Global SpaceUp Competition has been launched to develop innovative space-based solutions

To create creative space-based solutions, the Saudi Space Agency and the Communications, Space and Technology Commission have partnered with Neo Space Group to launch the global SpaceUp Competition.

Promoting space entrepreneurship, helping regional businesses that specialize in space-based solutions, drawing in international entrepreneurs, startups, and small and medium-sized businesses, and fostering the adoption of space-based solutions across industries are the objectives of the competition.

In addition to offering localization and direct access to end customers, SpaceUp provides six challenge tracks with contractual opportunities totaling approximately $28 million.

Sponsored by the Weqaa Center and the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, the first track, "Monitoring Date Palms Pest and Disease," focuses on space-based methods for pest detection and palm farm monitoring.

The second initiative, "Improving City Livability by Monitoring Urban Heat Islands," from the Quality of Life Program, attempts to address the issue of urban heat island warming.

Traffic management and infrastructure projects are promoted by the Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center's "Monitoring the Impact of Infrastructure Development."

"Optimizing Urban Road Assets," which seeks to offer solutions to identify urban road damage and enhance maintenance, and "Mapping of Urban Trees," which focuses on monitoring and preserving urban green spaces, are the fourth and fifth tracks.

Monitoring tree growth and assisting with sustainability initiatives associated with the Saudi Green Initiative are the goals of the final track, "Greening Saudi Arabia."

Participants can register on the competition's website at https://new.cst.gov.sa/en/about/program-and-initiatives/spaceup-competition beginning on January 20 and ending on April 12.