The Copernicus Masters 2019 competition is now open for submissions. This international competition awards prizes to innovative solutions, developments and ideas for business and society that use Copernicus data.
With over 15 terabytes of free Earth observation data generated by the Copernicus program daily, as well as new data platforms working with artificial intelligence and machine learning, there are a wealth of new opportunities in the Earth observation sector, according to a news release from the European Space Agency (ESA).
The Copernicus Masters 2019 competition – Europe’s leading innovation competition for Earth observation – is searching for solutions, outstanding applications and business concepts from start-ups, universities as well as individuals in the fields of research, business and higher education.
Since 2011, ESA and Germany’s AZO have organized the annual Copernicus Masters competition, along with the support of world-class partners, to inspire and help entrepreneurs bring their innovations forward.
The competition includes a number of different challenges. This year, the ESA Copernicus 4.0 Challenge looks for solutions that reflect the upcoming “golden era” in Earth observation, demonstrating how new trends can work together with traditional Earth observation.
“The Copernicus Masters is the innovative driver for future-oriented applications and business concepts using Earth observation data,” states Josef Aschbacher, Director of ESA’s Earth Observation Programmes.
“This creates socio-economic benefits through public services all over Europe. Besides, it supports business ventures and high-tech jobs in Europe’s digital economy.”
Beginning April 1 and running through June 30, 2019, participants can submit their solutions and demonstrate their use of Earth observation data across a wide variety of challenge topics including environmental issues, population growth, and the sustainable management of limited, natural resources.
Together with cash prizes, winners will receive access to an international network of leading Earth observation organizations, substantial satellite data quotas, and business development support worth more than €450 000 (about $508,000). The overall winner will receive an additional cash prize of €10 000 (about $11,300).
For full details about how to enter and the range of prizes, please visit the Copernicus Masters website.
