case study

Integrating Space Technology in Non-Space Sector: A Minviro Case Study

A Minviro Case Study

The Challenge

Minviro is a start-up working in the raw material and downstream decarbonisation technology sectors to help assess, quantify, and mitigate environmental impacts through the use of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). In 2022, Minviro joined the Space Commercialisation Engine (SCE), a programme designed to support innovative SMEs through product development cycle in order to transform an idea to a viable product. The goal of the SCE is to de-risk the product lifecycle and to reduce time to market of innovative geospatial ideas.

What We Did

In 2022, Minviro joined the Satellite Applications Catapult’s SCE for a one-year programme for the purpose of exploring ways to embed satellite data within their service. This would subsequently add value to their clients by providing data that is more specific and real time. Besides, as more companies integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance measures and continue to boast ambitious ESG goals, it would provide an opportunity for scaling up and entering new markets. The four-staged tailored programme involved working with team members from the Geospatial Intelligence, User Centred Design, and Business Strategy teams within the Catapult.

Outcome

Minviro has successfully integrated satellite data into its software, driving wider adoption of this technology among its global clientele. By entering the space sector, Minviro has contributed to the growth of the UK space industry and attracted non-space companies to participate. Through the SCE, the team has developed advanced Earth Observation skills, enhancing their consultancy services and fostering a long-term strategic partnership with the Catapult. Their new software, MineLCA, now incorporates land and water data, offering more robust and marketable analyses compared to other LCA tools. Leveraging satellite data, Minviro is expanding into new markets such as solar photovoltaics, carbon capture, and agriculture, while adding value to existing services through contextual data for carbon offsetting and material flow assessments. In response to growing demand, the company has more than doubled its workforce from 12 to 25 employees.

Long-term Impact

With the use of Earth Observation data through Minviro’s software – MineLCA – the mining and materials processing sector can have a deeper understanding of their environmental impacts and how to mitigate them. The user-friendly tool enables them to monitor or plan for
their environmental impacts
by providing systematic carbon footprint data for their projects, allowing them to move towards more sustainable operations and de-risking mining projects.