ICEYE was set up by two young Europeans: Rafał from Poland and Pekka from Finland. They initially met through Erasmus some 15 years ago. Together they founded a tech start-up. They developed their idea around satellite imagery. They got Horizon funding. They proved their technology. They grew with private investment. And today they are one of the world’s leading space technology companies. With offices in Finland, Poland, Spain and Greece.
ICEYE’s story shows that Europe is the home of innovation. And that we can reignite Europe’s entrepreneurial spirit.
President Ursula von der Leyen, State of the Union speech 2026
Rafal Modrzewski came to Finland on an Erasmus exchange. At Aalto University he met Pekka Laurila, and together they began building what the industry said couldn’t be built: a SAR (synthetic aperture radar) satellite under 100 kg. Thanks to the Horizon Europe’s funding programme in 2015, ICEYE developed its first SAR satellite.
Today, the company operates the world’s largest SAR constellation, delivering services in security, defense and intelligence, environmental monitoring, insurance, and emergency response. The company runs globally and employs more than 1000 people.
ICEYE’s constellation of SAR satellites opens access to new levels of data for the persistent monitoring of large and small locations around the globe – every few hours, day and night, and in any weather.
SAR data helps strengthen national security by providing governments with critical, actionable intelligence. Its advanced technology supports strategic responses to emerging threats. It provides tools countries need to safeguard their people and national interests effectively.
ICEYE is also transforming the insurance industry’s response to natural disasters, including floods, wildfires, and other extreme events. The company provides building-level data that enables insurers to assess risks rapidly and respond more effectively.
In addition, ICEYE’s Government Solutions help improve community resilience during natural disasters. By combining SAR data with building-level impact assessments, ICEYE provides governments with the situational awareness they need to protect communities and critical infrastructure. Its Flood Insights and Wildfire Insights solutions enable emergency teams to assess damage quickly, deploy resources efficiently and improve recovery outcomes in almost real time.
In addition, ICEYE has participated in Horizon-funded research projects such as CROSSMARE, a microsatellite radar network for fast-update Arctic ice surveillance.
