Interview Column #Perspectives - Obloo

Giulia Cervelli - Founder of Mespac, Head of Ocean Science

Why did you found Mespac?

MESPAC was born to solve a frustration that both my co-founders and I experienced first-hand during our work experience in the offshore field. Traditional methods for offshore wind and wave surveys are slow, expensive and carry significant risks. We wished there was a better way to collect crucial weather and ocean data. The breakthrough came during an ESA-supported feasibility study, where we realised how powerful the combination of satellite data and artificial intelligence could be. It was then that we realised that we could dramatically improve these processes, reducing the time, cost and risk that had held back offshore operations for so long and complicated some of our projects. #MESPAC was the answer to this challenge.

How does your technology work?

Our technology integrates satellite Earth Observation (SatEO) data with proprietary advanced AI models. We pull in data from multiple satellite constellations and merge it with in-situ offshore environmental data and, using our AI algorithms, we refine and enhance those datasets, making them more accurate, reliable and useful. Offshore developers can access continuous, high-precision metocean insights through our interactive dashboards. Whether it’s project planning, operations, or managing plants, our platform quick delivers detailed information also without the need for those time-consuming, expensive in-situ surveys.

What emerging or niche technologies are you currently keeping an eye on and how do you imagine they will influence your sector in the next 5 years?

?We are always watching the latest advancements in satellite tech, AI, and climate modeling. Right now, AI is evolving rapidly, allowing for more precise predictions and environmental analysis. We’re also excited about the potential of real-time satellite data collection technologies, which will make monitoring even more efficient. In the next five years, we think advancements in satellite resolution and AI capabilities will shrink the need for traditional surveys even further. Decisions will be made faster, and with greater accuracy, helping offshore energy projects move forward with more confidence.

Many successful companies change direction or iterate their initial ideas. Can you describe a significant change or evolution your startup has gone through in terms of technology or product strategy and how it contributed to your current success?

When we started, our goal was pretty simple. We wanted to provide historical environmental data to offshore wind farm developers. We focused on time-series analyses of past conditions to help with project design. But after talking to potential customers, we realized they needed more, specifically real-time and forecasting data. That feedback prompted us to expand our service offerings to include real-time monitoring and forecasting data. This evolution not only increases the value we provide to our offshore wind farm customers, but also reveals broader applications for our technology. We now see the potential to extend our services to other ocean renewable energy sectors, such as wave energy and floating solar, as well as environmental monitoring and shipping route optimization. This strategic expansion allows us to better serve a growing and diverse customer base, while fully leveraging our expertise across multiple sectors.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the tech industry. How does your technology contribute to environmental or social goals and what role do you think tech companies should play in addressing these challenges?

Sustainability is at the heart of what we do at MESPAC. Our technology directly supports the growth of renewable energy, particularly offshore wind, which is critical to reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. By simplifying site assessments, we reduce the need for traditional, resource-intensive surveys. This means wind farms can be installed more quickly, accelerating the transition to clean energy. Additionally, our data enables more efficient plant management, maximizing clean energy production. We aim to contribute to addressing major environmental challenges and supporting decarbonization.

Your favorites! (podcasts, articles, books)

?At MESPAC, we are a curious and dynamic group. Staying up to date with global news and discussing new technologies is a big part of who we are. One of the podcasts we listen to regularly is “TechX Insights” for the latest in energy innovations, but we are also big fans of “Freakonomics Radio,” which dives into the fascinating intersection of economics, technology, and human behavior. That said, our favorite “sport” is probably sharing cutting-edge scientific papers in the energy field. While reading dense research papers might seem like a chore to some, for us it’s pure passion. It fuels our curiosity, sparks new ideas, and keeps us excited about the work we do.

Mespac Website ???? https://mespac.space/

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