The Copernicus Masters is an international competition that awards prizes to innovative solutions, developments and ideas for business and society based on Earth observation data. Big data produced by Earth observation holds huge potential for the creation of innovative products and services. A wide variety of industries and areas of public interest stand to profit from the advances of the Copernicus programme.

AZO launched the Copernicus Masters in 2011 on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA) and with strong support of world-class partners as part of their mission to foster the User Uptake of Copernicus services. The Copernicus Masters has developed into the moving force promoting cutting-edge solutions. Annually, different prize categories tackle global challenges with revolutionary competition entries in the fields of deep learning, IoT, big data analytics, smart mobility and industry 4.0 – just to name a few.

KEY FACTS

CHALLENGES

The Copernicus Masters 2018 offered participants the largest number of Challenges to date. From smart farming to disaster management, there is a challenge for everyone! Discover the Challenges below.

View Challenges as PDF

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ESA is looking for solutions in the areas of IoT, AI and Machine Learning to explore the benefits of integrating Copernicus EO data into a product or service.

BE THE INSPIRATION

Congratulations to 580 participants of the Copernicus Masters 2018

KEY FACTS

CHALLENGES

PRIZES WORTH > EUR 600,000

CASH PRIZES

BUSINESS INCUBATION

BUSINESS COACHING

PATENT CONSULTING

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

ACCESS TO TESTING FACILITIES

PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT

PUBLICITY

MARKETING SUPPORT

MARKET & FEASIBILITY STUDIES

ACCESS TO EXPERTS

ACCESS TO PUBLIC FUNDING

TESTIMONIALS

“[…] the ESNC and the Copernicus Masters are a proven platform for trendsetting technologies and business models based on Galileo and Copernicus to implement the new EU Space Strategy.”

Elzbieta Bieńkowska, Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs

“Having my idea scrutinised by the expert Copernicus Masters jury was very valuable. It not only helped to precisely define the business concept, but also encouraged me to start a business.”

Dr Mark Matthews, founder of CyanoLakes (Pty) Ltd.

“As a pre-startup, winning Copernicus Masters encouraged us to take the first step into the industrial realm. The credibility we gained in the process enabled us to make rapid progress.”

Paul Bathia, CEO of Geomatic Ventures Ltd.

“The Copernicus Masters is a unique opportunity to present your project to the international Earth-observation community, engage with experts, and make some valuable new contacts.”

Paul Indinger, Managing Director of Building Radar GmbH

“The Copernicus Masters has proven to be the breeding ground for many successful business concepts and societal benefits.”

Dr Thomas Beer, Copernicus Policy Coordinator, European Space Agency (ESA)

“The Copernicus Masters is an excellent way to promote the Copernicus concept and foster the innovative use of data to meet the challenges of global change while benefitting the environment and humankind.”

Dr Hubert Reile, Programme Director Space Research and Technology, German Aerospace Center (DLR)

“The Copernicus Accelerator represents a gateway into the prestigious Earth observation and geo-information sector. I would like to encourage all mentees and mentors to make use of its popularity and their innovative ideas to extend their outreach and network across Europe.”

Philippe Brunet, Director for Space Policy, Copernicus and Defense, DG GROW, European Commission

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