This week, Riga has become Europe’s hub for space data and innovation – on October 1, the international conference “Big Data from Space 2025” (BiDS2025). was officially opened at the National Library of Latvia. The large-scale event has attracted more than 600 registered participants – scientists, industry representatives, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from around the world – to discuss the use of big data and space technologies for strengthening society, the economy, and security. The conference is being held for the seventh time.
For the first time, BiDS2025 is being held in the Baltic Sea region, and the opportunity to host this conference in Latvia has been made possible through the Ministry of Education and Science’s (MoES) participation in the European Space Agency (ESA) (Eiropas Kosmosa aģentūrā (EKA)) as an associate member.
The conference is organized by ESA, the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), and the European Union Satellite Centre (SatCen), in cooperation with Latvian partners – the Ministry of Education and Science, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, and the Latvian Space Industry Association.
In her opening speech, Minister of Education and Science Dace Melbārde emphasized:
“Latvia is strengthening its role in the European space sector, and our greatest value is knowledge. We are ready to cooperate, drive innovation, and create solutions that benefit society and the economy, strengthen security, and help address global challenges.”
SatCen Director Louis Tillier emphasized:
“BiDS is a unique platform where industry, academia, and institutions come together to unlock the full potential of space data for evidence-based policymaking and action. In the field of security and defense, cooperation is essential, and thanks to the work of SatCen’s Research, Technology Development and Innovation Unit, we are strengthening research and innovation capacity while providing direct support to operations. This helps transform data into knowledge and knowledge into practical action, reinforcing Europe’s security and resilience. We thank Latvia for its hospitality and readiness to host such an important conference.”
Meanwhile, Stefanie Lumnitz, representative of the ESA Presidium, European Commission seconded expert, and Earth Observation Scientist at ESA’s Horizon Europe programme, underlined the unique significance of the conference, as it brings together both experts and a wider audience, fostering open dialogue and knowledge exchange on challenges relevant to society:
“It is crucial to speak clearly about the changes happening in the world – from the geopolitical situation to new issues such as cybersecurity – and to explore how to respond not only with technical solutions but also by rethinking approaches to cooperation and governance,” noted S. Lumnitz.
She also expressed her gratitude to the Latvian partners for their contribution and initiative:
“On behalf of ESA – a big thank you to Latvia, as a growing player in the space sector, for its enthusiasm and significant input. It is truly inspiring to see the industrial exhibition area and the many additional activities you have implemented.”
The BiDS 2025 conference offers a platform for researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to come together in search of new opportunities for using space data in everyday life and in the development of society.
The main objectives of the conference are:
To demonstrate how space data helps tackle global challenges – such as combating climate change and strengthening security.
To identify new technologies for data use, finding innovative ways in which space data can support our daily lives and national development.
To foster cooperation between researchers and entrepreneurs to jointly create innovative solutions.
To look ahead and plan for the future by developing roadmaps that will help fully unlock the potential of space data.
This year’s conference focuses on a wide range of topics, including:
How space data helps to understand climate change, strengthen security, and improve health.
How to connect different space technologies and data processing methods.
How artificial intelligence and digital twins (virtual models of the real world) are evolving.
How to ensure responsible use of technologies and reliable digital solutions.
Future opportunities in cloud computing and data storage.
How new approaches to data processing – such as data integration and forecasting – can bring practical benefits.
What changes future technologies, including quantum computing and new sensors, may bring.
The conference programme includes academic sessions and expert presentations, as well as an industrial exhibition with more than 15 stands – including the science communication brand researchLatvia and the Latvian Council of Science – alongside a demonstration area, hackathons, and code sprints attracting students, entrepreneurs, and young researchers.
On-site registration is available for participants. More information: www.bigdatafromspace2025.org
The international conference is organized with the support of European Union funds.
