RUDEO: paving the way for a sustainable future with Earth Observation and Blockchain

The RUDEO Hackathon, funded by ESA Φ-lab and implemented by GMV, took place between 24-25 October 2024, in a hybrid format. Participants were encouraged to propose solutions, leveraging Blockchain and Earth Observation (EO) technologies, in domains such as Climate Action and Resilience, Sustainable Supply Chains and Resource Management, and Risk Assessment and Insurance.

Earth Observation (EO) technologies have become indispensable to address global challenges such as climate change, disaster management and sustainable development. From environmental monitoring and biodiversity conservation to resource management and risk assessment, EO technologies have become a crucial tool for shaping the future. Despite their economic value, EO technologies still have some limitations in their operational efficiency, that could be addressed by emerging technologies like Blockchain.

Why should we integrate Blockchain with EO technologies? Besides its role in Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives, Blockchain can improve data provenance and immutability, ensuring the authenticity and traceability of EO datasets. The tamper-proof nature of Blockchain allows for a secure and verifiable record of data collection and processing, which is essential for applications that require high levels of trust, such as environmental monitoring and disaster response.

In that sense, the RUDEO Project surged as a way to evaluate and demonstrate the potential added value of Blockchain technology within the EO field, in different real-world applications: Climate Action and Resilience, Sustainable Supply Chains and Resource Management, and Risk Assessment and Insurance.The project also included an open-idea challenge, where participants could develop their solutions by using EO and Blockchain in the following areas of focus: sustainability, supply chain transparency, environmental monitoring, humanitarian aid, or urban planning.

This hackathon was organised and implemented by GMV and funded by ESA Φ-lab. Participants received technical and commercial support from ESA Φ-lab Explore and Invest Offices, Romanian Space Agency, research centres, universities and industry.

The winner of the hackathon was CO2 Angels. Within the ‘Sustainable Supply Chains and Resource Management’ theme, the team proposed an app to monitor and manage agricultural emissions using satellite data and blockchain, aimed at improving sustainability in supply chains. CO2 Angels will receive further mentoring support from ESA to scale-up its business ventures.

Of note, BioPolis, a high-school student team, suggested a platform combining EO data and user inputs to provide real-time environmental insights, incentivising eco-friendly actions through blockchain rewards, within the ‘Climate Action and Resilience’ theme.

Read more about RUDEO and its specific activities here. 

To know more: RUDEO Project, ESA Φ-lab

Photo courtesy of Pexels/Julia M. Cameron