With the technology scans of Delft research institute Deltares, SBIC Noordwijk strengthens its technology expertise for their space business network. Read on and learn how Deltares can support our community even more.
We talked to our contact person at Deltares, Margreet van Marle. She is researcher & consultant Earth Observation, Climate Change and Resilient Infrastructure Networks.
What can you tell us about Deltares?
Deltares is an independent institute for applied research in the field of water, subsurface and infrastructure. We are challenged to keep the world a safe and liveable place, now and in the future. Think of future changes in climate, but also economic and population growth. These challenges, combined with an increasing amount of data, gives us the opportunity to apply new technologies.
We use earth observation to detect natural hazards or monitor, for example, water quality, but we also use it in combination with our models to translate satellite observations to modeled output that can be used. We actively develop new applications for GNSS, including community-based observations of features such as infrastructure, flooding and solid waste.
How can you support our community, and vice versa?
Deltares is on the cutting edge of research and practical application. That’s why we work together with universities and engineering firms. We also like to work with SMEs and startups because their work keeps us in the loop about the latest technologies. To support them, we have in-house expertise and experience on earth observation and the integration of these observations in models. We can also support startups on their technical innovation, as well as where potential applications of those technologies can be found.
For the Ignition Programme of SBIC we perform such a Technology Scan, which analyses three topics: (i) level of innovation and relevance; (ii) technology readiness level (TRL); and (iii) sdvice on the use of software and the overall maturity of the solution.
Next to that, we’ve opened our lab facilities via an open-call to startups and SMEs. When selected they can test their solutions. We started this initiative in 2020 and it will continue for the foreseeable future.
What do you like most about the space sector?
I find the use of earth observation data, applied to social issues, very relevant. I think it is amazing to realise that a satellite, hundreds of miles away, can be used to be applied locally. The strenght of Earth Observation is that it can be linked to locally validated data sources. This results in a high level of precision. Next to this, a large impact can be achieved when combining satellite information in models.
What is something we might not know about Deltares?
We have a receiver to get real time satellite data right on our roof (EUMETCast). We use this data in our models, for instance for analysing weather on the North Sea, or predict waves and water levels.
Is there something special about the way Deltares operates?
We try to innovate by connecting all the different expertises in the organisation via our internal idea platform. This way they are challenged to find a solution they might not have thought of. And, not unimportant, we work according to the Dare-to-Share principle. When we develop software, in most cases we make it open source so other organisations can use it as well.
How can the community contact you?
Calling someone for help or advice can be quite the hurdle. It is good to know that at Deltares, we all love to respond to your questions and give you advice when needed to. So don’t hesitate to contact us! You can ask me directly via email or the SBIC community on Slack, or just fill in the form for a tech consult on our website.
Are you interested in becoming part of our space business community as well? Then visit our partner page and discover the possibilities.
