PandionAI awarded project worth 5,2 MSEK from ESA Phi-Lab Sweden to advance AI-based onboard processing

PandionAI has been awarded the project ALERT-IOD, worth 5,2 MSEK, from the ESA Phi-Lab Sweden programme with support from ESA (The European Space Agency) and Vinnova (Sweden’s Innovation Agency) coordinated by RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden) to advance AI based onboard processing. The project will be carried out by PandionAI in partnership with Ubotica Technologies, Vinterstellar and Mimir Space Technologies, in Sweden and Ireland. 

ALERT-IOD leverages in-orbit processing to convert satellite data into rapid operational insights. The project will develop, optimize, and integrate AI pipelines on space‑qualified hardware, followed by uploading AI applications for in‑orbit production and timely delivery of information to ground. By significantly reducing data volumes, the system accelerates time-to- delivery to our customers. This enables multi-user services for organizations requiring fast and reliable information during crises and environmental events. 

This technology demonstration in orbit is an important stepping stone for increasing the capabilities’ of PandionAI’s value-adding services. ALERT-IOD drive PandionAI’s long-term strategy to deliver critical, high-value intelligence directly from orbit. 

The satellite industry is seeing a critical shift towards on-board intelligence. Users demand real‑time insights, driving satellites to cut data volume and at the same time accelerate in‑orbit information delivery to each customer. 

“With this project, by processing PandionAI’s applications in orbit, we cut the time-to-insight, enabling immediate Alerts, empowering our stakeholders to make important decisions-making on ground.” – says Markus Skogsmo, CEO of PandionAI. 

Strategically, ALERT-IOD strengthens PandionAI’s infrastructure independence and contributes to resilience in Sweden and Europe, by establishing a scalable foundation for dual-use applications across diverse sectors.

“ALERT-IOD addresses a critical area at the intersection of AI and space technology. By bringing AI closer to the data acquisition, we unlock a new era of autonomy and resilience in satellite operations. This capability will empower decision-makers with timely insights during crises and environmental challenges - exactly the kind of transformative innovation ESA Phi-Lab Sweden strives to accelerate.” - says Chiara Ceccobello, ESA Phi-Lab Sweden.

PandionAI is participating in the ESA Phi-Lab Sweden