From Ideas to Impact: Catalonia Advances Satellite-Based Solutions for the Green Transition
22 September 2026
The Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia, IEEC, coordinates a recurring funding initiative that connects space-based service providers with private-sector end users to develop practical satellite-data solutions for Catalonia.
The recurring Use Case Ideas Competition for the Private Sector is promoted by the Government of Catalonia within the framework of the Catalonia Space 2030 Strategy and coordinated by the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC), in collaboration with the Cartographic and Geological Institute of Catalonia (ICGC). The first two editions focused on Earth observation, while the third edition expanded the scope to include positioning, navigation and timing (PNT).
Results from the Second Edition
The second edition focused on climate resilience. Three selected projects were developed and tested in cooperation with private-sector end users.
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REMOT, led by Spascat, uses Earth observation and artificial intelligence to optimise vineyard irrigation. The solution calculates plot-level water requirements using satellite imagery and weather data, helping farmers plan irrigation more efficiently and respond to drought-related restrictions.
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SAPIC, developed by Lobelia Earth, provides continuous wildfire-risk monitoring using satellite, meteorological and terrain data. The solution supports preventive forest management and the protection of critical infrastructure.
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TIAFA, developed by MOAI Analytics, uses satellite imagery and temporal analysis to identify possible water leaks in hydroelectric canals. The system helps infrastructure operators prioritise inspections and reduce operational risks.
All three projects used data from Menut, Catalonia’s first Earth observation satellite mission, alongside data from other satellite constellations.
The use cases have also been incorporated into the project portfolio of ESA Phi-Lab Spain. Phi-Lab Spain, co-funded by the Government of Catalonia and coordinated by a consortium led by the IEEC, is part of the European Space Agency‘s (ESA’s) ScaleUp Programme.
Building on Success: The Third Edition
The third edition broadens the initiative to include Earth observation and PNT applications related to climate resilience, critical infrastructure, renewable energy, energy-intensive industries, reindustrialisation, tourism and mobility.
Three projects were selected:
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FLUVIA, led by Spascat, will use Earth observation to monitor water quality and detect anomalies at river intakes and mouths connected to drinking-water and wastewater-treatment infrastructure.
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ELOI 2026, developed by MOAI Analytics, will combine Earth observation and artificial intelligence to monitor the volume, mass and condition of scrap metal stored outdoors, supporting more efficient inventory management, material traceability and circular industrial processes.
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VialNAT, developed by Lobelia, will use satellite-derived indicators to monitor critical infrastructure and nature-based solutions, including risks related to landslides, fires and floods, as well as vegetation condition and soil moisture.
