Satellite data is increasingly being used for a wide range of applications, from helping farmers monitor crop health, to supporting wildfire managers and tracking environmental change. When combined with artificial intelligence and powerful computing, satellite data promises to unlock the potential for a multitude of new cutting-edge applications to meet today's and tomorrow's challenges on Earth.
The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that our country remains a world leader in acquiring and harnessing Earth observation data to grow Canadian businesses and solve important challenges on Earth. The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, announced an investment of $3.9 million to support five Canadian companies to develop and test innovative solutions that use satellite data to address pressing environmental challenges.
This investment focuses on advancing projects that monitor the Arctic, improve wildfire response, and protect marine life and sensitive coastal ecosystems.
- Mitigating Arctic challenges through the use of multi-mission satellite data and artificial intelligence - C-CORE (Newfoundland and Labrador)
- Demonstrating a machine learning application for use onboard satellites to deliver wildfire detection products for wildfire managers in near real time - Mission Control (Ontario)
- Developing an eelgrass mapping system to support aquatic biodiversity - Hatfield Consultants LLP (British Columbia)
- Leveraging generative artificial intelligence to improve systems that detect and protect North Atlantic right whales - AltaML (Alberta)
- Detecting and monitoring North Atlantic right whales through satellite data to inform and strengthen protection measures - Fluvial Systems Research (British Columbia)
By supporting these projects, the Government of Canada reaffirms its commitment to fostering the long-term growth of the Canadian space sector while upholding Canada's world-leading environmental standards; protecting more of our nature, which is at the heart of Canada's identity; and supporting an economy that will create high-paying jobs for generations.
