Revolutionizing The Bottom Line: How Earth Observation Is Poised To Unlock A 100 Billion Sustainable Future

Unlocking the Full Potential of Earth Observation: A New Business Model for a Sustainable Future

The Earth observation (EO) industry, valued at $6.8 billion, has long been hindered by a flawed business model that prioritizes defense and government contracts over commercial adoption. Despite the vast quantities of Earth imagery data now available, new space companies struggle to monetize these assets effectively, leaving the industry with limited value and a narrow audience.

EO has the potential to play a significant role in addressing the world’s most pressing global challenges, from climate resilience and natural resource management to urban planning. However, the industry’s current model is not aligned with the needs of the global community, particularly the businesses that drive economic growth and tackle global challenges.

To bridge this gap, the EO industry must adopt a multi-purpose data model that makes data affordable, accessible, and usable for a broad range of industries. This requires breaking free from the single-use, single-client model that dominates the industry today. By embracing a multi-purpose model, EO can become a powerful asset in solving global challenges, reducing unit costs, and improving accessibility.

The benefits of a multi-purpose model are multifaceted. It would enable industries that traditionally have had no access to or use for space-based insights to tap into the vast quantities of Earth imagery data. This would not only increase the industry’s commercial adoption but also reduce costs, improve accessibility, and unlock the full potential of EO.

The potential impact of EO on addressing global challenges is profound. By providing actionable insights and data-driven solutions, EO can help businesses and governments make more informed decisions, drive innovation, and create a more sustainable future. For instance, EO can be used to monitor climate change, track natural disasters, and optimize urban planning.

To achieve this, the EO industry must prioritize affordability, flexibility, and customer-centric insights. This requires a fundamental shift in how EO data is captured, marketed, sold, and used. By embracing a multi-purpose model, the industry can unlock its full potential and play a meaningful role in shaping a better, more resilient world.

Jarkko Antila, CEO of Kuva Space, a Finnish hyperspectral microsatellite and AI-powered insights company, has seen firsthand the potential of EO to drive innovation and create value. With a master’s degree in space technology and a long background in deep-tech entrepreneurship, Antila has a proven track record in product innovation and fundraising. His experience in leading technology teams at the Finnish Research Center and Inficon, as well as co-founding Spectral Engines and Leaping Boulder, has given him a unique perspective on the industry’s challenges and opportunities.

Ultimately, the future of the EO industry depends on its ability to adapt to a changing world and meet the needs of a diverse range of industries and customers. By embracing a multi-purpose model and prioritizing affordability, flexibility, and customer-centric insights, the industry can unlock its full potential and play a vital role in creating a sustainable, data-driven approach to some of the world’s greatest challenges.