Start-ups

Our researchers have been involved in numerous innovative start-ups regarding space and satellite technology that work closely with our School, University and industry partners.

An image of the Earth at night covered in lights

Projects by our researchers have won awards, help save lives, and represent the substantial impact our school has had on our planet through space and satellite technology. Read more below:

Co-founders include:  Dr Murray Collins and Professor Edward Mitchard

Space Intelligence turns satellite data into actionable information, helping governments, companies and NGOs worldwide make better environmental decisions. The fast-growing team is focused on innovation to support the transition to Net Zero by enabling the upscaling of nature-based solutions to climate change. In October 2020, they were voted the 8th most innovative tech company in Scotland in the Business Cloud's Tech Top 50. 


Co-founders include: Dr Noel Gourmelen

Earthwave's projects and services are focused on understanding, predicting and preventing the effects of climate change on our planet.  It brings together substantial expertise in remote sensing, renewable energy systems, artificial intelligence and system engineering.  The company has supported the continuing development applications of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Cryosat satellite mission, which monitors ice sheets and sea ice volume.


Co-founders include: Dr Genevieve Patenaude and Professor Iain Woodhouse 

Earth Blox aims to provide code-free, cloud-based mapping software which simplifies access to planet-scale satellite analysis without the need for specialist software or expertise. Its users include the United Nations Environment Programme and numerous universities wishing to conduct planetary-scale analyses with ease.

It was a winner of both the 2020 Converge and Scottish EDGE16 Awards and was invited by Google to present at the technology giant's 9th Annual Geo4Good Summit, a conference that aims to make a greater positive impact on the world through the use of Earth Observation data from satellites.


Co-founders include: Professor Iain Woodhouse and Dr Genevieve Patenaude

Carbomap applies state-of-the-art science to the problem of measuring and mapping the world's forest carbon. Originally spinning out of the University of Edinburgh in 2013, Carbomap utilises years of world-class research in the development of new forest mapping technologies and applying it commercially. They work with government agencies, NGOs and research institutes.  

Carbomap have an international reputation in remote sensing methodologies including lidar forest mapping, satellite radar mapping, measuring forest structure, carbon sequestration, as well as managing airborne and UAV surveys.