TL;DR:
- Planet has launched its Startup Program to democratize access to satellite data.
- The program offers discounted access to Planet data for R&D, product development, and prototyping.
- Over 400 interest forms have been received for this year’s program.
- Startups from the inaugural cohort have made significant progress with Planet’s data.
- Demo days have been held where startups presented their solutions to the Planet team.
- Startups can graduate into Planet’s partner program, Planet Orbit, for scaling and commercialization.
- Terra Cover generates water intelligence using satellite imagery and machine learning.
- Vibrant Planet offers a cloud-based tool for land management decisions.
- makepath builds custom AI-powered geospatial applications using satellite imagery.
- Testimonials from participating startups highlight the value and impact of the program.
Main AI News:
Planet, a leading provider of satellite imagery and data solutions, recently celebrated the official launch of its Startup Program at Explore23, marking a significant milestone in its mission to democratize access to satellite data. This pioneering initiative aims to enable early-stage startups to harness the power of Planet’s data and build innovative applications that drive positive change worldwide.
Central to the program is the provision of discounted access to Planet’s data, allowing qualified organizations to leverage it for research and development, product development, and prototyping purposes. By making global change visible, accessible, and actionable, Planet empowers startups to create solutions that address critical challenges across various industries. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 400 interest forms already received for this year’s program. Startups eager to build, prototype, and experiment are encouraged to submit their applications for Summer 2023 here.
The Startup Program’s inaugural cohort comprises several ambitious startups that have wasted no time in leveraging Planet’s data to make significant strides in their respective domains. A select few had the opportunity to showcase their groundbreaking work at Explore23, where they captivated the audience with their innovative solutions. To date, Planet has collaborated with 30 startups, organizing two demo days that provided a platform for these ventures to present their solutions to the wider Planet team.
Upon successful technical validation of their solutions, startups enrolled in the program become eligible for graduation into Planet’s esteemed partner program, Planet Orbit. Transitioning into this phase marks a pivotal shift in focus toward scaling and commercialization. Startups in Planet Orbit benefit from enhanced support and resources as they navigate the next stage of their growth journey.
We are delighted to feature three remarkable startups that are actively participating in the program and driving tangible impact with Planet’s data. These ventures exemplify the innovative potential that lies within the intersection of satellite imagery, machine learning, and geospatial intelligence.
Terra Cover, a standout participant, leverages satellite imagery and cutting-edge machine learning techniques to generate water intelligence. Among their notable achievements is a pioneering solution that virtually monitors rivers and streams. By providing valuable insights, Terra Cover enables organizations to manage water resources more efficiently and mitigate associated risks effectively. Mark Knapp, Co-Founder & CEO of Terra Cover, expressed his appreciation for the Planet Startup Program, emphasizing its crucial role in keeping organizations like his at the forefront of geospatial developments.
Another notable participant, Vibrant Planet, has developed a cloud-based tool that informs and expedites land management decisions with a specific focus on mitigating disturbances such as wildfires, which pose a significant threat to socio-ecological systems. Vibrant Planet’s solution aids in planning, monitoring, and reporting activities.
Scott Conway, Chief Resilience Officer at Vibrant Planet, expressed his gratitude for the exceptional experience gained through the Planet Startup Program. He highlighted the invaluable technical support received from the Planet team in incorporating their offerings into their product, as well as the opportunity to forge meaningful connections with partners and customers.
Lastly, makepath, an Open Source firm specializing in custom AI-powered geospatial applications, has leveraged the program to build bespoke solutions for satellite imagery change detection. With a focus on large-scale land usage, change detection, and global retail operations management, makepath has harnessed the power of satellite imagery to address complex challenges. Pablo Fuentes, Founder & Principal of makepath, expressed his excitement at being part of Planet’s innovative Startup Program and the opportunity to drive positive change through geospatial intelligence.
Conlcusion:
The launch of Planet’s Startup Program and the success achieved by the participating ventures signal a significant development in the market. The program’s emphasis on democratizing access to satellite data and providing resources for early-stage startups has fostered innovation and enabled the creation of novel applications. By bridging the gap between satellite data and entrepreneurial ventures, Planet has not only expanded the reach of geospatial intelligence but also opened doors to new market opportunities.
The program’s ability to fuel the growth of startups, facilitate partnerships, and drive positive change through data-driven solutions demonstrates the increasing relevance and demand for satellite-based technologies in various industries. As more startups leverage satellite data and apply machine learning techniques, we can expect to witness further advancements and transformative impacts across the market landscape.
