EDINBURGH — A major Canadian space technology company has announced it is expanding operations in Scotland, opening a new office in Edinburgh as part of its growing European footprint.
PCI Geomatics, known globally for its advanced Earth Observation (EO) solutions and operating under its brand Catalyst, has selected the Futures Institute in Edinburgh as the base for its latest venture. The move marks a significant milestone in the firm’s international expansion and reinforces its commitment to the UK’s fast-growing space sector.
Strengthening Ties with the UK’s Space Ecosystem
With a 40-year legacy of developing image processing technologies for satellite data, PCI Geomatics is already active in England through its presence at the Harwell Space Cluster. The decision to open in Scotland signals the company’s desire to tap into the unique strengths of the Scottish space ecosystem.
“Scotland’s strong focus on space-enabled climate and environmental applications makes it an ideal place for us to grow,” said a spokesperson for PCI. “This new office will help us better serve UK and European partners in turning satellite data into real-world insights.”
Catalyzing Earth Intelligence
Operating under the Catalyst brand, PCI delivers scalable analytics tools that transform raw satellite imagery into actionable intelligence. The company’s technology supports critical applications like:
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Ground displacement detection to protect infrastructure such as roads and bridges
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Vegetation monitoring along transport and utility corridors
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Soil moisture analysis to predict and prevent natural disasters like landslides
By using satellite data, Catalyst claims it can achieve faster and more accurate results than many traditional methods — a key advantage as governments and industries increasingly rely on real-time environmental intelligence.
A Strategic Move to Scotland
Scotland’s reputation as a leader in space data innovation was a key driver for PCI’s expansion decision. With more than 30 companies working across the Earth Observation and climate resilience sectors, the country offers fertile ground for collaboration and commercial growth.
Edinburgh’s Futures Institute, which combines academic, industry, and public sector resources under one roof, provides PCI with a platform to co-develop projects and tap into the region’s growing talent pool.
