A high-tech Northern Ireland firm, which specialises in earth observation, is planning to create 33 jobs as part of a project to commercialise space technology applications.
Belfast based 3DEO has developed processes that can accurately and at super speeds generate 3D models with real physical properties based on earth observation data.
The company uses technology which was pioneered by the Newry company, First Derivatives, to rapidly analyse data from satellites, aerial platforms and unmanned air vehicles.
According to 3DEO it has developed a new way to visualise 3D imagery and data by combining technologies from gaming, virtual reality, live television and satellite earth observation.
Andy Macpherson at 3DEO NI, said: “Earth observation data has the potential to offer advantageous insight for a range of sectors. We are working towards developing products and solutions that will enable better informed, real-time decision making in the future for defence, governments and the civic markets.”
Earlier this year, 3DEO was chosen as a “One to Watch” start-up business at the 2018 Data Space conference in Scotland and also won the Space for Sustainable Living, SME Challenge, sponsored by Airbus Space, Digital Catapult and Invest NI.
Invest NI is backing 3DEO’s new expansion project with £700,000 of financial support.
Bill Montgomery, Invest NI director of advanced manufacturing and engineering, said: “3DEO NI is a unique business, operating in a highly innovative technology area. It is one of the first companies in Northern Ireland to embark on a significant investment as the result of opportunities that will flow out of the space sector”
