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
Chinese Military's 800-Meter Piers Aimed at Taiwan

Chinese Militarys 800-Meter Piers Aimed at Taiwan Satellite Imagery Confirms Drills; Experts Warn of Invasion Risks Japanese media reported that ...

Jan 2,2026
Uranium Rod & Producers: Utah Leads 2026 Innovation - Farmonaut

We also discuss how satellite intelligence—such as solutions delivered by Farmonaut—is reshaping mineral discovery and uranium mining globally.

Jan 2,2026
Chinese Cargo Ship With Electromagnetic Catapult To Launch Advanced Combat Drones Emerges

That vessel features a built-in EMALS catapult for launching all types of drones. A satellite image of Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard taken on December 28.

Jan 2,2026
Using Optical Flow Temporal Interpolation of Satellite Imagery to Assist Multisensor ... - AMS Journals

The optical ffow retrieval was tuned using a large com- parison between temporally interpolated full-disk geostationary satellite imagery to ...

Jan 2,2026
As space-tech startups commercialise, downstream cos see demand uptick | Chennai News

... intelligence is embedded across enterprises. "With the convergence of AI, drone and satellite imagery, and IoT (Internet of Things), GIS is ...

Jan 2,2026
Satellite Data Confirms Rapid Expansion of Sudan Displacement Camps Amid North Darfur Conflict

In a report released Wednesday, December 31, 2025, analysis of Planet Labs PBC high-resolution satellite imagery revealed the dramatic growth of ...

Jan 2,2026
New Tehran banners threaten further attacks on Israel, US interests | Iran International

US officials said air defenses in Qatar intercepted 13 of the missiles and that one fell short of the base, but satellite imagery later indicated ...

Jan 2,2026
Tropical Cyclone 09S (Grant) / Tropical Cyclone 11S (Iggy) / Invest 99P | Pacific Disaster Center

Animated multispectral satellite imagery (msi) paints a significantly different picture than it did 24 hours ago. Over the past 12 hours ...

Jan 2,2026
New year, same script: Pak claims on Punjab airbase, BrahMos site strikes busted

... image from November 2025 to show damage by alleged Pakistani strikes in India," Symon tweeted, along with Google Earth satellite imagery. Pakistan ...

Jan 2,2026
Moscow Vows to Provide Evidence After US Rejects Claim Ukraine Targeted Putin's Residence

Copy Copied. Moscow Vows to Provide Evidence After US Rejects Claim Ukraine Targeted Putin's Residence. This satellite image released by Planet Labs ...

Jan 2,2026
Gilat Expands Defense Portfolio With Mobile Earth Observation Downlink Contract

... satellite communications toward operational Earth observation and geospatial intelligence systems. The agreement, scheduled for execution over the ...

Jan 2,2026
Researchers Are Hunting America for Hidden Datacenters - 404 Media

The team pores over satellite imagery, building permits, and other local legal documents to build a map of the massive computer filled buildings ...

Jan 2,2026
Satellite images show ski resort where at least 40 killed in Swiss bar explosion - MSN

Satellite images showing bar and ski resort before fire where at least 40 people have been killed in a New Year's Eve party.

Jan 2,2026
Putin residence attack video slammed; US officials say Ukraine did not target leader

Satellite imagery shows Vladimir Putin's residential complex in Roshchino, Novgorod Region, Russia Aug. 31, 2023. (Planet Labs PBC/Handout via Reuters).

Jan 2,2026
No immediate plans to test whether Tasiujaq, Que., has higher tides than the Bay of Fundy

Image | Canadian space agency satellite photos Leaf Basin Tasiujaq. Caption: The Canadian Space Agency captured these satellite images of Leaf ...

Jan 2,2026
Pakistan Spreads Fake Operation Sindoor Images - YouTube

Satellite imagery analysis has exposed Pakistan's use of fake visuals to spread misinformation following Operation Sindoor.

Jan 2,2026
Starving but Surveying: The Dangerous Implications of Egypt's Chinese-Backed Space Program

How Egypt's Satellite Program Undermines Western Intelligence Leverage · The “Splinternet” in Orbit · The Dual-Use Deception · The China Trap · The ...

Jan 2,2026
Evacuation warnings persist around greater Los Angeles area amid flash flood concerns

This image shows the before and after of the Palisades Fire. (Satellite image ©2025 Vantor. / FOX Weather). The FOX Forecast Center said another ...

Jan 2,2026
The Shift: Trump ends 2025 promising to support Israel's next attack on Iran - Mondoweiss

“The actual number of destroyed buildings could be significantly higher, with satellite imagery for some areas being unavailable for BBC Verify's ...

Jan 2,2026
Mapping Maritime Risk in Venezuela's Opaque Waters - Windward

Satellite imagery captured on December 13, 2025. Source: Windward Maritime AI™ Platform. Coordinated Rendezvous Between Moderate-Risk Cargo Vessels.

Jan 2,2026
Satellite Launches
What Is EOS-N1? Inside ISRO's First Satellite Launch on January 10 via PSLV C62 Mission

Hyperspectral imaging enables the satellite to capture data across hundreds of unique wavelengths beyond conventional imaging systems, allowing ...

Jan 2,2026
Starlink plans to lower satellite orbit to enhance safety in 2026 - The Hindu

... imagery. SpaceX, long known for ⁠its rocket launch business, has become the world's largest satellite operator through Starlink, a network of ...

Jan 2,2026
Starlink plans to lower satellite orbit to enhance safety in 2026 - Yahoo Finance

... imagery. SpaceX, long known for its rocket launch business, has become the world's largest satellite ⁠operator through Starlink, a network of ...

Jan 2,2026
Starlink plans to lower satellite orbit to enhance safety in 2026 - The Business Times

SpaceX, long known for its rocket launch business, has become the world's largest satellite operator through Starlink. ... imagery. SEE ALSO.

Jan 2,2026
Starlink plans to lower satellite orbit to enhance safety in 2026 By Reuters - Investing.com

... satellites orbiting at around 550 km (342 miles) to 480 km over ... imagery. SpaceX, long known for its rocket launch business, has become ...

Jan 2,2026
Starlink plans to lower satellite orbit to enhance safety in 2026 - Reuters

... satellite constellation by lowering all of its satellites orbiting ... imagery. SpaceX, long known for its rocket launch business, has become ...

Jan 2,2026
Chinese Cargo Ship With Electromagnetic Catapult To Launch Advanced Combat Drones Emerges

As you can see in satellite imagery, the swept-wing, stealthy, advanced combat drone designs seen at the dock are quite large with a considerable ...

Jan 2,2026
As space-tech startups commercialise, downstream cos see demand uptick | Chennai News

"With the convergence of AI, drone and satellite imagery, and IoT ... Pixxel Space launched the country's first private satellite ...

Jan 2,2026
Pakistan Shares Misleading Images of Amritsar Air Base, Satellite Confirms No Damage

False claims of Pakistani strikes on India's Amritsar air base have been debunked. Satellite imagery verification confirms no destruction at the ...

Jan 2,2026
Satellite Data Confirms Rapid Expansion of Sudan Displacement Camps Amid North Darfur Conflict

The imagery analysis focused on two primary sites: the Qarni camp ... Strategic Exit: Tower Corp Divests AST SpaceMobile Stake Ahead of Key Launch ...

Jan 2,2026
New Tehran banners threaten further attacks on Israel, US interests | Iran International

US officials said air defenses in Qatar intercepted 13 of the missiles and that one fell short of the base, but satellite imagery later indicated ...

Jan 2,2026
This Space Startup Wants to Turn Night Into Day, But at What Cost? - The Daily Galaxy

A new venture by Reflect Orbital is drawing global attention, as the U.S.-based company prepares to launch thousands of satellites designed to reflect ...

Jan 2,2026
Space Coast launch schedule: - Orlando Sentinel

... satellites from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39-A at 8:42 a.m. ... These include the Compact Infrared Imaging System, which is an imaging ...

Jan 2,2026
Planet delivers first light image from Pelican 6 satellite capturing Lhasa Gonggar Airport

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 01, 2026 Planet Labs has released the first light image from its Pelican 6 Earth imaging satellite, highlighting Lhasa ...

Jan 2,2026
NASA Earth science faces rollback as Mission to Planet Earth era winds down - Space Daily

... satellites, a dismantled replacement architecture, and a proposed 52 percent cut to Earth science funding in the FY26 budget. In 1987, astronaut ...

Jan 2,2026
Iranian homegrown satellites successfully placed in orbit - www.tabnak.ir

Furthermore, with the launch of the “Martyr Soleimani Constellation” project, which includes 24 satellites, Iran aims to expand its imaging coverage ...

Jan 2,2026
Starving but Surveying: The Dangerous Implications of Egypt's Chinese-Backed Space Program

The SPNEX launch is the latest salvo in the “Satellite Wars,” a quiet ... Relying on U.S. or European imagery to monitor the filling of the ...

Jan 2,2026
Iran launches satellites on Russian rockets as Moscow-Tehran ties deepen | New York Post

... satellites lifting off from Russian territory. Russian Space Agency Roscosmos/AFP via Getty Images. Advertisement. Iranian officials claim the ...

Jan 2,2026
China warns satellites from Elon Musk's Starlink are 'safety and security' risk

... satellites and a newly launched Chinese satellite, accusing the Chinese side of not coordinating with other satellites. “In recent years, humanity ...

Jan 2,2026
Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX rocket launch schedule in Florida

Mission: A SpaceX Falcon 9 will launch 29 Starlink internet satellites into low-Earth orbit. Launch window: 12 a.m. to 3:17 a.m.; Trajectory: ...

Jan 2,2026
EO-MSI
Asian Market Insights Neo-Neon Holdings And Two Other Penny Stocks To Consider

As the Asian markets continue to navigate a landscape marked by technological advancements and economic shifts, investors are keenly observing ...

Jan 2,2026
Satellite Data Confirms Rapid Expansion of Sudan Displacement Camps Amid North Darfur Conflict

The monitoring utilized Planet's PlanetScope constellation, which provides a daily scan of the Earth's landmass. These smallsat fleets allow for ...

Jan 2,2026
A stunning satellite image from NASA Worldview shows Morocco's landscape blanketed in ...

Hespress English (@HespressEnglish). 46 views. A stunning satellite image from NASA Worldview shows Morocco's landscape blanketed in white, ...

Jan 2,2026
'Several dozens' believed killed in fire at Swiss ski resort bar, say authorities | BBC News

... Constellation, police said. The cause is not known, although police ... Go to channel neo · The Most Controversial Place America Owns. neo•1.3M ...

Jan 2,2026
and another satellite caught it in the act. On December 17, 2025, a SpaceX–operated ... - Facebook

... WorldView-3, one of the most powerful commercial imaging satellites ... #space #earth #satellite # #satelliteinternet #spacetrash #elon #starlink # ...

Jan 2,2026
A stunning satellite image from NASA Worldview shows Morocco's landscape blanketed in ...

A recent NASA Worldview satellite image captures the stunning beauty of Morocco's Atlas and Rif mountains blanketed in snow.

Jan 2,2026
This is just Google Earth imagery from an Airbus Pléiades Neo satellite, not some hacked ...

Brian (@BrianE6B). 86 views. This is just Google Earth imagery from an Airbus Pléiades Neo satellite, not some hacked military asset.

Jan 2,2026
Is LAX closed due to Los Angeles fires? Here's what you need to know. - MSN

Satellite images provided to Business Insider by Maxar Technologies show the trail of destruction the fires have left in Altadena and Pacific ...

Jan 2,2026
BlackSky announces latest Gen-3 satellite in orbit after confidential Electron launch

RBC Signals (@RBCSignals). 19 views. BlackSky announces latest Gen-3 satellite in orbit after confidential Electron launch.

Jan 2,2026
SAR
ISRO's first launch of 2026 likely on Jan 10 - News Today

The EOS-N1 satellite, the payload for PSLV-C62 — the return-to-flight mission for PSLV — has arrived at SHAR on December 26 and is expected to ...

Jan 2,2026
What Is EOS-N1? Inside ISRO's First Satellite Launch on January 10 via PSLV C62 Mission

... EOS-10 oceanographic satellite alongside the India-Mauritius Joint Satellite (IMJS). HLVM-3 G1/OM1 will mark the first uncrewed test flight of ...

Jan 2,2026
Commercial Space Faces Geopolitical Crossroads Amid Global Realignment

Radar satellite operator Synspective: Share price has doubled in 12 ... 4 Takeaways: Umbra on How SAR is Unlocking... October 28, 2025. 4 ...

Jan 2,2026
View from Mars Hill: Meeting an old friend: the Verkamp Meteorite - Arizona Daily Sun

Umbra, Penumbra And Antumbra · Sunset · Earth · Uranus · Natural Satellite ... Cancer (constellation) · Stars · Stellar Astronomy · Star · Comet ...

Jan 2,2026
ISRO's first launch of New Year likely on Jan 10, to launch PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission

most reliable Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and its return to flight mission following PSLV-C61. The Mission is planned to be launched on January 10 ...

Jan 2,2026
ISRO Likely to Launch PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 on Jan 10 - Northlines

The launch is a dedicated Earth observation mission undertaken by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) for strategic users. The EOS-N1 imaging satellite has ...

Jan 2,2026
ISRO's first launch of New Year likely on Jan 10, to launch PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission

... EOS-10 satellite and the India-Mauritius Joint Satellite (IMJS). According to official sources, the PSLV C-62 will be the 64th flight of of the ...

Jan 2,2026
RF
New Year blazes - Daily Tribune

FLAMES engulf the spire of a church in Vondelkerk, Netherlands on New Year's Eve.

Jan 2,2026
Video. Switzerland resort fire: 'several dozen' dead and about 100 injured after blast in ...

Top stories. Police officers inspect the area where a fire broke out at the Le Constellation bar and Now playing Next ... The spire of the Vondel Church ...

Jan 2,2026
Netherlands Tragedy: 150-Year-Old Amsterdam Church Gutted In Fire As Spire Collapses ...

... spire to collapse. The blaze unfolded ... Switzerland Explosion: Video Captures Moments Before Fire Ripped Through Le Constellation Bar In...

Jan 2,2026
Historic 150-Year-Old Dutch Church Goes Up in Flames Amid 'Unprecedented' New Years Violence

By the time the fire was finally under control 10 hours later, at 11 a.m., the church's 164-foot neo-Gothic spire had collapsed and "only walls" ...

Jan 2,2026
Video. Fire destroys historic Vondelchurch in Amsterdam - Euronews.com

The spire of the Vondel Church caught fire after fireworks were set off in central Amsterdam. No Comment ...

Jan 2,2026
Switzerland Explosion: Video Captures Moments Before Fire Ripped Through Le ...

Switzerland Explosion: Video Captures Moments Before Fire Ripped Through Le Constellation Bar In Crans-Montana ... Spire Collapses On New Year's...

Jan 2,2026
Owners Block Social Media Profiles Of Le Constellation Bar In Switzerland Where Dozens ...

... Spire Collapses On New Year's... Netherlands Tragedy: 150-Year-Old Amsterdam Church Gutted In Fire As Spire Collapses · Hindu Businessman Survives ...

Jan 2,2026
SSA

Questions about Commercial Innovation Center (CIC)