This week, Riga has become Europe’s hub for space data and innovation. On 1 October, the international conference “Big Data from Space 2025” (BiDS2025) was officially opened at the National Library of Latvia. The large-scale event has brought together more than 600 scientists, industry representatives, policymakers and entrepreneurs from around the world to discuss how big data and space technologies can strengthen society, the economy, and security. This is the seventh edition of the conference.
For the first time, "BiDS2025" is taking place in the Baltic Sea region. Latvia’s opportunity to host this conference has been made possible thanks to the Ministry of Education and Science’s membership in the European Space Agency (ESA) as an Associate Member State.
In her opening remarks, Minister of Education and Science Dace Melbārde emphasised:
“Latvia is strengthening its role in the European space sector, and our greatest asset is knowledge. We are ready to cooperate, to drive innovation and to create solutions that benefit society and the economy, enhance security, and help address global challenges.”
SatCen Director Louis Tillier underlined:
“BiDS is a unique platform where industry, academia, and institutions come together to unlock the full potential of space-based data for evidence-informed decision-making and action. In the field of security and defence, cooperation is essential. Thanks to the work of SatCen’s Research, Technology Development and Innovation Unit, we are strengthening research and innovation capacities in direct support of operations.
This helps transform data into knowledge and knowledge into action for Europe’s security and resilience. We are grateful to Latvia for its hospitality and readiness to host such an important conference.”
Stefanie Lumnitz, ESA Chair Representative, Seconded Expert at the European Commission and Horizon Europe Earth Observation Scientist at ESA, stressed the unique value of the conference in bringing together both specialists and the wider community, fostering open dialogue and knowledge exchange on challenges facing society.
“It is crucial to speak clearly about the changing world – from geopolitical developments to emerging issues such as cyber security – and to explore how we can respond not only with technical solutions, but also by rethinking collaboration and governance structures,” said Lumnitz.
She also expressed her gratitude to Latvia’s partners for their initiative and commitment: “From ESA’s side – a big thank you to Latvia, as a growing space nation, for the enthusiasm and remarkable contribution. It is truly inspiring to see the industrial exhibition area and the many additional events you have made possible.”
The “BiDS2025” conference provides an opportunity for researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to explore new ways of using space data in everyday life and for societal development.
The main objectives of the conference are:
- To demonstrate how space data can help address global challenges – from tackling climate change to strengthening security.
- To identify new technologies for data use that can turn research results into practical solutions for business and society.
- To foster cooperation between researchers and entrepreneurs to create innovative solutions.
- To look ahead and plan future development by creating roadmaps that maximise the potential of space data.
This year’s key topics include:
- How space data helps to understand climate change, strengthen security, and improve health;
- How to combine different space technologies and data processing methods;
- The development of artificial intelligence and “digital twins” – virtual world models;
- Ensuring responsible use of technology and trusted digital solutions;
- The future of cloud computing and data storage;
- New approaches to data processing – such as merging and predicting data – that bring practical benefits;
- Future disruptive technologies, including quantum computing and novel sensors.
The conference programme features academic sessions and expert presentations, an industrial exhibition with more than 15 stands (including researchLatvia and the Latvian Council of Science), a demonstration zone, as well as hackathons and a code sprint that attract students, entrepreneurs, and young researchers.
On-site registration is available throughout the conference. More information: www.bigdatafromspace2025.org
The international conference is organised within the framework of the project No. 1.1.1.1/1/24/I/001 “More effective and smarter implementation and management of Latvia’s science policy”, implemented by the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia.
