Impact Labs

Impact Labs are the Space Impact Forum’s dedicated collaborative hubs where satellite data, analytics, policy, and multi-stakeholder expertise converge to tackle global sustainability challenges. Each Lab focuses on a sector – from food systems to urban development – co-designing actionable solutions that generate measurable impact and drive innovation.

What Are Impact Labs?

Impact Labs are structured, outcome-driven collaborations that bring together experts, innovators, policymakers, and data providers to address complex sustainability challenges. They leverage a mix of satellite intelligence, advanced analytics, and multi-stakeholder engagement to co-create solutions that are measurable, scalable, and adaptable.

Core Objectives

Co-Create Solutions

Collaboratively design interventions that address sector-specific sustainability challenges.

Accelerate Innovation

Test and validate new technologies, policies, and business models with real-world applicability.

Generate Measurable Impact

Deliver outcomes that improve environmental, social, and economic metrics in each sector.

Inform Policy & Practice

Provide evidence-based insights and recommendations to guide regulators, governments, and industry stakeholders.

Key Features

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Working groups bring together experts from academia, industry, government, NGOs, and communities.

Data-Driven Insights

Utilise satellite imagery, geospatial data, and advanced analytics to identify challenges and measure progress.

Systems Approach

Analyse interconnected social, environmental, and economic factors to design holistic interventions.

Prototype & Pilot

Test solutions in controlled or real-world settings, refining interventions iteratively.

Scalability & Replication

Develop interventions that can be scaled, adapted, and replicated across regions or sectors.

Open Knowledge Sharing

Disseminate reports, dashboards, and toolkits to support evidence-based decision making.

Typical Methodology

Scoping & Research
  • Map challenges, opportunities, and priority problems
  • Engage stakeholders for context and input
  • Define success metrics and risk assessments
Co-Design & Workshops
  • Collaborative sessions to map systems, identify interventions, and ideate solutions
  • Analyse barriers, enablers, and sector interdependencies
  • Draft prototypes and early intervention strategies
Prototyping & Validation
  • Develop pilots, policy frameworks, and technical solutions
  • Test feasibility, impact, and stakeholder acceptance
  • Iterate solutions based on real-world trials
Dissemination & Knowledge Sharing
  • Create reports, dashboards, toolkits, and briefs
  • Share insights via webinars, panels, and SIF channels
  • Engage policymakers, funders, and practitioners for adoption
Implementation & Scaling
  • Build partnerships, consortia, and follow-on programs
  • Identify funding and replication opportunities
  • Monitor outcomes and refine interventions for scale

Who Participates

Researchers & Academics

Provide evidence-based insights and analysis across sectors.

Industry & Innovators

Bring practical solutions, technological expertise, and real-world pilots.

Policy & Regulators

Ensure alignment with standards, governance frameworks, and sustainability targets.

Investors & NGOs

Support funding, scaling, and social impact across interventions.

Communities & End-Users

Provide local knowledge, validate solutions, and participate in adoption.

Cross-Sector Partners

Collaborate across energy, food, urban, environment, and technology sectors for integrated impact.

Expected Outcomes

Pilots & Proof-of-Concepts

Operational projects and pilots addressing sector challenges.

Policy & Guidelines

Evidence-based frameworks, policy briefs, and regulatory recommendations.

Toolkits & Dashboards

Practical resources and analytics tools for adoption by industry and communities.

Research & Insights

Case studies, datasets, and publications supporting evidence-based decisions.

Partnerships & Collaboration

MoUs, consortia, and collaborative agreements for ongoing impact.

Scale-Up & Replication

Roadmaps, funding plans, and replication strategies for wider adoption.

Get Involved with Impact Labs

Become part of the solution. Contribute as a technical partner, data provider, sponsor, or observer to co-create solutions, pilot innovations, and generate measurable impact across sectors.

Join a Lab Today