case study

Ignite Labs: Space for Nature & Biodiversity

Introduction

At the Satellite Applications Catapult, we are committed to harnessing the power of space to address pressing environmental challenges as part of our Resilient Earth mission. The Ignite Labs: Space for Nature & Biodiversity programme, launched by Innovate UK via the Innovate UK Business Connect and delivered in partnership with NatWest, exemplifies this mission by empowering businesses and financial institutions to deploy satellite data, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing in support of biodiversity protection and nature-positive solutions.

Challenge

Space data is increasingly valuable to financial institutions for risk assessment, investment strategies, and sustainability reporting, yet stakeholders often face barriers to effective innovation. These include:

• Limited awareness and understanding of Earth observation (EO) data and its applications
• A fragmented innovation ecosystem, with insufficient collaboration between financial institutions, startups, and environmental experts
• Regulatory demands on banks to provide accurate sustainability metrics for their portfolios

The Ignite Labs programme was designed to overcome these challenges, enabling innovators to co-create solutions that are commercially viable and environmentally impactful.

Our Approach

The programme addressed barriers in the nature finance and biodiversity sectors by focusing on targeted knowledge exchange and capacity-building programmes. Over six weeks, the Catapult team concentrated on equipping startups with knowledge, networks, and tools to accelerate their ideas. These activities included:

• Masterclasses on EO applications, user-centred design, systems mapping, and value proposition development
• Tailored coaching and drop-in sessions to refine business models
• Networking opportunities with financial institutions and regulators
• A pitching event, giving participants the chance to present directly to NatWest and other stakeholders

Outcomes

From over 100 applications, twenty high-potential startups were selected, representing diverse domains such as biodiversity monitoring, sustainable agriculture, water resource management, and risk modelling. These companies received intensive support to help participants develop market-ready solutions, providing the expertise and resources needed to accelerate innovation. Alongside this tailored guidance, businesses benefit from visibility and industry recognition through promotion by NatWest, opening doors to new networks and potential partners.

Participants also gained access to opportunities within the Catapult’s wider innovation ecosystem, which further extends the impact of their involvement and supports long-term growth. For example, through the Space Commercialisation Engine, the Catapult supported Map Impact and Pemberton AI in developing prototypes, while two Design to Deliver finalists also emerged from the Ignite Labs cohort. One standout participant, Gentian, won the Ignite Lab 3 prize, later earning a nomination for the prestigious 2024 Earthshot Prize - an achievement that underscores the programme’s role in elevating businesses to the global stage.

The programme highlighted the critical role of co-creation in delivering user-centred solutions, demonstrating that collaboration can drive innovation that’s aligned with end-user needs. By integrating practical insights from stakeholders and applying these to the challenges, the initiative was able to develop solutions that were not only technically robust, but also directly relevant and commercially viable.

The programme also fostered innovation in financial transparency. Startups developed “glass box” models, enabling banks to demonstrate how satellite-derived sustainability metrics are calculated, helping institutions meet regulatory requirements with confidence.

Long Term Impact

The lessons from Ignite Labs highlight the importance of agile, targeted initiatives in catalysing innovation. Moving forward, the Catapult will continue to:

• Support high-potential businesses through our business support services and technical facilities
• Expand challenge-based innovation programmes with commercial partners
• Strengthen outreach and networking to identify and nurture future pioneers

Through initiatives like Ignite Labs, the Satellite Applications Catapult is demonstrating how space-enabled technologies can drive meaningful progress toward a nature-positive future.