Kuva Space and Finnish Environment Institute launch satellite pilot to monitor harmful algae blooms.
Finnish hyperspectral imaging company Kuva Space has launched a pilot project with the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) to test the use of satellite-based hyperspectral data and AI in detecting and monitoring harmful algae blooms across Finland’s inland and coastal waters.
The partnership aims to improve the identification of cyanobacteria – commonly known as blue-green algae – which can pose health risks and are difficult to track using current satellite tools. The pilot will integrate hyperspectral satellite imagery with Syke’s water sampling data and develop AI models to provide more accurate and timely insights into algae bloom development.
Current methods rely on public satellite data and manual field testing, which can lack the spatial resolution and speed needed to issue effective early warnings. Kuva Space’s high-resolution hyperspectral satellites are expected to fill these gaps, enabling more targeted environmental responses and improving regulatory reporting under EU directives.
The initiative forms part of Kuva Space’s broader effort to provide daily hyperspectral Earth observation coverage by 2027. The company launched its first satellite in August 2024, followed by a second in June 2025 developed under the ESA InCubed programme.