Vottun combines AI and blockchain for reforestation tracking
The Catalan technology company Vottun, based in Sant Cugat del Vallès, has launched a new platform that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain to monitor forests undergoing reforestation. The system automates the analysis of satellite imagery to assess vegetation cover and detect environmental threats such as drought, fires, and pests. According to Luis Carbajo, co-founder and CEO of Vottun, the platform achieves over 90% accuracy in detecting vegetation cover and identifies incidents up to 50% faster than traditional methods, which rely on manual field inspections.
Automated monitoring with verified data storage
The platform allows users to define a specific forest plot using geographic coordinates. Each time a satellite captures images of the area, the system automatically processes key parameters using AI. The resulting data is stored in a blockchain-protected database, ensuring transparency and traceability. This integration of technologies enables early warnings and actionable recommendations when risks to forest health are detected.
Funded by Catalan Climate Fund
The project received €173,546 in funding from ACCIÓ, the Agency for Business Growth under the Department of Business and Labour, through its support programme for business R&D projects in the field of climate change. The funding comes from the Catalan Climate Fund, managed by the Generalitat. Vottun’s platform has already been validated with reforestation companies, and the company is preparing for commercialisation, though no launch timeline has been announced.
“After collaborating with a company specialising in satellite image interpretation, we realised there was an opportunity to improve current reforestation project management,”
said Luis Carbajo. Founded in 2018 by Carbajo and Marta Vallès, Vottun is recognised for its expertise in blockchain technology. It was named a Catalonia Exponential Leader by ACCIÓ in 2021 and featured by Forbes in 2023 as one of Spain’s 25 most transformative SMEs.
Primary sources: govern.cat, accio.gencat.cat, canviclimatic.gencat.cat. Reported by viaempresa.cat, ON ECONOMIA, eldiariopyme.es, CatalunyaPress.cat, CatalunyaPress.es.
