Global Earth Observation Challenge

Description

Innovate in New Businesses based on Satellite Data!

You are a driven start-up ready to take on a challenge that uses the best technology and a unique approach? You have great ideas to develop new and creative businesses out of it? Then, this challenge is for you!

Airbus Defence and Space invites all international start-ups to join the Airbus GEO Challenge competition and present their innovative answer to the following question:

How to create added value for new businesses, primarily based on Airbus satellite data?

Finalists start-ups will have the chance to pitch their pioneering project in front of Airbus Defence and Space Executives and selected stakeholders. The winners will be rewarded with satellite data vouchers worth up to €50,000! Participating in this challenge could also be the opportunity to be integrated into the Airbus BizLab, the global aerospace business accelerator.

From Satellite Imagery to Business Solutions

For over 30 years now, Airbus Defence and Space is providing decision makers with sustainable solutions to increase security, optimise mission planning and operations, boost performance, improve management of natural resources and protect the environment.

In this context, Airbus Defence and Space encourages you to work on one of the below themes, which have been identified as important topics for the global population. However, it does not mean that you cannot tackle other themes should you think they are relevant to answer the above task!

Focus on One of the Following Themes

Forestry

The ever-growing environmental pressures exerted on forests are now closely monitored and regulatory frameworks are being put in place to reconcile economic growth, social development and environmental stewardship. Sustainable management of forest ecosystems is now strongly encouraged and funded. You can think about businesses that could help monitor and map forest areas (including forest plantation), help apply the No deforestation policies and trees species recognition.

Available Airbus data: satellites images (Pléiades, SPOT 6/7).
Available 3rd party data: weather data, free Earth observation data, etc.

Agriculture

In a world where population is growing fast while agriculture land and resources are limited, many agricultural practices target productivitiy with minimised environmental impact. You can think about businesses that could anticipate food security issues, monitor crop health, optimise parcel yield, reduce disease impact or assess farming deforestation impact.

Available Airbus data: satellites images (Pléiades, SPOT 6/7), Digital Elevation Model (WorldDEM™), etc
Available 3rd party data: weather data, free Earth observation data, etc.

Smart Cities

60% of the world population will live in cities in 2020. As cities are growing fast, it implies an increased demand for smart and sustainable environments that reduce environmental impact and offer citizens a high quality lifestyle. Cities need an urban development vision to integrate information and communication technology in a secure way to manage cities' assets. To support well-balanced cities expansion, they have to deal with issues of transportation and traffic optimization. In order to improve living conditions of the inhabitants in respect of the environment, they also need to improve energetic performance and optimize energy and utilities.

Let's build today, the city of tomorrow!
Available Airbus data: satellites images (Pléiades), Digital Elevation Model (WorldDEM™)
Available 3rd party data: Open Data Toulouse, Open Data San Francisco.

Maritime

Maritime surveillance became a large challenge in the past few decades, specifically in regions where maritime traffic represents the major economic interest, potential threats or source of illegal activities such as smuggling, illegal immigration and fishing or piracy. You can think about businesses that can optimise sea traffic, provide recommendations for sustainable fishing, monitor oil spill or detect patterns of illegal behaviours.

Available Airbus data: satellites images (Pléiades, SPOT 6/7)
Available 3rd party data: weather data, AIS, free Earth observation data, etc.

Any Other Market

If you believe in any other business which would permit to leverage satellite and other data sources to provide value added services, let’s do it!

There is no limitation in user applications and information you can bring to people and develop fast growing sustainable business. For example, these services can support insurance and financial companies, consumer market, entertainment, video games, transports, logistics, and many more…

Be inspired by all the technology trends and the global resources proposed today: Machine and Deep Learning, Blockchain, Cloud facilities, Internet of Things, cyber security, GPS, etc.

Available Airbus data: all you can find on the Resources page
Available 3rd party data: all you can find, elsewhere...

Your Mission

Using Airbus Defence and Space Earth observation data, you will have to think and conceive a new business, primarily based on satellite imagery.

• Does this business model already exist?
• If it doesn't: What added value will it bring to the prospective users, the ecosystems and the population?
• If it does: How can it be enhanced by the use of Airbus Defence and Space data set?
• How does the business fit in the ecosystem?
• Is it technically feasible?