What began as a project-driven initiative in the Netherlands, has evolved into a global force in sustainable innovation. By harnessing satellite imagery and AI, NEO transforms data into actionable solutions for climate adaptation and energy transition. From mapping solar potential with the World Bank to optimizing power grids, NEO is shaping a smarter, greener world. Read on to discover how their cutting-edge Earth Observation technology is driving real change.
Shifting from project-driven to scalable data solutions
As satellite and aerial imaging technology advanced, NEO recognized the growing commercial potential of Earth Observation data. The company invested in scaling its technical capabilities for a wide application. A strategic vision—supported by an ambitious investor based in Brabant (The Netherlands)—transformed NEO from a niche project organization into a venture-oriented business focused on delivering practical, data-driven solutions.
NEO integrates consultative selling and agile engineering techniques into its workflow. This means swiftly interpreting client needs, creating pilot solutions, gathering feedback, and iterating toward user-friendly products. The objective is to ensure that governments, businesses, and international organizations can deploy these tools to solve real-world problems, from climate adaptation to energy transition.
High-Impact projects with the World Bank
One of the clearest examples of NEO’s transformation is its work for the World Bank. Today, NEO leads two major initiatives that exemplify the power of their Earth Observation data in driving sustainable development worldwide:
- Global rooftop solar potential assessment
Using high-resolution satellite imagery and machine learning algorithms, NEO analyzes the suitability of rooftops for solar panel installations across more than twenty countries. This approach generates interactive maps indicating how much energy a building could produce and whether solar investments are financially viable. By visualizing these findings, stakeholders—from local governments to private investors—can make informed decisions about renewable energy projects. - Power grid mapping
In parallel, NEO identifies and classifies electrical infrastructure such as transmission towers, cables, and substations. Armed with this detailed grid information, the World Bank and local authorities can see precisely where electricity networks are strained and where expansion is most needed. This proactive mapping helps guide infrastructure development plans for emerging markets, increasing energy access while mitigating grid overload.
Feedback from the World Bank and regional governments has been overwhelmingly positive. In addition to providing valuable data, NEO’s tools serve as visual aids that bridge communication gaps among stakeholders—particularly those unfamiliar with technical jargon or complex data sets.
Entrepreneurial mindset and Brabant roots
A key factor in NEO’s evolution is the backing of an investor from Brabant, a Dutch region known for nurturing innovative tech companies. This partnership allowed NEO to scale quickly by emphasizing commercial viability and international reach. While research and development remain at the heart of NEO’s work, each project now starts with a clear plan for implementation and measurable impact.
Rather than relying on lengthy, subsidy-driven research cycles, NEO employs an iterative, results-oriented approach. The company’s consultative selling ethos involves understanding the client’s challenges in depth, designing targeted solutions, and refining those solutions based on real-world performance. This business model has accelerated NEO’s entry into new markets worldwide, fostering collaborations in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
Building an Earth Observation Hub
NEO’s headquarters in Amersfoort is now buzzing with conversations about creating an Earth Observation Hub. The aim is to bring together diverse expertise in satellite imagery, GIS, and data analytics under one roof, enabling faster development and deployment of new applications. By pooling knowledge and resources, NEO and its partners hope to overcome the fragmentation that characterizes Europe’s current Earth Observation landscape.
Such a hub would facilitate synergy among various players in data science, environmental research, and technology. It would also bolster Europe’s competitive position, moving to a more unified and sustainable entity able to compete globally. As climate change intensifies and real-time insights become indispensable, this collaboration could be a catalyst for more effective geo-intelligence solutions.
Addressing climate and energy challenges
Sustainability is a core element of NEO’s current portfolio. For instance, the company helps Dutch water authorities track invasive plant species, safeguarding ecosystems and infrastructure in a changing climate. Elsewhere, it advises multinational food companies on agricultural water loss, helping them adapt sourcing strategies to environmental realities.
NEO also contributes to the European AMS through advanced agricultural monitoring. Tree mapping and the creation of a public landscape elements register are all examples that support the sustainability agenda.
Congestion risk monitoring for smarter grids
NEO’s partnerships with the World Bank, particularly in solar energy potential and power grid mapping, highlight its role in catalyzing a global energy transition. By equipping policymakers and energy agencies with actionable intelligence, NEO supports cleaner energy sources and modernized infrastructure that can keep pace with 21st-century demands.
Looking ahead, NEO is tackling one of the biggest bottlenecks in sustainable energy adoption: overloaded power grids. Solar panels, electric vehicles, and heat pumps are proliferating at a fast growing rate, placing unprecedented strain on existing networks. To address these challenges, NEO is developing a Congestion Risk Monitor—a tool that synthesizes data on solar capacity, climate patterns, and energy consumption across different sectors.
By identifying and predicting potential congestion points, utilities and grid operators can plan infrastructure investments more effectively and prevent disruptions. Municipalities also benefit by understanding neighborhood-level energy demand, helping them implement preventative measures and optimize local energy strategies. This proactive approach to grid management ensures that sustainability targets can be met without compromising reliability.
Evolving toward data-driven sustainability
NEO’s journey—from a small research outfit to a global driver of data-driven sustainability—exemplifies a broader shift within the Earth Observation industry. Scientific precision remains crucial, but real-world applicability and scalability are now equally important. By balancing rigorous research with agile product development, NEO demonstrates how advanced geospatial data can inform solutions for pressing issues like climate adaptation, renewable energy, and ecosystem preservation.
As NEO continues to expand internationally, it stands at the forefront of a rapidly maturing sector, where satellites, big data, and machine learning converge to shape our planet’s future. In this new landscape, Earth Observation is no longer just about watching; it is about actively guiding how humanity responds to the complex challenges facing our world.
Stadsring 65 D, 3811 HN – NL Amersfoort
W: www.neo.nl