Unveiling the Future: The Geospatial Innovation Awards 2024 Shortlist
The Geospatial Innovation Awards 2024 are just around the corner, and the buzz is undeniable. It’s a gathering that celebrates the thinkers and doers who dare to reimagine our world. With a diverse shortlist culled from 128 applications across 27 countries, we’re not merely looking at names—we’re seeing a collective global vision come to life. Each entry embodies a unique blend of creativity and resolve, showcasing how far we can go when we think beyond the map. As the final ceremony draws near, we’re all eager to see which of these bright sparks who have made the shortlist, will light the way forward. So, let’s take a look at them!
Cities of the Future
- Advanced Infrastructure (LAEP+): Crafting geospatial tools for cities and utilities to navigate the energy transition.
- Optimal Cities: Harnessing Earth observation and AI to foster healthy urban growth on a planetary scale.
- SidM Systems – Coplug: Offering an integrated SaaS platform for healthcare infrastructure planning powered by location insights.
- MapMortar: Pioneering accurate, financially sound, and simplified pathways to net-zero retrofits.
- Latitudo 40: Utilising satellite imagery and AI to deliver transformative geospatial information for smart cities and agritech.
Nature and Environment
- Rethink Carbon: Revolutionising land management by integrating data science and AI for sustainable practices.
- University of Surrey Space4Nature: Combining satellite imagery, AI, and citizen science to map and restore wildlife habitats across Surrey.
- Maya Climate: Automating site screening and risk assessment for teams working on Nature-based Solutions.
- LandGriffon: Empowering companies to strategize sustainable transformations of their agricultural supply chains.
- Verna: Providing environmental services using geospatial data science to address climate and nature crises.
Protection of Life
- OneSoil Pro: Leveraging years of satellite imagery for advanced precision farming and productivity analysis.
- Safepoint: Innovating life-saving solutions for consumers, small businesses, and institutions.
- Reveal: Utilising spatial intelligence for precise delivery and tracking of life-saving interventions.
- Theia, from SynMax: Monitoring global maritime activities to deliver actionable intelligence on dark ships.
- ProxyAddress: Using data from empty homes to provide stable identities for those facing homelessness.
Contribution to Diversity
- GeoChicas: Promoting gender representation analysis in geospatial and technological spaces, with a growing global presence.
- Red Dot Foundation (Safecity): Crowdsourcing personal stories to map sexual harassment hotspots, enabling targeted interventions.
- Women+ in Geospatial: Building a global network that promotes diversity and empowers women and nonbinary individuals in geospatial fields.
- Australian Spatial Analytics: Providing geospatial and digital engineering data services while creating career opportunities for neurodivergent adults.
- Milsat Aspirant Program (M.A.P): Equipping individuals with geospatial skills for industry readiness and personal development.
Scottish Geospatial Technology (Sponsored by Geovation Scotland)
- EmergencyLocate: Assisting emergency services with rapid and accurate location of individuals in distress.
- Rethink Carbon: Revolutionising land use with automated land management and AI integration.
- OnGen: Specialising in energy efficiency and renewable energy feasibility for decarbonization.
- The Safe Passage Project: Ensuring safer sea navigation and saving lives at sea from space.
- Spottitt: Tracking external risks to energy networks with satellite-based geospatial analytics.
As the final touches are put on the preparations for the grand final ceremony next week, the judges’ insights echo the sentiment of anticipation and respect for the nominees. Judge Kathy Nothstine, Head of Future Cities at Nesta was struck by the “diverse mix of compelling innovations,” while Sarah Hodgetts, Director of the Geospatial Commission admired the “real-world problems being tackled” with such innovative geospatial solutions. Their words highlight the depth and breadth of this year’s entries, from AI-enhanced urban planning to initiatives that champion diversity and inclusion.
The ceremony, set to unfold at the Chartered Accountants’ Hall, isn’t just an event—it’s a milestone. It’s where we’ll witness the convergence of ideas and celebrate the achievements that are reshaping our understanding of geography and its potential. Join us in London on Wednesday, 12th June, to cheer on the trailblazers who are crafting a more connected and sustainable world. It’s an occasion not to be missed, as we await to see which innovations will rise to the occasion and set new benchmarks for the geospatial realm. It promises to be an evening of recognition, inspiration, and forward-thinking—the future is mapping out to be an exciting place!