Commercial Innovation Center (CIC)

We Are Better Together

Our Commercial Innovation Center (CIC) is a first-of-its-kind, online development and test platform that provides a secure, virtual, open ecosystem and test sandbox for developers and researchers. We do it by harnessing the combined powers of commercial remote sensing, unclassified open datasets, cloud technologies, in a secure development ecosystem fueled by new, emerging, and seasoned tools, services and data to create solutions that keep our nation safe. The Riverside Research CIC is the place where commercial subject matter experts come together securely to collaborate and create the best commercial solutions to real world scenarios before they're integrated and deployed in the field.

Together, we win

It’s not as much fun to play in the sandbox by yourself, right? We know from experience that it’s the collective work of many people with diverse experiences and backgrounds that create the most effective solutions. By design, the CIC encourages partnerships, increases data accessibility, integrates app development, and facilitates the creation of transition-ready prototypes. Because of our unique position as a nonprofit in the defense space, we can provide the neutral environment where collaborative innovation thrives. As demonstrated on this video, capitalizing on all commercial sensors available improves our progress towards persistent observation.

Access to rich datasets

Data is the one thing that is guaranteed to continuously grow and change. Technology entrepreneurs’ success revolves around access to these data and developing improved AI and machine learning tools creating integrated and advanced applications for businesses in support of (United States Government) USG needs.

Advanced tools and applications

Advanced tools and applications

Technology innovation in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and augmented and virtual reality present significant entrepreneurial opportunities, yet all require geospatial data for development. Early-stage entrepreneurs, academic researchers, and innovators will now have access to the large datasets that are traditionally only available to large, established industry players. Such datasets are often too costly for early-stage entrepreneurs and researchers to acquire, and even if the datasets are made available, they are often not packaged in a manner that allows innovators to work with the data—they are overwhelmingly unwieldy and non-standardized. The CIC data environment seeks to solve that problem, allowing researchers and entrepreneurs new opportunities for experimentation, testing, and training.

The CIC pairs this data with tools and services to streamline development timelines by ensuring flexible licenses are available for your R&D activities within the CIC ecosystem. As new tools and services become available, we negotiate with the vendors for early and shared access amongst our CIC participants to the latest and greatest capabilities from established vendors in the remote sensing market. This visual shows a few or our early integrators, and as new vendors are integrated, we’ll let the community know!

CIC Data Search and Discovery

Your all-access pass

The CIC supports and enables industry, scientific, academic, and governmental R&D activities by facilitating access to commercial remote sensing data. Riverside Research integrates the hardware, software, processes, data, tools, internet accesses, demonstration capabilities, and other IT infrastructure required to execute CIC participant SIBR projects and meet R&D objectives. Our CIC offers:

  • Exposure to diverse and emerging data and data types for more data scientists
  • Increased interaction between content providers and new application developers; enables cloud-hybrid, multi-INT applications
  • Lowered entry barriers by eliminating the need for a user-developed system
  • Integrated orchestration-to-analysis workflow
  • Timely teaming, technology, and tipping
  • Accelerated access and use of commercial remote sensing solutions and innovation
Right where you want it

Right where you want it

Are you looking for a cloud-hosting environment where you can easily access commercial data for development and test—all from one place to safely develop, load, and test capabilities?

Our trusted, unclassified, virtual development platform provides access to R&D-licensed commercial remote sensing phenomenologies (e.g., EO, radar, IR, RF), connects emerging and established vendors with shared application tools and services, and facilitates GEOINT, MASINT, and Multi-INT research and development. The CIC includes:

  • An ecosystem of commercial data providers (CDPs)
  • A network of application developers
  • Common R&D data and COTS/GOTS tools (e.g., loading, discovery)
  • Common testing data (curated, tagged)
  • Robust DevOps environment
  • Hybrid cloud-ready infrastructure
  • Protected intellectual property and data rights
  • Maturing secure data fabric
CIC mission, vision & values

CIC mission, vision & values

Mission: Provide data scientists and algorithm developers with a virtual development and test platform and access to new and diverse commercial remote sensing data to develop algorithms, tools, and services.

Vision: Work in the Nation’s interest to offer proven expertise and experience in commercial remote sensing to solve problems through innovation, agility, and creative thinking.

Values: Encourage partnerships and connect emerging and established users across USG and industry with shared application tools, services, and diverse commercial constellation data.

Participant Agreements: We offer access to a secure, virtual, cloud-based ecosystem to perform R&D using existing and emerging commercial sources to develop and test algorithms, tools, and services accelerating USG objectives.

Commercial Experts: We offer our commercial experience, data scientists, and phenomenology experts to support efforts using the CIC to perform commercial utility assessments, new sensor development, synthetic data V&V, data value/usability studies, and more.

Products and Services: We offer access to CIC-based products and services such as synthetic data generation, data tagging, AI/ML V&V, data compression, data geo-registration, and more.

Work With the Commercial Innovation Center
Press Inquiries About the CIC

Commercial Innovation in the News

  • Commercial Imagery
  • Satellite Launches
  • EO-MSI
  • SAR
  • HSI
  • RF
  • SSA
Commercial Imagery
US WEATHER EMERGENCY: SNOW, ICE AND SLEET PARALYZE PARTS OF THE COUNTRY

... channel Diario AS. LIVE: SATELLITE IMAGERY of WINTER STORM systems sweeping across U.S. Diario AS•12 watching · 10:50 · Go to channel Bread with Mona ...

Jan 25,2026
Live coverage: SpaceX to launch GPS 3 satellite following switch from ULA Vulcan rocket

... satellite processing alongside Lockheed Martin, the satellite's manufacturer. ... Image: U.S. Space Force/Staff Sgt. Amanda Flower). When the SV07 ...

Jan 25,2026
Myanmar: Jet fuel used in deadly air strikes flowing in on 'ghost ships' with suspected links to Iran

... satellite imagery reviewed by Amnesty International points to a likely Iran connection. Significantly, Myanmar Port Authority data shows that at ...

Jan 25,2026
Breakfast Wrap: Minnesota politicians condemn second ICE killing - ABC listen

A satellite image showing arid land with some shrubbery, buildings and structures, and dark. Duration: 8 minutes 1 second 8 m. 11 of 11. Radio ...

Jan 25,2026

Jan 25,2026
The Sputnik Legacy: How One Satellite Launched a Generation of BEYA Winners

The Sputnik Legacy: How One Satellite Launched a Generation of BEYA Winners ... Artificial intelligence pioneer Edward Feigenbaum highlighted the ...

Jan 25,2026
Table Top Water Feature Dyna-Living Indoor Tabletop Fountain With LED Lights

thumbnail image 2 of Dyna-Living Indoor ... Car Dashboard Mount For Starlink Mini - Adjustable Suction Cup Mount For Stable Satellite Antenna.

Jan 25,2026
Georgia ramps up winter weather response with satellite support, debris removal efforts

Image via GEMA. 0Comment. Share. topics: Georgia · Winter weather · Emergency management · Satellite support · Debris removal · Power outages · Road ...

Jan 25,2026
Visual localization from satellite imagery as a GNSS fallback for drones is possible? - Reddit

Many approaches exist for GNSS-denied navigation (VIO, VPR, sensor fusion odometry, etc.). This work focuses on satellite-based image matching and is ...

Jan 25,2026
POWERFUL STORM SYSTEM MOVING OVER SOUTHEAST USA Visible satellite imagery ...

POWERFUL STORM SYSTEM MOVING OVER SOUTHEAST USA Visible satellite imagery shows a massive and powerful storm system moving over the Southeast USA.

Jan 25,2026
Blue Origin is working on its own thousand satellite constellation - Space Explored

Blue Origin is working on its own thousand satellite constellation ... Image: Blue Origin. Blue Origin announced yet another project it had ...

Jan 25,2026
Amazing Time-Lapse Of Hurricane Lee From Space - video Dailymotion

Hurricane Lee time-lapse was captured by the NOAA GOES-East satellite from from space. Features the song Broken Glass from Logan Spaleta Credit: ...

Jan 25,2026
Satellite imagery confirms Ukraine's Flamingo missiles scored 4/4 hits Russian Skif-M ...

Although the Ukrainian strike took place months ago, confirmation through satellite imagery and OSINT analysis was only made public on 25 January 2026 ...

Jan 25,2026
Why Israeli Weapons Are in Demand Despite Global Criticism - YouTube

Comments · Full Breakdown of Maduro Raid - NEW Satellite Imagery Revealing Extent of Damage · Russia's Elite Brigade VANISHES in 72 Hours — Moscow ...

Jan 25,2026
LIVE: SATELLITE IMAGERY of WINTER STORM systems sweeping across U.S - YouTube

INTERNET – Satellite imagery shows winter storm systems sweeping across the continental United States. #usa #climate #snowstorm #newyork Enjoy the ...

Jan 25,2026
Shifting clouds for Sunday, followed by sun on Monday - KSBW

THE SATELLITE IMAGERY SHOWS WHERE THE STORMS SYSTEMS, CLOUDS AND RAIN HAVE BEEN OVER THE PACIFIC FOR THE LAST 12 HOURS. FUTURECAST SHOW WHERE THE ...

Jan 25,2026
All T-Mobile customers can send satellite texts during winter storm Fern - PhoneArena

As part of its preparedness measures, the company is activating T-Satellite for all of its customers. ... newsletter-background-image. Receive the ...

Jan 25,2026
Silver Peak Mine Cobar: Silver Mine For Sale 2026 - Farmonaut

... satellite intelligence reshaping mineral exploration and acquisition. ... Explore how satellite intelligence can transform your next mining project.

Jan 25,2026
The sun has made an appearance this morning! Satellite imagery at 8 AM shows breaks in ...

Satellite imagery at 8 AM shows breaks in the clouds over a good portion of West Central Texas, but skies will be generally cloudy from mid ...

Jan 25,2026
A 'proper' snow storm to begin Sunday evening, bringing wind, drifts, low visibility and plenty ...

25 storm view, via NOAA satellite service. c. For those now resigned to ... Custom image · How to boost your chances of getting newspaper ...

Jan 25,2026
Satellite Launches
SpaceX Rocket Carries Starlink Satellites Into Orbit from Vandenberg - Noozhawk

A new batch of Starlink satellites arrived in orbit Sunday morning following a Falcon 9 rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Jan 25,2026
'Beijing Rocket Street': A launchpad for accelerated development - Chinadaily.com.cn

"Commercial aerospace has progressed across the full industrial chain, from research and development to satellite launches, tracking and control, and ...

Jan 25,2026
Beijing's commercial space expo highlights rapid growth in industry - People's Daily Online

The event drew over 300 commercial aerospace companies, showcasing the full industrial chain from launch vehicles and satellite manufacturing to space ...

Jan 25,2026
Myanmar: Jet fuel used in deadly air strikes flowing in on 'ghost ships' with suspected links to Iran

Aviation fuel used by the Myanmar military to launch ... satellite imagery reviewed by Amnesty International points to a likely Iran connection.

Jan 25,2026
China's Private Space Industry Is Doing A Lot More Than Building Rockets - SlashGear

While it still lags behind the U.S. in terms of satellite launches and crewed spacecraft, it took a huge leap forward in 2022, when it opened up ...

Jan 25,2026
The Most Top Secret Program Developed by Lockheed Skunk Works Was Not the SR-71 Blackbird

... launch system that used a modified A-12 aircraft as the launch ... satellite reconnaissance capabilities that could deliver better real-time imagery.

Jan 25,2026
Blue Origin is working on its own thousand satellite constellation - Space Explored

SpaceX's biggest advantage is being able to launch its Starlink satellites in-house, ditching launch provider fees. Maybe that happens this year ...

Jan 25,2026
Space.com headlines crossword quiz for week of Jan. 19, 2026: What is the name of Blue ...

... launches, and cosmic curiosities from across the universe. From groundbreaking research aboard the International Space Station to dazzling new images ...

Jan 25,2026
Arctic Weather Satellite paves way for constellation observation - Phys.org

This small prototype mission has succeeded in paving the way for a new constellation of similar satellites, known as EPS-Sterna. Launched in August ...

Jan 25,2026
Inside South Korea's Bold Move To Accelerate Its New Space Economy - Orbital Today

South Korea names its first five official new space technologies, backing satellites, launch systems and space connectivity to drive growth.

Jan 25,2026
Blastoff! SpaceX launches 25 Starlink satellites on booster's 6th flight, nails landing

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched 25 Starlink satellites from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Jan.

Jan 25,2026
Research suggests Amazon LEO internet satellites may interfere with astronomical observations

... satellites in 2019, which produced streaks in telescope images. ... ULA conducts another Atlas V launch carrying 27 Amazon internet satellites.

Jan 25,2026
Amazon's New Satellite Constellation Raises Concerns Over Night Sky Brightness

... satellites created visible streaks in astronomical images. What is this? Report Ad. While the satellite megaconstellation era is likely here to ...

Jan 25,2026
Space Brief 25 Jan 2026 - KeepTrack

... imagery on underground structures, and the Space ... satellite network, York's new satellite launch, DARPA's project cancellation, and more.

Jan 25,2026
Recognise space sector as critical infrastructure, Indian Space Association says in its Budget wish list

The ISpA said that all Ministries, State governments, and urban local bodies to procure satellite imagery and geospatial data only from empanelled ...

Jan 25,2026
Recognise space sector as critical infrastructure, Indian Space Association says in its Budget wish list

... satellite production plants, allow accelerated depreciation on satellites, rockets, and launch-related hardware,” it said. SEZs and exports. The ...

Jan 25,2026
Musk Vs. Bezos: Starlink's Rival Will Launch Over 5,000 Satellites Next Year - AOL.com

2025 spaceflight in photos. See images of Blue Origin, SpaceX missions. The SpaceX Starship spacecraft sits Oct. 12, 2025 atop the Super Heavy booster ...

Jan 25,2026
China conducts first in-orbit metal 3D printing experiment - CGTN

... The CAS Lihong-1 Y1 suborbital vehicle lifts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, January 12 ...

Jan 25,2026
The Pentagon Buys L3Harris Stock. Should You? - The Globe and Mail

Space and mission systems (satellite and payload capabilities ... Delta IV Heavy rocket launch at night. Image source: Getty Images. The ...

Jan 25,2026
Amazon's internet-beaming satellites are bright enough to disrupt astronomical research, study finds

Satellite trails seen in Hubble Space Telescope images taken between 2002 and 2021 · A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket launches 27 Amazon Leo ...

Jan 25,2026
HSI
SSA

Questions about Commercial Innovation Center (CIC)