Mike speaks to Steve Spittle, the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder at GlobalTrust Ltd about the fascinating world of satellite data and its role in sustainability. Steve shares his journey from environmental science to space technology, explains how Global Trust leverages satellite imagery for environmental monitoring and discusses the ethical implications and future of the industry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and the power of space-based observations to drive positive change on Earth.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Global Trust uses satellite data to monitor environmental impacts, helping businesses make sustainable decisions and comply with regulations.
• Satellite imagery can provide valuable insights into various environmental factors, including deforestation, atmospheric emissions, and biodiversity.
• The satellite data industry is evolving rapidly, shifting towards smaller, more cost-effective satellites and increased data accessibility.
• AI and machine learning play crucial roles in analysing satellite data, but it's essential to use these technologies judiciously and transparently.
• The future of satellite data analysis will likely involve more integrated, user-friendly tools that become part of everyday business operations.
• Ethical considerations around satellite data usage include privacy concerns and the need for transparent, traceable analysis processes.
• Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for businesses, driven by regulations, investor pressure, and public awareness.
• Networking and participating in industry events are crucial for CTOs and businesses looking to stay informed about sustainability trends and technologies.

BEST MOMENTS

22:56 "So effectively the pricing module is on the frequency of data on a quality of data and then there's a historical data sets you can buy into that." (Mike summarising Steve's explanation of satellite data pricing models)

25:58 "From space, we are actually able to map out exactly where the dust goes from the activities. And we can also look at some of the high level composition of that dust by looking at its individual spectral footprint." (Steve Spittle discussing how satellite data can be used to monitor industrial dust pollution)

28:08 "We've gone from a place of having a separate sustainability report and a separate business model to now having what they call a sustainable business model. And they've combined the two." (Steve Spittle explaining how businesses are integrating sustainability into their core operations)

51:18 "I think 10 years in the future, we won't be so obsessed, I hope, with using terms such as AI, and it's going to be part of the kind of fabric of what we do on a day to day and it just gets wrapped into this term of analysis." (Steve Spittle predicting the future of AI and satellite data analysis)

01:01:18 "The premise of sustainability is that part of that idea of inclusion and actually bringing all these thoughts together and recognising that if we're going to have any chance of making any real impact, we need to have this kind of multidisciplinary approach." (Steve Spittle discussing the importance of collaboration in addressing sustainability challenges)

ABOUT THE GUEST

Steve Spittle

Steve Spittle previously worked as the Global Extractives Industries Technical Lead at the Satellite Applications Catapult. Within this role Steve engaged with stakeholders across the mining sector from large multinational commercial companies, governments and investors, creating satellite-based solutions. Prior to this role Steve held two additional roles at the Catapult, alongside these roles at the Catapult, Steve spent three years as a technical and business mentor for satellite start-up companies across Europe, as part of the Copernicus Accelerator programme. Finally, Steve is a non-executive director of Lux Aerobot, an exciting Canadian high-altitude platform start-up. He is one of the 100 Geospatial Rising Stars 2024.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/globaltrustgrp

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-spittle/

https://globaltrustgrp.com/solutions/globalguard/

https://www.stem.org.uk/resources/elibrary/resource/449780/steve-spittle-%E2%80%93-emerging-technology-lead-digital-intelligence

https://sa.catapult.org.uk/podcasts/ep-5-mining-for-sustainable-energy/

Spacewatch: https://spacewatch.global/2024/04/esa-funds-globaltrust-and-ecogains-space2climb-project/

ABOUT THE HOST

Meet Mike, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and visionary with over two and a half decades of invaluable experience in founding and scaling successful tech start-ups. Mike brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and tech professionals.

As a host, Mike is dedicated to sharing actionable insights, strategies, and stories gathered from conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and experts. With a remarkable ability to distil practical wisdom from guests, Mike curates engaging discussions that resonate with both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals. 

ABOUT THE SHOW

Welcome to Mastering Tech Growth, where we dive deep into the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of scaling tech-driven ventures. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of technology businesses, uncovering the secrets behind successful growth trajectories. Each episode brings you candid conversations with founders and industry experts, sharing invaluable insights, proven tactics, and real-life stories. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, discover the roadmap to navigating the complexities of scaling in the ever-evolving tech landscape.