Predictia, Big Data and Machine Learning for climate, weather and health
Short description of your organisation
Predictia is a spin-off company from the University of Cantabria, with over 10 years of experience in applying Big Data and Machine Learning to the fields of climate & weather modelling, remote sensing and health data management. We develop solutions and services for both public institutions and private companies, providing accurate, timely and tailored predictions and analysis. Through participation in Horizon2020, Copernicus contracts and other international projects, we are able to maintain a strong core of research and innovation.
How does your organisation currently support the development of EO*GI skills?
Currently, we have three people that are either doing their PhD or their master’s thesis with us. In our case, our support comes in two main ways: we mentor them and share our accumulated experience of over 10 years, and we also stay updated on the EO/GIS landscape to participate in opportunities like ECMWF’s Summer of Weather Code and other initiatives, that help them build the skills they need in EO and GI.
What do you think we need in order to improve EO*GI skills in Europe?
On our side, being a spin-off company, we work at the interface between the academic world and the business world. In that sense, we are on the sweet spot for covering this skill gap. For the Master’s and PhD that start working with us, this is the first taste with EO/GIS/climate information. However, this is not a shortcoming for us. The scientific training and mindset they have acquired in the past are much more important for us, as they give them an analytical and critical approach to information that is key to perform quality analysis. For the EO/GI skills, they rely on the projects we take part in, the resources offered by Copernicus Learning services, and the mentoring that takes place within the job, with the more senior profiles within our company.
Why was it important for you to join EO4GEO?
It’s important for us to give our coworkers the best opportunities possible for their development. In addition, the international scope that EO4GEO provides is very relevant, as we are familiarised with the current situation in Spain, and the limits we are facing, but we are interested in hearing from others’ experiences, and see how we can all find common ground and solutions.
