Big dreams for tiny satellites

• Size matters, especially when you’re in space. Satellites are getting smaller not just to make space for critical instruments, but also to lower cost and increase accessibility to spacetech.
• Why is this important? According to 500-backed Aliena, high-quality imagery can currently only be obtained via bulky and expensive satellites, but this is prohibitive for  emerging economies.
• George-Cristian Potrivitu, Co-founder and CTO of the startup said there is great demand for such images in sectors such as energy, aviation, agriculture, emergency response, and urban development.
• Aliena hopes to partner nations concerned about environmental protection. “The tropical region is rich in natural resources and fragile ecosystems,” George explained, “And so the question is: How can developing nations grow sustainably? I believe the solution lies in affordable access to powerful satellite data that can monitor effects on the environment and tackle challenges such as water and food security and climate change.”
• Read the full story here.

Switching to metaverse mode

• Gamers, you’ll love this! Following the announcement of its collaboration with gaming guild Yield Guild Games Southeast Asia (YGG SEA), 500-backed Esports Players League (ESPL) has entered crypto gaming through the partnership.
• ESPL seeks to generate over 300,000 gamers in the crypto space by organizing tournaments involving metaverse and NFT games. The startup will also launch NFTs and cryptocurrency projects.
• CEO Daryl Teo shared that with Web 3.0 on its way, more ESPL development and tournaments can be held in the metaverse with rewards and prizes distributed immediately upon completion.
• Datuk Azrin Mohd Noor, Founder and Managing Director of ESPL’s parent company, Sedania, shared the importance of exploring the viability of cutting-edge technologies critical to the metaverse, adding that it would help create a “more exciting gaming experience for players.”
• Read the full article in Tech in Asia.

Rays of hope for all

• The lives of Indigenous communities in Malaysia will soon be lit up with clean and free energy, thanks to a collaboration between 500-backed SOLS Energy, SOLS 24/7 Malaysia, and PETRONAS.
• The pilot run for this rural electrification project was just completed, with 90 households, 2 community halls, and 4 community-based centers powered by solar.
• The partnership hopes to help children study better at night and empower adults to earn an income from home-based work such as handicrafts.
• Meanwhile, selected community centers such as orphanages and nursing homes will be able to save on power, which accounts for the majority of their monthly expenses.
• The project will continue until 2025 with the aim of reaching out to about 450 indigenous houses and 83 community-based centers across the country.
• Get the full article here.