CATALYST has been selected by the UK Space Agency to participate in a groundbreaking £1.5 million funding programme to transform how Britain addresses climate change and transport challenges through innovative space technology solutions.
The company will partner with the Howden Resilience Laboratory to develop a cutting-edge satellite-based system, specifically supporting insurers to monitor land changes and support the development of innovative means to implement the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
Implemented in 2021 by UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), “BNG is an approach to development. It makes sure that habitats for wildlife are left in a measurably better state than they were before the development.”
This collaboration represents a significant opportunity in making environmental risk assessment more precise, accessible and actionable, using modern earth observation capabilities and geospatial technology.
The project forms part of the UK Space Agency's Unlocking Space for Business programme, which aims to remove barriers to the adoption of space solutions.
By combining satellite intelligence with AI analytics, our partnership will enable insurers to more accurately track nature-related risks, support stronger climate-related disclosures and enhance investment decisions across the financial services industry.
"These projects show how the UK's space sector is delivering real-world impact, using satellite data and AI to tackle climate change, decarbonise transport, and improve accessibility" said Dr Craig Brown, Investment Director at the UK Space Agency.
"By supporting innovation in sectors that haven't traditionally used space technology, we're unlocking new economic opportunities and helping to build a more sustainable, inclusive future."
CATALYST joins five other innovative partnerships in this funding round, including initiatives focused on maritime carbon tracking, railway electrification planning, accessible navigation for visually impaired users and climate risk assessment tools for financial institutions.
Our satellite-based monitoring system will give insurers unprecedented visibility into land changes, biodiversity shifts and environmental risks that directly impact their operations and investment portfolios.
DSIT Minister Ian Murray highlighted the programme's broader significance: "These innovative projects showcase the transformative power of Britain's space sector. From reducing emissions to making our streets more accessible, we're backing the satellite technology and AI solutions that really make a difference to people's lives."
Participation in this groundbreaking programme validates CATALYST's innovative monitoring solutions and means we can help insurers navigate the complex landscape of nature-related risk assessment and compliance.
Together, these projects elevate Britain to a global leader in space-enabled climate solutions – and we couldn't be prouder to play our part.
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