The objective of this action is the realization of demonstrators based on Copernicus (data and services) derived information responding to the private sector geo-information needs, especially those of energy suppliers and infrastructure managers, which have been pre-identified during previous Copernicus information sessions. This action will be focused on the French Region “Grand Est” and will take advantage on the RHINESPACE Booster’s expertise in initiating and accelerating new economic projects and activities using spatial data, platforms and tools.

This action will address in particular energy suppliers, infrastructure managers, distribution operators, etc., which have been pre-identified during previous Copernicus information sessions and for which the use of Copernicus and EO derived information could optimize their traditional monitoring and maintenance planning activities regularly performed in the surrounding environment of regional infrastructures and networks under their responsibilities.

The success will be measured not only by the integration of the EO based solution into the users’ business that will also allow communication campaign relaying on real case, but also by the user involvement in promoting the results both at internal and external levels within its industry sector.

This action will include the following activities:

• Meetings with the regional actors of the private sector (energy suppliers, infrastructure managers, etc.) to present EO (with downstream applications examples), to explain its benefit and to help identifying where the users could benefit from EO techniques and Copernicus data & services;
• 'B to B' meetings with users for selection and refinement of needs by thematic and prioritization for feasibility study, identification of pertinent demonstrator opportunities and ideation;
• Demonstrators and associated use cases co-definition with users;
• Technical realization of the demonstrators showing the EO added value including users testing and validation (Iterations with users);
• Cost analysis review in order to define the economic viability of the service;
• Design and preparation of pre-prototypes of services with associated business models, scenarios and upscaling strategies;
• Preparation of the action follow-on with the establishment of the possibilities of the perinization of the provision and use of the services & products.

Output and results:

• Sorted List of (consulted or potential) private actors / companies with identified needs where Copernicus and EO techniques can bring (entirely / partially) an added value proposition;
• 2 demonstrators/ PoCs with pre-prototypes of EO services and associated business models;
• Dissemination and promotion activities with associated material (portfolio, testimony on FPCUP & Copernicus Relay webpage, PoC results, user’s success stories on EO integration into their business) including the support of user partner to address user community for upscaling;
• A final report summarizing the action approach, activities, results, lesson learned, business follow-on solutions and opportunities.