Commercial Innovation Center (CIC)

We Are Better Together

Our Commercial Innovation Center (CIC) is a first-of-its-kind, online development and test platform that provides a secure, virtual, open ecosystem and test sandbox for developers and researchers. We do it by harnessing the combined powers of commercial remote sensing, unclassified open datasets, cloud technologies, in a secure development ecosystem fueled by new, emerging, and seasoned tools, services and data to create solutions that keep our nation safe. The Riverside Research CIC is the place where commercial subject matter experts come together securely to collaborate and create the best commercial solutions to real world scenarios before they're integrated and deployed in the field.

Together, we win

It’s not as much fun to play in the sandbox by yourself, right? We know from experience that it’s the collective work of many people with diverse experiences and backgrounds that create the most effective solutions. By design, the CIC encourages partnerships, increases data accessibility, integrates app development, and facilitates the creation of transition-ready prototypes. Because of our unique position as a nonprofit in the defense space, we can provide the neutral environment where collaborative innovation thrives. As demonstrated on this video, capitalizing on all commercial sensors available improves our progress towards persistent observation.

Access to rich datasets

Data is the one thing that is guaranteed to continuously grow and change. Technology entrepreneurs’ success revolves around access to these data and developing improved AI and machine learning tools creating integrated and advanced applications for businesses in support of (United States Government) USG needs.

Advanced tools and applications

Advanced tools and applications

Technology innovation in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and augmented and virtual reality present significant entrepreneurial opportunities, yet all require geospatial data for development. Early-stage entrepreneurs, academic researchers, and innovators will now have access to the large datasets that are traditionally only available to large, established industry players. Such datasets are often too costly for early-stage entrepreneurs and researchers to acquire, and even if the datasets are made available, they are often not packaged in a manner that allows innovators to work with the data—they are overwhelmingly unwieldy and non-standardized. The CIC data environment seeks to solve that problem, allowing researchers and entrepreneurs new opportunities for experimentation, testing, and training.

The CIC pairs this data with tools and services to streamline development timelines by ensuring flexible licenses are available for your R&D activities within the CIC ecosystem. As new tools and services become available, we negotiate with the vendors for early and shared access amongst our CIC participants to the latest and greatest capabilities from established vendors in the remote sensing market. This visual shows a few or our early integrators, and as new vendors are integrated, we’ll let the community know!

CIC Data Search and Discovery

Your all-access pass

The CIC supports and enables industry, scientific, academic, and governmental R&D activities by facilitating access to commercial remote sensing data. Riverside Research integrates the hardware, software, processes, data, tools, internet accesses, demonstration capabilities, and other IT infrastructure required to execute CIC participant SIBR projects and meet R&D objectives. Our CIC offers:

  • Exposure to diverse and emerging data and data types for more data scientists
  • Increased interaction between content providers and new application developers; enables cloud-hybrid, multi-INT applications
  • Lowered entry barriers by eliminating the need for a user-developed system
  • Integrated orchestration-to-analysis workflow
  • Timely teaming, technology, and tipping
  • Accelerated access and use of commercial remote sensing solutions and innovation
Right where you want it

Right where you want it

Are you looking for a cloud-hosting environment where you can easily access commercial data for development and test—all from one place to safely develop, load, and test capabilities?

Our trusted, unclassified, virtual development platform provides access to R&D-licensed commercial remote sensing phenomenologies (e.g., EO, radar, IR, RF), connects emerging and established vendors with shared application tools and services, and facilitates GEOINT, MASINT, and Multi-INT research and development. The CIC includes:

  • An ecosystem of commercial data providers (CDPs)
  • A network of application developers
  • Common R&D data and COTS/GOTS tools (e.g., loading, discovery)
  • Common testing data (curated, tagged)
  • Robust DevOps environment
  • Hybrid cloud-ready infrastructure
  • Protected intellectual property and data rights
  • Maturing secure data fabric
CIC mission, vision & values

CIC mission, vision & values

Mission: Provide data scientists and algorithm developers with a virtual development and test platform and access to new and diverse commercial remote sensing data to develop algorithms, tools, and services.

Vision: Work in the Nation’s interest to offer proven expertise and experience in commercial remote sensing to solve problems through innovation, agility, and creative thinking.

Values: Encourage partnerships and connect emerging and established users across USG and industry with shared application tools, services, and diverse commercial constellation data.

Participant Agreements: We offer access to a secure, virtual, cloud-based ecosystem to perform R&D using existing and emerging commercial sources to develop and test algorithms, tools, and services accelerating USG objectives.

Commercial Experts: We offer our commercial experience, data scientists, and phenomenology experts to support efforts using the CIC to perform commercial utility assessments, new sensor development, synthetic data V&V, data value/usability studies, and more.

Products and Services: We offer access to CIC-based products and services such as synthetic data generation, data tagging, AI/ML V&V, data compression, data geo-registration, and more.

Work With the Commercial Innovation Center
Press Inquiries About the CIC

Commercial Innovation in the News

  • Commercial Imagery
  • Satellite Launches
  • EO-MSI
  • SAR
  • HSI
  • RF
  • SSA
Commercial Imagery
EgSA Passes Preliminary Design Review for Infrared Thermal Imaging Payload on China's ...

... Imaging Payload on China's Chang'e-8 Lunar Lander December 6, 2025; Ethiopia Unveils a Network of Satellite Data Collection Stations December 4, 2025 ...

Dec 6,2025
India's request for satellite-aided iPhone location data is a privacy nightmare - AppleInsider

... satellite location tracking ... Image credit: Apple. While India's government pulled its demand for a preinstalled iPhone ...

Dec 6,2025
Dual-Use Shijian Satellite Program Ramps up in 2025 - The Jamestown Foundation

U.S. government reports have said that the PRC has used such devices powered by artificial intelligence (AI) for satellite maintenance, refueling, and ...

Dec 6,2025
Recent satellite imagery indicates that China's upcoming aircraft carrier, designated ... - Facebook

Recent satellite imagery indicates that China's upcoming aircraft carrier, designated Type 004, may be its first to utilize nuclear power.

Dec 6,2025
Some satellite imagery of the current situation, : r/srilanka - Reddit

Some satellite imagery of the current situation,. Discussion.

Dec 6,2025
Israel likely to strike Iran in 2026, European diplomats say - AL-Monitor

... satellite image from Space. Analysis. As it weighs options, Israel's anxiety mounts over rushed Trump-Iran talks · Rina Bassist. In Paris ...

Dec 6,2025
PAGASA: TD Wilma stays almost stationary off Eastern Samar, maintains strength - YouTube

Tropical Depression Wilma maintained its strength on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 6, as it remained almost stationary over the coastal waters of ...

Dec 6,2025
Original satellite image of a tropical cyclone sourced from the... - ResearchGate

Download scientific diagram | Original satellite image of a tropical cyclone sourced from the cooperative institute for meteorological satellite ...

Dec 6,2025
Baidu's AI chip unit Kunlunxin eyes Hong Kong IPO - report - MSN

How Much Money Should You Have Before Hiring a Financial Advisor? Sponsored. Satellite imagery shows Chinese naval task force in Philippine Sea ...

Dec 6,2025
Satellite image of North Korea at night shows how little of the country has access to ... - Reddit

Satellite image of North Korea at night shows how little of the country has access to electricity, over 90% of the population remains in the dark as ...

Dec 6,2025
Clear skies with potential coastal fog on the Central Coast - KSBW

... SATELLITE IMAGERY SHOW WHERE THE CLOUDS ARE AND IF ANY RAIN IS HAPPENING IN THE STATE CURRENTLY - PERSISTENT FORECAST THROUGH THE NEXT SEVEN DAYS ...

Dec 6,2025
Here are the latest satellite imagery with surface observations. Locations within the pink ...

NWS Norman (@NWSNorman). 117 views. Here are the latest satellite imagery with surface observations. Locations within the pink scalloped area ...

Dec 6,2025
ISRO Flags New Stubble Burning Pattern: Farm Fires Rising in Evenings - YouTube

A new ISRO study has found a significant shift in stubble-burning patterns across Punjab and Haryana, revealing that a growing share of farm fires ...

Dec 6,2025
The 'Internet of Animals' has new eyes in space to soon track wildlife from above - CBC

... intelligence. An aerial view of hundreds of white birds on a ... This was recently incorporated into a CubeSat, a small satellite, and on Nov.

Dec 6,2025
Sudan: 60,000 Killed, 150,000 Missing: Satellite Images Reveal El Fasher 'Slaughterhouse ...

Large piles of bodies, new mass graves, and cremation pits are visible in satellite imagery. British MPs were briefed that at least 60,000 people ...

Dec 6,2025
Space News: Google's proposed data center in orbit will face issues with space debris in an ...

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and cloud services has led to a massive demand for computing power ... Satellite breakups and anti- ...

Dec 6,2025
Israel bulldozed the bodies of unidentified Palestinians into mass graves in Gaza

Through analysis of videos, photos, satellite imagery and interviews with drivers and local witnesses, the report establishes that Israeli forces ...

Dec 6,2025
Shifting climate alters pattern of Atlantic's giant seaweed blobs | WLRN

Hu and his colleagues used satellite imagery of the ocean surface as well as shipboard observations to document 25 years of sargassum movement.

Dec 6,2025
Beirut Erbil Leverages Hydrosat Satellite Technology to Boost Potato Quality and Support ...

Hydrosat delivers satellite-based geospatial data to monitor land temperature, soil moisture, and crop health. Its insights help farmers and ...

Dec 6,2025
Watch Rocket Lab launch Japanese technology-demonstrating satellite to orbit tonight

Rocket Lab launched a satellite for a "confidential commercial customer" on Thursday morning (Nov. 20), just a few hours after giving notice of ...

Dec 6,2025
Satellite Launches
5 Historic US Missions To Space That Weren't NASA - BGR

... U.S. missions to space that weren't led by NASA include Blue Origin voyages, the launch of GPS technology and deployment of imaging satellites.

Dec 6,2025
AI in Latin America's Agriculture - The Borgen Project

Launched in 2014, Agrosmart now supports more than 100,000 farmers ... The platform integrates on-farm sensors, satellite imagery and machine ...

Dec 6,2025
Why AST SpaceMobile Stock Dropped 30% Last Month - The Globe and Mail

By the end of 2026, AST SpaceMobile expects to have 45-60 satellites launched, with internet connectivity ready to go for its telecommunications ...

Dec 6,2025
Dual-Use Shijian Satellite Program Ramps up in 2025 - The Jamestown Foundation

A total of 50 Shijian-series satellites have been launched since the ... (Source: Getty Images) · Beijing's New Approach to Taiwan. 10.31.2025 ...

Dec 6,2025
SpaceX Is Now Threatening the Hubble, NASA Warns - Futurism

Launched by Elon Musk's SpaceX, each satellite has the potential to disrupt astronomy through both radio emissions and light pollution — and as the ...

Dec 6,2025
Watch Rocket Lab launch Japanese technology-demonstrating satellite to orbit tonight

A Rocket Lab electron rocket launches into the night sky over Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand Rocket Lab launches private Japanese Earth-imaging ...

Dec 6,2025
Baidu's AI chip unit Kunlunxin eyes Hong Kong IPO - report - MSN

How Much Money Should You Have Before Hiring a Financial Advisor? Sponsored. Satellite imagery shows Chinese naval task force in Philippine Sea ...

Dec 6,2025
NASA spacecraft tracks comet SWAN in incredible 40-day timelapse — and even glimpses ...

The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, imaged from Mars orbit by China' China's Tianwen 1 Mars probe captures images ... launch earlier than ...

Dec 6,2025
China launches group of internet satellites into space - Anadolu Ajansı

Long March-8 series rocket uses more environmentally friendly coal-based rocket kerosene for 1st time during 5th flight - Anadolu Ajansı.

Dec 6,2025
SDA Back on Track to Award Tranche 3 Satellite Contracts - Air & Space Forces Magazine

All told, SDA expects to launch 154 spacecraft as part of Tranche 1—126 communication satellites and 28 missile warning birds.

Dec 6,2025
China's Kuaizhou-1A rocket launches two new satellites into space - People's Daily Online

... launched two new satellites from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. The VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) satellites were launched ...

Dec 6,2025
China launches group of internet satellites into space - US Muslims

Long March-8 series rocket uses more environmentally friendly coal-based rocket kerosene for 1st time during 5th flight.

Dec 6,2025
China's Kuaizhou-1A rocket launches two new satellites into space - CGTN

China launched two new satellites from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on December 5.The VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) ...

Dec 6,2025
AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) soars 31.5% on looming launch, expansion of next-generation satellite

... launch, expansion of next-generation satellite. Story by Angelica ... Finally Time to Refi? Sponsored. Amazing James Webb Space Telescope Images ...

Dec 6,2025
Iran's Tolou-3 Enters Final Countdown - WANA News

As the countdown begins for Iran's upcoming space launches, three satellites ... satellite imagery. Orbital Maneuvering: A Strategic Advantage. A major ...

Dec 6,2025
Telesin Launches New White Master Imaging Kit in Japan - WOODTV.com

... Satellite · Closings and Delays · School Closing Predictions · Power Outages · Alerts · Snow Sport Report · Ask Ellen · Weather Experience · Submit ...

Dec 6,2025
Ororatech startet Forschungssatellit GENA-OT - Munich Startup

The research satellite GENA-OT (Generic flexible Nanosatellite by Ororatech) was launched ... satellite images to warn of wildfires. Its Series B ...

Dec 6,2025
Planet Labs (PL) Deepens AI Bet With Pelican Launches – But How Defensible Is Its Data Moat?

... imagery. Together, these newer constellations are central to the ... Engages in the design, construction, and launch constellations of satellites ...

Dec 6,2025
Why AST SpaceMobile Stock Soared This Week - Yahoo Finance

Image source: Getty Images. Next-generation satellite launch. AST ... The company's next-generation BlueBird 6 is scheduled to launch on Dec.

Dec 6,2025
UK and German Government Research Organizations to Partner on Quantum - Via Satellite

Quantum technology could revolutionize fields such as cybersecurity, drug discovery, medical imaging, and much more. It says international ...

Dec 6,2025
EO-MSI
5 Historic US Missions To Space That Weren't NASA - BGR

Dove Constellation - Planet Labs (2013 - present). Two Dove satellites ... Dove satellites are orbiting at altitudes between 280 and 360 miles ...

Dec 6,2025
iran to Face its Own Shaheds U.S. Squadron Deploys LUCAS With Ukrainian-Style Upgrades

They are also equipped with a camera and satellite communication antenna, thanks to which they can be controlled in real time and accurately hit ...

Dec 6,2025
First Documented Eruption of Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi Volcano | NASA Earthdata

NASA Satellite Data Show Decrease in Colorado River Basin Aquifers. Feature Article. 20 hours ago. Search. Home · News · Worldview Image of The Week ...

Dec 6,2025
Satellite Operators to Capture Just 4% of $20 Billion BEAD Broadband Funds - SatNews

Rocket Lab launches BlackSky Gen-3 beating the annual launch record with 2 launches in 2 days from 2 hemispheres · Project Kuiper is now known as ...

Dec 6,2025
BlackSky Awarded Govt Contract to Develop AI Platform for Global Construction Monitoring

The combined effort will leverage the resources of NASA's and U.S. Geological Survey Landsat's constellation and Sentinel, the European space agency's ...

Dec 6,2025
Chinas Secret Fortresses At 14100 Feet Exposed; Satellite Images Show What Beijing ... - Zee News

The Wall Street Journal's explosive investigation analyzed over 100 satellite photographs from BlackSky intelligence, revealing the scope of China's ...

Dec 6,2025
Planet Labs (PL) Deepens AI Bet With Pelican Launches – But How Defensible Is Its Data Moat?

By adding 40 cm-class, NVIDIA Jetson-equipped Pelican satellites to its Gen 1 fleet and expanding its SuperDove monitoring constellation, Planet ...

Dec 6,2025
Volcanic tremors felt near Manila as Taal shows restiveness, signals 'possible eruption'

This satellite image released by NASA Worldview shows the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia erupting on. Eruption of long-dormant Ethiopian volcano ...

Dec 6,2025
Big concern for India as Beijing is expanding military footprint near...; Satellite images reveal ...

Over 100 satellite images from BlackSky were analyzed by The Wall Street Journal; BlackSky is a real-time space-based intelligence company that ...

Dec 6,2025
Constellation reaches agreement with US Department of Justice for acquisition of Calpine

U.S. power company Constellation Energy said on Friday it has reached a resolution with the U.S. Department of Justice on the conditions required ...

Dec 6,2025
Powerful atmospheric river aimed at PNW will miss the Bay Area: NWS - KRON4

... Satellite images show a strong atmospheric river taking aim at the Pacific Northwest Friday. (NASA worldview). by: John Ross Ferrara. Posted: Dec 5 ...

Dec 6,2025
DJI Neo 2 at Night: How Far Can You Push the ISO - DroneXL

When I first picked up the original Neo I truly admired the build quality, and after the first flights I felt pretty happy with how it moved ...

Dec 6,2025
@_harperfinn “Doves” & “Satellite” | On The Radar Live Performance - Facebook

... “Doves” & “Satellite” | On The Radar Live Performance. ... 9y · Public. Another one for Dave Harrell, this is WDDV in Venice, “1320 The Dove” with their ...

Dec 6,2025
SAR
Watch Rocket Lab launch Japanese technology-demonstrating satellite to orbit tonight

Rocket Lab launched a satellite for a "confidential commercial customer" on Thursday morning (Nov. 20), just a few hours after giving notice of ...

Dec 6,2025
Finnish-Polish satellite manufacturer Iceye reaches PLN 10 bln valuation

The fresh capital will support expansion of its satellite constellation and data analytics. In May, Iceye won a major Polish defense contract worth ...

Dec 6,2025
Iceye, a Finnish satellite developer with a number of defense contracts, has raised money at ...

Bloomberg (@business). 19 likes. Iceye, a Finnish satellite developer with a number of defense contracts, has raised money at a €2.4 billion ($2.8 ...

Dec 6,2025
ICEYE spacetech secures EUR 150 mln in new funding for new sovereign satellite systems

"ICEYE enables that, with the world's largest SAR constellation, software-defined satellites, and fully sovereign missions that put independent ...

Dec 6,2025
Alquist Launches Concrete Printer Brand & Expands Construction 3D Printing Partnership ...

Recent News. This Year's Forbes 30 Under 30 Innovators Pushing 3D Printing Into the List · Colorado School of Mines' First Satellite Campus is Part of ...

Dec 6,2025
Third AI-eXpress satellite in orbit for a new era of edge intelligence in space - MundoGEO

Planetek Italia announced the successful launch of AI-eXpress 1 Plus (AIX-1+), the third satellite in the AI-eXpress constellation. ... SSC and ICEYE ...

Dec 6,2025
Space Capital family company ICEYE has expanded its world-leading SAR satellite ... - Facebook

These satellites will support ICEYE's commercial constellation as well as major government programs, including missions for Greece, Poland, and BAE ...

Dec 6,2025
Aechelon Technology Integrates AI with Vantor's 3D Terrain Data for Enhanced Geospatial ...

Vantor's data is delivered through its advanced Tensorglobe platform, supported by a sophisticated satellite constellation. This constellation ...

Dec 6,2025
ICEYE and General Catalyst partner to redefine space-based intelligence in Europe

HELSINKI, Finland, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ICEYE, the world leader in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite systems has secured new ...

Dec 6,2025
Solidium supports ICEYE's growth by participating in financing round - STT Info

... satellite imaging company: ICEYE and General Catalyst partner to redefine space-based intelligence in Europe ... ICEYE operates in a highly ...

Dec 6,2025
HSI
RF
SSA

Questions about Commercial Innovation Center (CIC)