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Earth Observation
Earth Observation
Innovation Laboratories
Empowering Kenyan innovators to solve local challenges through satellite data
Empowering Kenyan innovators to solve local challenges through satellite data
About
Earth Observation Innovation Labs (EOIL) are designed to democratise access to satellite data for sustainable development. These physical and virtual spaces provide trusted digital infrastructure and open-source toolboxes necessary for rapid prototyping and market transfer of geospatial applications tailored to local challenges.
By fostering collaborations between researchers, students, civil society and industry experts, the initiative bolsters Kenya's digital sovereignty and catalyses innovation in high-impact sectors — including agriculture, climate resilience, and urban planning — while directly strengthening national data governance capacities.
EOIL was conceptualised in 2024 under the EU-funded Data Governance in Africa Initiative. As of April 2026, it has been implemented at Taita Taveta University and the University of Nairobi.
What We're Building
Establish and operationalise the EOIL as national hubs translating research and innovation into product and service development.
Promote uptake, use, and application of EOIL for improved decision-making and sustainable development.
Catalyse the innovation ecosystem through incubation of EO-based solutions.
Deliver continuous technical capacity building through Centres of Excellence.
Provide technical support to all stakeholders — academia, government, civil society and private sector.
Services
At a Glance
Earth Observation (EO) using open-source tools and global geospatial resources.
Academia, government institutions, civil society, international organisations and private sector.
Selected Kenyan national public universities following a rigorous selection process and on-site assessment.
Virtual platform, server capacities, data access & processing tools, plus governance and ideation support.
Pilot phase Q3/2024 – Q3/2026.
2,000+ annual users · 1,500+ trained · 50+ incubated EO-based innovations by 2028.
Annual Users
Trained by 2028
Incubated Innovations
University Hubs
Infrastructure
The EOIL infrastructure provides a comprehensive, cloud-native environment designed to simplify the management and processing of complex satellite data.
Join Us
Apply via future calls or partner with the selected host institutions.
Attend trainings, hackathons, ideation sessions, or submit EO-based project ideas.
Apply via open calls or join incubation and acceleration programmes.
Follow KSA channels for announcements and open calls to stay informed.
Get in Touch
