Mantle Labs, a pioneering agri-fintech platform, faced a significant challenge in acquiring high-quality weather data from across the globe, including remote locations. The effectiveness of their AI-powered platform, Geobotanics, was limited by the quality of its inputs. They had to engage with multiple data sources that varied in terms of granularity and consistency, which restricted the scope of grid coverage they had access to. There were numerous under-observed territories that lacked the means or the skillset to invest in weather data infrastructure and methodology. As a result, Mantle Labs was unable to fully explore the potential of its digital agricultural solutions on a global scale.

The maritime industry faces numerous challenges, including the need for real-time performance analysis and proactive decision support. These challenges are complex and multifaceted, impacting global trade and supply chains. Factors such as weather conditions, fuel economy, travel speed, and route selection can significantly affect vessel performance. The industry needed a solution that could provide maritime customers with an intelligent, quality product, designed specifically for vessel performance optimization. This was easier said than done, considering the number of factors that impact vessel performance.

NASA, the United States’ civil space program, is a global leader in space exploration. It works with U.S. contractors, academics, international and commercial partners to expand knowledge for the benefit of humanity. One of the significant challenges NASA faces is supporting climate research and earth science. In 2017, NASA initiated the Commercial Smallsat Data Acquisition (CSDA) Program with the Private-Sector Small Constellation Satellite Data Product Pilot Project. The program aimed to identify, evaluate, and acquire commercial datasets to support NASA’s Earth science research and application goals. However, the challenge was to establish continuous and repeatable processes to bring on new commercial data vendors, enable the sustained use of purchased data, establish data management systems and processes, and coordinate with other U.S. Government agencies and international partners on the evaluation and scientific use of commercial data.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an American scientific and regulatory agency, was tasked with improving weather modeling and computing capabilities as part of its commitment to the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017. The agency recognized the potential of commercially sourced Radio Occultation (RO) data to enhance weather forecasting and understanding of climate change. However, before awarding contracts to commercial aerospace companies, NOAA needed to assess the accuracy, reliability, and overall impact of commercial RO data on weather forecasting applications. A pilot program was initiated for this purpose. The initial assessment found that Spire Global's Level 2 products were mature and stable, with a marked positive impact on the Day 1 forecast.

Orbitare, a company focused on providing global connectivity, was in the process of developing a new satellite-based data transport network, SPACELOOP. This network aimed to deliver IP messaging, email, and file transfer to users anywhere in the world, including remote areas where terrestrial networks are inaccessible. However, the project faced a significant challenge: it lacked an existing infrastructure in space to support the testing and development of the application. The need for a solution was urgent, as instantaneous communication has become a basic need for many, including mariners, polar explorers, journalists, NGO workers, and adventure travelers. These individuals often find themselves in remote areas where connectivity is difficult to obtain.

The increasing risk and intensity of wildfires worldwide, exacerbated by climate change, necessitates a robust and efficient defense strategy. The challenge lies in the need for real-time monitoring and early detection systems that can help authorities shorten wildfire response times, swiftly implement evacuation plans, and provide firefighters with the necessary support. Additionally, these systems would aid the forest sector in identifying future risk areas and proactively patrolling them. However, the rapid response required necessitates data from remote areas, which can only be gathered from space. This is where OroraTech, a satellite wildfire monitoring start-up based in Germany, and Spire, a leading provider of nanosatellites, come into play.

SpaceChain, a pioneer in exploring the possibilities of blockchain in space, faced a significant challenge. As cryptocurrency became more widely used, the company sought to add an additional layer of security and encryption to the already secure distributed and decentralized infrastructure of blockchain. They were in search of a global solution that could help them scale their application coverage in space. The company needed a partner that could not only take their application to space but also ensure the secure transmission of data. This was crucial as SpaceChain had received funding from the European Space Agency (ESA) to create a satellite-based multisignature wallet for ultra-secure cryptocurrency payments in FinTech and for businesses.

In late August 2017, Hurricane Harvey hit the South Texas coast, causing unprecedented flooding and destruction. BBVA Compass, a U.S. banking company with nearly 25% of its 649 branches located in South Texas, was significantly impacted. The hurricane affected employees' personal lives, closed administrative buildings and branches, and knocked ATMs offline. As one of the top 25 largest U.S. commercial banks, it was crucial for BBVA Compass to maintain operations with minimal interruption to serve all communities and clients. Business disruptions, regardless of their size, can have long-lasting and negative effects on both employees and clients if not properly planned for. Therefore, business continuity planning was critical for BBVA Compass to ensure employee safety and business survival during such disasters.

In the fall of 2017, a container transportation company, a client of StormGeo, was planning a transatlantic voyage from Halifax to Bremerhaven in northern Europe. The Master of the vessel had planned to sail via the English Channel due to pilotage considerations, intending to follow a route via 40N 40W en route to the Channel. However, this route posed significant challenges. It would have exposed the vessel to significantly heavier head conditions associated with a lower-latitude storm system. This would have forced the Captain to increase speed and thus fuel consumption to maintain the scheduled arrival time. Additionally, the harsh conditions could have resulted in damage to the vessel and its assets, as well as posing safety hazards to the cargo and crew.

Norwegian electricity distributor Elvia faces significant challenges in maintaining the stability of their power grid during severe weather conditions. These conditions, which include strong winds, heavy snow, ice on power lines, and lightning, often lead to power outages and interruptions. The unpredictability of these weather events, particularly lightning, adds to the complexity of the situation. Elvia's challenge is to anticipate these weather-related threats and prepare accordingly to minimize the impact on their power grid. The company's ability to respond effectively to these threats is critical to its operations and service delivery. Therefore, Elvia needed a reliable way to predict and prepare for severe weather conditions that could potentially disrupt their power supply.

The International Maritime Organization has set a goal to reduce annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships by at least 50% by 2050 and carbon intensity by 70% by 2050 as compared with 2008. With new requirements addressing GHG emissions expected to enter into force on 1 January 2023, shipping companies need to start planning for decarbonization now. Many shipping companies realize the economic and reputation benefits that sustainable operations bring as well. Evaluating, monitoring and reporting their sustainability improvements has become more important than ever. However, achieving these goals requires effective strategies and tools to measure and monitor vessel performance and condition.

International Paper, a leading producer of fiber-based packaging and pulp, operates a facility in Wilmington, North Carolina, a region frequently threatened by hurricanes and tropical storms. These severe weather events pose significant risks to business operations and employee safety. The Wilmington plant, which employs close to 600 people and produces 2,200 tons of fluff pulp daily, has experienced disruptions due to storms like Hurricane Michael and Hurricane Florence. Accurate and timely weather forecasting is critical for the company to ensure logistics planning and personnel safety. Prior to implementing a solution, International Paper relied on reports from power companies and general media, which often lacked the necessary details for making informed operational decisions.

Medxcel, a healthcare management company with facilities across the U.S., faced a significant challenge during Hurricane Irma. The company had to make critical decisions about whether to evacuate three of its facilities in Florida, including a nursing home and two hospitals. Local authorities advised evacuation of one hospital due to the anticipated storm surge and flooding. However, evacuating a hospital is a complex and costly process, requiring significant time, resources, and potentially causing distress to patients. A single patient evacuation can cost thousands of dollars, and a full-scale hospital evacuation can cost hundreds of thousands, if not millions. Furthermore, the decision to evacuate must be made at least 48 hours before a hurricane's landfall, a time when the exact path and impact of the hurricane may still be uncertain.

The offshore wind energy sector is looking towards floating wind turbines as the future of renewable energy. Norway, a country with a strong background in the oil and gas industry, is leading the way in this development. However, the implementation of floating wind turbines presents several challenges. The depth of the ocean off the Norwegian coast necessitates the use of floating turbines, which are more complex and costly to develop than their fixed counterparts. Additionally, the environmental, technical, and economic challenges surrounding these structures are significant. These include the potential hazard they pose to bird migrations, the difficulty of maintaining structures far out at sea, and the high costs associated with developing and mounting these massive steel structures.

Atlantic City Electric, Delmarva Power, and Pepco, part of the Exelon family of companies, provide energy services to over two million electric and natural gas customers. These companies are faced with the challenge of managing their operations during severe weather conditions, particularly during thunderstorm season. Thunderstorms can cause significant damage to utilities, leading to outages that impact not only the utility companies but also schools, businesses, emergency services, and the economy at large. The companies rely on StormGeo for meteorological support services throughout the year, but the need for support intensifies during thunderstorm season. When severe weather strikes, these utilities must position their crews to respond to storms, prioritizing the safety of employees, customers, and community members.

The Rowegians, a team of four Norwegian women, embarked on the world's toughest rowing challenge, a 3000 NM Atlantic crossing. The challenge, which typically lasts around 60 days, is fraught with numerous difficulties, including unpredictable weather conditions, sleep deprivation, and physical exhaustion. The team needed to optimize their route, taking into account historical and forecasting data to ensure their safety and success. However, the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean and the unpredictability of its conditions posed a significant challenge in tracking and optimizing their route. The Rowegians required a reliable solution that could provide real-time tracking and weather forecasting to assist them throughout their journey.

T-Mobile, the third-largest wireless network operator in America, is responsible for approximately 107,000 mobile towers across the US and Puerto Rico. Ensuring network reliability during natural disasters, particularly wildfires, is a significant challenge. Wildfires have caused major impacts each year, destroying thousands of homes and businesses and costing insurers $13 billion in 2020 alone. When wildfires strike, it's crucial that communication lines stay open. T-Mobile's 'prepare-first' strategy required a solution that could provide accurate and timely information about wildfires to minimize service disruptions and ensure the safety of their assets.

Panzerdog, a gaming company, had developed a fast-paced game that involved five-member squads battling each other in a dynamic, physics-driven world. The game required tactical coordination among team members, making reliable communication crucial for an immersive and competitive gaming experience. As the game gained popularity, with over 10 million global downloads, maintaining the quality of the player experience became a significant challenge. Any degradation in the gaming experience, especially in the chat feature, which was integral to gameplay, could lead to dissatisfaction among the increasingly demanding and vocal player base. This was evident from the 160,000 comments on the Google Play Store. Panzerdog initially considered building their own chat infrastructure but realized they needed a more robust solution.

RNL QuadWrangle, an alumni engagement platform, was founded with the aim of personalizing alumni outreach. Their platform curates content based on each individual's interests, interactions, and behaviors, ensuring that alumni receive the right message at the right time, whether through text, video, or email. However, delivering custom communication flows for each individual required a lot of developer resources and maintenance time. The company needed a reliable messaging infrastructure on the backend that would allow them to continuously deliver a highly individualized alumni experience without causing undue burden on their developers.

Scratchpad, a workspace designed for salespeople to quickly access and update Salesforce, was facing challenges in providing real-time updates and collaboration features at scale. The sales teams needed to focus on customer relationships rather than constantly switching between tabs to update fields and next steps in Salesforce. The existing in-house system was not able to provide the speed and reliability required to improve efficiency and increase sales. The challenge was to find a solution that could streamline the day-to-day work of sales teams, remove the tedium of data entry, and enable real-time collaboration and updates.

Stage TEN, an interactive live e-commerce platform, was facing significant challenges with their in-house chat system while hosting large-scale events. The system was unable to handle a large number of chat users simultaneously, leading to latency issues and restrictions on concurrency. This was a major concern for Stage TEN, as their platform is designed to host live e-commerce events where real-time interaction is crucial for engaging with the audience and driving purchases. The company needed a scalable chat solution that could handle any number of users without latency issues. They also wanted to enhance their platform with engaging features like emojis and real-time chat moderation to ensure a positive user experience.

Tablet Command, a provider of incident management and response software for fire departments across North America, was facing challenges in delivering real-time updates to firefighters during emergencies. The company's in-house solution for updates was not only time-consuming and resource-intensive but also lacked the real-time functionality that was crucial for their operations. The solution operated by checking in with devices every six seconds, which was not sufficient for the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of firefighting. The company needed a solution that could provide continuous, reliable, and real-time updates to firefighters, helping them respond faster and improve the outcomes of emergencies.

Tenna, a construction technology platform based in Edison, NJ, specializes in equipment fleet operations. Their innovative app bridges the gap between on-site projects, equipment facilities, and office operations by providing construction companies with a solution to manage and track assets and fleets in the field using real-time data. However, Tenna faced a significant challenge in providing real-time geolocation tracking, a crucial feature of their platform. Initially, they attempted to build an in-house system, but soon realized they needed a more reliable solution that could provide real-time geolocation data to their customers. They also needed a solution that could easily integrate into their existing tech stack and scale with their growth plans.

United Colors of Dissent (UCoD) is a data-driven performance designed for live public interaction in urban environments. The performance captures the linguistic and socio-cultural profile of different communities by creating dynamic visualizations and infographics. The audience in a public space can join the performance through a simple URL on their browser and answer questions every 30 seconds using a simple slider. Their answers are collected in a pool, and based on those answers, the results are visualized on a media facade. The challenge was to visualize the data as it gets collected and shared immediately with the audience to give them feedback throughout the performance. The creators, Orkan Telhan and Mahir Yavuz, needed real-time technology to broadcast the results of their questions onto the media facade and let everyone see each other’s answers at the same time. They also needed a solution that could handle large fluctuations in users, from small amounts to thousands of users simultaneously, and provide real-time latency no matter what city the performance was taking place in.

Vampr, a mobile network for musicians, aimed to differentiate itself from traditional social networking platforms like Facebook by focusing on professional networking. The platform presents potential creative collaborators to users based on their search criteria, with a thumb swipe as the primary mechanism to sift through options. This approach was unique when Vampr launched, setting it apart from market leaders in the music-social space such as ReverbNation and MySpace, which relied on a scroll/form-based approach to networking. However, the challenge was to ensure real-time, seamless connectivity and communication between users of the app. For any geosocial network, real-time interaction is critical as conversations and first encounters with strangers are happening in the moment. If the real-time experience is not robust, the platform risks losing its pulse altogether.

Yellow, a technology company that builds web and mobile applications, was tasked with creating Famlicious, a secure family messaging, photo, and timeline sharing app for iOS and Android. The goal was to connect families worldwide through a safe and stable communication platform. The challenge was to deliver a sophisticated app with real-time chat functionality and a fast, synchronized experience for content sharing features like the family timeline. The app also had to be secure, protecting the private and sensitive content shared between family members. All these features had to perform seamlessly as the Famlicious user base continues to grow, increasing the concurrent user engagement worldwide. The challenge was to ship a production-grade real-time application on schedule, without being limited by insufficiently scalable infrastructure.

ZOLL, a leader in developing medical devices and software solutions, aimed to transform emergency medical services (EMS) communication by streamlining the entire process from emergency call to ER/hospital. This modernization was intended to improve patient response and care. To build their iOS/Android app, Respond, ZOLL needed a real-time messaging infrastructure that was fast, reliable, and secure. These three criteria were mission-critical. Speed was crucial as seconds can be the difference between life and death in emergency response. Reliability was key as every message matters and needs to be delivered in real time, even in unreliable network environments. Security was paramount due to the sensitive nature of patient data and the need for HIPAA-compliant real-time infrastructure.

OpenStore, a brand aggregator founded in March 2021, faced the challenge of managing procurement for over 40 brands. The company's mission was to identify, value, acquire, and scale long-tail e-commerce brands, offering liquidity to entrepreneurs who had grown these brands to their first six to seven figures in annual sales. The operations team, initially consisting of just two people, was tasked with managing all aspects of supply chain, fulfillment, demand planning, and product development. With an ambitious objective to grow to hundreds of brands as soon as possible, OpenStore needed to find a way to streamline operations and incorporate hundreds of unique supply chain management processes into a standardized, repeatable practice that could run with minimal manpower.

ANDRITZ GROUP, a global supplier and servicer of complex, high-value plant equipment, faced significant challenges in ensuring the safety and security of its staff and worksites across 120 countries, including politically unstable regions like Central Africa and the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The company needed to deliver equipment and materials securely to these sites and ensure that its personnel could conduct work safely. The responsibility of putting infrastructure and operating procedures in place to allow this fell on the company’s corporate security function. The security team at ANDRITZ relied on a multi-layered, intelligence-led risk assessment process, collecting information on historical incidents and emerging threats from a variety of data sources. However, with so many sites spread across the world, the team needed a more efficient and effective solution for risk assessment and incident monitoring.

Cisco, a global IT leader, relies on DHL Service Logistics for managing a comprehensive service and support logistics operation across 19 countries in Asia-Pacific. The operation includes hardware and spare parts from 80 rapid DHL fulfillment sites operating 365 days a year. However, the network faced challenges in coping with unexpected events, ranging from minor transport delays to major natural disasters. The objective was to improve service operations performance and enhance the support provided to Cisco customers. The need was to enhance the network's resilience and agility to handle unexpected events effectively.