: collects, cleans, calibrates and reprocesses Copernicus data to provide a cloud-free, homogenous, monthly updated view of all of the Earth’s landmass at high-resolution. 

“Each of these prototypes are a case study on the power, versatility and benefits of EU Space,” adds da Costa. “I would like to personally congratulate the winners, along with everyone who submitted a prototype during this track of the CASSINI Challenges.” 

Each winning prototype, which you can read more about here, receives a cash prize of EUR 30 000. The cash could be used to further develop the idea – perhaps into a product for consideration in a future CASSINI Challenges track.

Speaking of products, be sure to stay tuned for news about the winners of the CASSINI Challenges Submission of a Product Track. The five winners, each of whom will receive a cash prize of EUR 100 000, will be announced during an awards ceremony in Prague, part of EUSPA’s annual Entrepreneurship Day.

More information on the CASSINI Challenges can be found here.       

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