Filipino startup CirroLytix Research Services has won the GEO Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Awards for applying Earth observations towards the achievement of the SDGs.
CirroLytix was named the winner in the For-Profit Award category in the second edition of the GEO SDG Awards announced by the Earth Observations for the Sustainable Development Goals (EO4SDG) on November 4, 2020.
The GEO SDG Awards recognize the productivity, ingenuity, proficiency, novelty, and exemplary communications of results and experiences in the use of Earth observations to support sustainable development.
CirroLytix, formed to create social impact through big data through the application of machine learning, data engineering, remote sensing, and social listening, is a Philippines-based data analytics firm that hopes to help governments, researchers, NGOs, and social enterprises achieve positive change.
The winning team, comprised of team leader Dominic Ligot from the University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman), Statistical Models expert Claire Tayco of UP Diliman, Data Engineer Mark Toledo of Far Eastern University (FEU), and Geospatial Models expert Jansen Lopez of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), is also currently involved in Coronatracker.com, a portal for the public to keep track of the latest verified news and worldwide developments about the COVID-19.
CirroLytix was cited for its involvements in public health, human rights, fighting disinformation, education, and food security.
The Filipino startup is a two-time National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Apps winner.
It developed the Advanced Early Dengue Prediction and Exploration Service (Project AEDES) that nowcasts dengue trends and detects mosquito habitats to help preempt cases of dengue. AEDES won the NASA Space Apps Challenge in 2019.
The startup also won the Space Apps COVID-19 Challenge for its Global Impact Detection from Emitted Light, Onset of COVID-19, and Nitrogen Dioxide (G.I.D.E.O.N.) that measures the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I am glad that the GEO SDG Awards Panel has selected CirroLytix for an award, recognizing the importance of this work in developing an EO-integrated dengue case predictor mapping system,” said Dr. Argyro Kavvada, lead for Sustainable Development Goals of the Earth Science Division, NASA’s Science Mission Directorate and executive secretary of the EO4SDG.
Space Apps lead organizer in the Philippines Michael Lance M. Domagas highlighted the inspiration given by winners like CirroLytix.
“To be recognized by not just one, but five space agencies, is something that has not yet been achieved by Filipinos,” said Domagas.
“Our Filipino winners of Space Apps and GEO SDG Awards have taught us how these space technologies greatly help in addressing epidemics and economic impact of COVID-19. It’s time to give them recognition and respect because they are Filipinos like us,” added the Space Apps Philippines chief.
SEND CONGRATULATIONS in the comments below to Filipino startup CirroLytix for winning the GEO Sustainable Development Goals Award!
Want to know how to be a Proud Pinoy? Like, Follow, Subscribe to GoodNewsPilipinas.com, and our socials on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Good News Pilipinas! TV on YouTube, for new story notifications, and e-mail newsletters for updates on more Filipino Pride stories.
