| Challenge News |
Christchurch—18 February 2022.
Yadrava na Vanua (Environment Watch) from Suva, Fiji won the Grand Prize today for the Space for Planet Earth Challenge.
Their project focused on integrating satellite data on land cover types across Fiji with ground truth measurements, and refining the carbon sequestration data with machine learning analysis of high resolution satellite images from Planet to generate international standard levels of measurements, reporting, and verification of carbon stocks.
Separately, “Not Basic” from Newlands College, Wellington, New Zealand, won the Grand Prize at the High School level. Their work featured using machine learning analysis of satellite data to predict the conditions leading to coral bleaching as detected within the Allen Coral Atlas with Planet satellite data.
Six teams from New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji competed in demo sessions with a panel of judges, then a Pitch presentation to a live online audience. The winners are awarded cash prizes of $30,000 and $10,000 each, satellite data from company Planet, and mentorship from SpaceBase. Additionally the High School team will receive scholarships from the US Based MMAARS Academy to attend their Level 1 Virtual Mars Programme.
“The presentations that I’ve seen were so amazing…and I was blown away by the ideas and the ability that they’ve shown…Planet is so proud to be part of this competition,” Dr. Tanya Harrison, Director of Strategic Innovation for Planet and a Finals Judge for the competition, said at the event.
The winners were selected by judges from Planet, the U.S. Embassy to New Zealand, Pacific GIS and Remote Sensing Council, Rocket Lab, Callaghan Innovation, ChristchurchNZ, Callaghan Innovation, and Consegna.cloud.
The awards were presented by the NZ Space Agency and the U.S. Embassy.
“I’ve been extremely impressed with the sophistication of the solutions that have been developed, by the approach of looking for different data sources to incorporate into those solutions, to reaching out to other organisations, establishing partnerships to make this more effective, and the quality of the presentations,” said Dimitri Geidelberg, Principal Advisor to the Agency.
The Challenge was the brainchild of SpaceBase founders who leverage incentive prizes and space technologies to catalyse innovation while solving tough problems in the region. “Already, we see the Challenge as pushing the teams to accelerate their research and create opportunities they may not otherwise have been able to realise.” said Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom, CEO of SpaceBase. “We think this is only the beginning for these climate change focused innovations, and we hope to continue to support these teams in their progress over the coming months and years.”
For more information about the Challenge and the Winners, go to spaceforearth.org
The Challenge is made possible by a partnership between SpaceBase Limited and Planet. Sponsors include the U.S. Embassy in New Zealand, K1W1, NZ Space Agency, ChristchurchNZ, Consegna.cloud, Clare Foundation, Greenlight Ventures, Namaste Foundation, Engineering Dreams, MMAARS Academy, and Christchurch City Council.
SpaceBase Limited is a New Zealand based education and consulting social enterprise, whose mission is to democratise access to space for everyone. SpaceBase is creating equal opportunity to leverage space technologies to solve problems on Earth, by catalysing space ecosystems in developing and emerging countries, starting in New Zealand. Since its incorporation in 2017, it has collaborated with economic development agencies, local governments, and advocacy groups to deliver over 100 educational presentations and workshops; two national space and aerospace competitions, as well as helping birth space communities and organisations locally and globally. SpaceBase created a platform for the NZ Aeros...
| Tags: SpaceBase space_t climate_changeaceBasespace_t climate_changeplanetaceBasespace_t climate_changeaceBasespace_tclimate_changeplanetsp |
Press Release. 10 February 2022
Christchurch—10 February 2022. Teams from New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji have been confirmed to compete in the finals of the Space for Planet Earth Challenge. These finalists from both the University/Startup and High School categories will compete in an online pitch competition on 18 February. The teams are presenting solutions leveraging space data to address the climate change issues of carbon sequestration and coral health. Grand prize winners from each category will receive cash prizes up to $30,000 NZD plus additional Planet data and mentorship from SpaceBase.
The Finalists include:
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Cashmere Space Club - Cashmere High School, Christchurch, NZ
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Christ’s College - Christ’s College, Christchurch, NZ
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Not Basic - Newlands College, Wellington NZ
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Yadrava na Vanua (Environment Watch) - Suva, Fiji
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The Lidar Team - Brisbane, Australia
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The HEAL Initiative - Auckland, New Zealand
The teams participated in a two and a half month online research incubator run by SpaceBase. The incubator included 15 sessions on the problem areas, the technologies used, and the innovation process and tools. Each team submitted their final challenge applications at the end of the incubator programme on 31 January. The applications were then evaluated by a panel of industry and academic specialists from the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Challenge Final Pitch and Awards Ceremony will take place online on 18 February 2022 at 5-7pm, NZT. The event includes welcome addresses from the Hon. Lianne Dalziel, Mayor of Christchurch; Vicky Robertson, Chief Executive and Secretary of the NZ Ministry of Environment, and Tanya Harrison, Director of Strategic Science Initiatives from satellite company Planet. Prizes will be awarded by representatives of the U.S. Embassy and the NZ Space Agency. RSVP to the event at bit.ly/SpaceForEarthFinals.
SpaceBase Limited is a New Zealand based education and consulting social enterprise, whose mission is to democratise access to space for everyone. SpaceBase is creating equal opportunity to leverage space technologies to solve problems on Earth, by catalysing space ecosystems in developing and emerging countries, starting in New Zealand. Since its incorporation in 2017, it has collaborated with economic development agencies, local governments, and advocacy groups to deliver over 100 educational presentations and workshops; two national space and aerospace competitions, as well as helping birth space communities and organisations locally and globally. SpaceBase created a platform for the NZ Aerospace Directory and a free course, Catalysing a Space Industry in Your Region, for anyone interested in creating a local space industry. SpaceBase is also the NZ Ambassador for the International Space University.
Contact:
Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom
SpaceBase.co
info@spacebase.co
Christchurch—15 November 2021. SpaceBase today opens the Space for Planet Earth Virtual Research Incubator to teams across Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific region. Teams include:
High School Level: Coral Health
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Space Kiwis- Auckland Grammar School, Auckland, NZ
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Rowdy Rocketeers- Camberwell Grammar School, Camberwell, Australia
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Cashmere Space Club - Cashmere High School, Christchurch, NZ
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Christ’s College - Christ’s College, Christchurch, NZ
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Not Basic- Newlands School, Wellington NZ
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Sub 56- Selwyn College, Kohimarama, NZ
University/Startup Level: Carbon Sequestration
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GEOTeS PNG- Lae, Papua New Guinea
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Multi Capital Pty Ltd- Melbourne, Australia
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Lynker Analytics- Wellington NZ
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Yadrava na Vanua (Environment Watch)- Suva, Fiji
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Lidar Team- Brisbane, Australia
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The HEAL Initiative - Auckland, NZ
“It is impressive to see the wide range of proposed approaches from the dozen teams that come from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea. We look forward to helping these teams develop their solutions over the next couple months, and address these global climate change problems.” says Eric Dahlstrom, CTO and Co-Founder of SpaceBase who is co-project manager for the Challenge.
The Challenge Virtual Research Incubator will run between 15 November to 31 January 2022 online. Teams will participate in webinar sessions on topics that include the problem areas (Carbon Sequestration and Coral Health), training sessions on Planet and Allen Coral Atlas portals, as well as data analysis tools like QGIS. Teams will learn about Design Thinking, Rapid Prototyping, User Validation, and building prototypes.
“This Challenge highlights how students today now have the power to address important problems in climate change. The Challenge incubator will give teams access to data from Planet and government satellites, computing tools, and expert advice.” Eric Dahlstrom said.
Challenge partner Planet will be providing satellite data to help with their solutions and Consegna will provide AWS data storage and cloud computing tools. Mentors and advisors will be available to help teams progress with their projects.
“While we understand that the focus of the challenge is to develop regional Climate Change solutions, we are inclined to participate in the incubator program as it will provide access to space technology resources such as Planet satellite data and relevant technical support that will improve our proposed regional Climate Change solution strategy” says Glen Yali, lead for team GEOTeS Papua New Guinea.
The teams will start the incubator today with an introduction to the programme. "We are excited about this programme as we have all been inspired to pursue science and maths by our teacher for world solutions in the future. What could be more rewarding than contributing towards saving our beautiful planet and our immediate environment in the southern hemisphere”, said Euan mcCauley, team member of Sub 56 from Selwyn College in Kohimarama, NZ. From the University of South Pacific, Caucau Talei from Fiji says "I love being a part of a diverse and talented team. I'm looking forward to learning more technical skills, networking and collaborating with innovative and entrepreneurial people from around the world."
The incubator programme is designed to help prepare the teams for their final submissions on 31 January 2021. Applicants get a chance to be selected as finalists for the pitch and demo session on 18 February 2022. Grand prize winners receive a cash prize up to $30,000, as well as more data and mentorship to implement their solutions.
For more information ...
Information about the Challenge competition - programme, problem areas, technology and process.Our guest speaker: Vivian Cumbo, Senior Project Manager for the Great Barrier Reef Foundation spoke about coral reef health and challenges with climate change.
Watch the video here:
https://youtu.be/XNSrjVzWP8Q
The Challenge Slack working group is the best place to ask us a question abou the Challenge or find potential team members to participate in the Challlenge. Go to spaceforearth.slack.com.
We are here to help.
-The Challenge Management Team
Space for Planet Earth Briefing including problem areas focus, technology and tools from SpaceBase. Special guest is Yuri Anisimov from the Space Enthusiasts & Professionals (Wellington) talking about using block chain in carbon credit management.
Watch the video here:
https://youtu.be/Sw6hLCzbiFM
Yuri Anisinov's presentation: Blockchain and IoT in Carbon Credit Management
https://www.dropbox.com/s/kg7vko3pu5nnz2n/Blockchain%20and%20IoT%20in%20Carbon%20Credit%20Management.pdf?dl=0
| Tags: space BlueCarbon CarbonSequestration climate_change space_technologies SpaceBase |
First of three online info sessions about the Challenge. An informal way to ask questions about the challenge.
Out guest speaker was Martin Knoche, CEO of The Northlands Innovation Center and Climate Scientist talking about Blue Carbon.
We thank our partners and supporters for a successful launch of the Challenge yesterday! See coverage from some local press here:
Star News
https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-christchurch/dalziel-opens-space-planet-earth-challenge
Scoop
To view the entire Opening event, go to:
Come join us as we kick-off the opening of the “Space for Planet Earth Challenge” at the Turanga Christchurch Library. Also live-streamed.
- Learn how students and startups can apply for the challenge.
- Get involved as mentors, collaborators, and supporters.
- Understand the current state of environmental issues in the region - from coral health to reduction of atmospheric carbon.
- Learn about satellite data addressing climate change.
The event includes keynote addresses from Honorable Lianne Dalziel, Mayor of Christchurch and from stakeholders and specialists from Planet, the U.S. Embassy, Center for Climate and Security,Xerra Earth Observation Institute and the Allen Coral Atlas.
For more information about the Challenge, go to spaceforearth.org.
RSVP to the event at spaceforearth.eventbrite.com
| Tags: space planet climate_change space_technologies SpaceBase |
Press Release. 16 June 2021
SpaceBase, in collaboration with Planet opens the Space for Planet Earth Challenge
seeking innovative ideas to address carbon sequestration and coral health in the region.
Christchurch—16 June 2021—SpaceBase today launched the “Space for Planet Earth Challenge”, calling on students and innovators across New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands to leverage satellite technologies to address climate change challenges, through quantifying carbon sequestration and monitoring coral health in the region.
“SpaceBase’s goal in conceiving the Challenge is to attract new and innovative ideas to help address the climate change impacts on land and ocean which could lead to actionable changes in policy and management for the region”, said CEO and Co-founder Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom. “Incentive prizes are also a great mechanism for capacity building by educating and training the general public on the uses and benefits of space technologies for the good of Planet Earth.”
The competition is open to two categories: high school level and university/start-up level. Qualified teams will be invited to participate in a 2.5 month incubator programme that will include learning about remote sensing and data analysis, as well as design thinking and prototyping. Planet will provide specific training datasets and a session on the Planet Platform including technical support as part of the incubator programme. The teams will leverage other sources and take advantage of platforms like the Allen Coral Atlas to work on their projects. Shortlisted teams will be invited to pitch their ideas during the closing event hosted in Christchurch in February 2022.
The two grand prize winners will win up to $30,000 NZD, plus Planet data vouchers (valued at $15,000 NZD each) to help further their research, mentorship, and more. The competition is open to all New Zealand, Australia, and Pacific Island residents. Proposals to participate in the incubator programme can be submitted online between 2 August and 31 October. Full Challenge applications are due 31 January 2022.
“With Planet’s largest constellation of Earth imaging satellites in the world, we’re committed to addressing critical global challenges, and are pleased to support this important competition in the region,” states Mike Safyan, VP of Launch & Regulatory Affairs at Planet. “With our data and platforms, this initiative has the potential to develop tools and capabilities for addressing climate change issues and compel decision makers to act and protect our fragile planet.”
The Challenge is supported by other sponsors including the US. Embassy in New Zealand, ChristchurchNZ, Namaste Foundation, Greenlight Ventures, and MMAARS.
For more information on submitting a proposal and other details, refer to the Space for Planet Earth Challenge website: spaceforearth.org or contact challenge@spaceforearth.org
SpaceBase Limitedis a New Zealand based education and consulting social enterprise, whose mission is to democratise access to space for everyone. SpaceBase is creating equal opportunity to leverage space technologies to solve problems on Earth, by catalysing space ecosystems in developing and emerging countries, starting in New Zealand. Since its incorporation in 2017, it has collaborated with economic development agencies, local governments, and advocacy groups to deliver over 100 educational presentations and workshops; two national space and aerospace competitions, as well as helping birth space communities and organizations locally and globally. SpaceBase created a platform for theNZ Aerospace Directory and a free course, Catalyzing a Space Industry in Your Region, for anyone interested in creating a local space industry. Recently, it delivered the very first International Space University Executive Space Course for Asia Pacific.
Planet is the leading provider of global, daily satellite imagery and geospatial solutions. Planet is driven by a mission to image the world every day, and make change visible, accessible and actionable. Founded in 2010 by three NASA scientists, Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest eart...
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