Planetary intelligence
Tackling global sustainability challenges demands a deep understanding of Earth’s interconnected human and natural systems. To drive meaningful action, we must collect high-quality data, analyze it effectively and efficiently, and transform insights into practical solutions. Innovative technologies and approaches can transform the way we understand and manage our collective planetary intelligence. By providing timely, science-based information, we enable policymakers, business leaders, civil society, and the public to address sustainability challenges at speed and scale.
This cohort addresses critical areas, including GHG-R, climate adaptation, electricity and grid systems, industry, water, food and agriculture, biodiversity, and planetary health.
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2025 projects
In December 2024, the Stanford Sustainability Accelerator selected 13 cutting-edge planetary intelligence projects leveraging advances in satellite and sensing technologies, AI, and other innovative areas to observe and understand the systems of our planet with remarkable depth. Ranging from early-stage development to scale-up, and incorporating both human- and nature-based solutions, these data-driven projects tackle critical challenges in planetary health, biodiversity, GHG-R, grid electricity systems, water, adaptation, and industry, while accelerating progress toward all flagship destinations. These projects empower policymakers, business leaders, and civil society to drive large-scale action on greenhouse gas mitigation and climate adaptation.
Advancing measurements of ocean biodiversity and ecosystem health through silicon nanophotonics for scalable multi-omic detection
Estimation of nano/microplastic pollution in humans through high-resolution, high-throughput spectroscopy
Harnessing the data revolution to mitigate flood impacts on vulnerable communities in sub-saharan Africa
LED-based sensing of hydrogen and hydrocarbon blends in pipelines
Ocean data commons—making coastal and ocean data insights accessible
Open path laser spectroscopy for low-cost monitoring and modeling of methane
Planetary health intelligence: integrating AI, drones, and satellites for real-time dengue risk mapping in Costa Rica
Reconciling surveillance of the planet’s nitrogen cycle via a multiplex electrochemical sensing platform
ReliAdapt: AI-driven power reliability assessment and end user adaptation platform for sustainable energy transitions
Satellite monitoring of subsidence to inform adaptive flood risk management
SmokeCast: developing planetary intelligence to forecast wildfire smoke chemical toxicity
Stream gauges for safe and equitable freshwater
The natural capital data and analytics platform: transforming sustainability decisions at scale
Previously funded projects
In 2022, the Stanford Sustainability Accelerator funded 31 research teams. Several of these multidisciplinary projects advanced sustainability solutions in the area of planetary intelligence.
Harnessing the power of geophysical imaging to Recharge California's Groundwater
Protecting ocean biodiversity: developing and deploying real-time environmental DNA sensors in international marine sanctuaries
