Spire Global, a space-to-cloud data and analytics firm, has recently revealed its partnership with Nvidia to improve weather forecasts via artificial intelligence (AI).
Something that used to take hours may now be executed in seconds, thanks to replacing the supercomputer side with ultra-efficient graphics processing units (GPUs). In a CNBC interview, Spire Global co-founder and CEO Peter Platzer said, "That has been always a vision that we knew eventually was going to come, so when this [Nvidia] partnership became possible, we jumped on that."
How Does Spire Global's Partnership With Nvidia Work?
In the field of radio frequency sensing, Spire Global runs a network of satellites that gathers data on radio frequencies from space and makes it available for analysis and sale. It runs a space services company that provides meteorological and climatic data and tracking for ships and planes.
Meanwhile, the potential is enormous in the field of weather prediction. Platzer claims that weather influences almost one-third of the world's economy, or around $30 trillion in the gross domestic product (GDP), across various sectors, including agriculture, power production, and commerce.
According to his calculations, there are over 175 significant use cases for weather forecasting, spanning up to 200,000 different sorts of clients worldwide. In essence, there is a significant need for more precise estimates, especially when considering longer lead times.
Here is where Nvidia comes in: The partnership opens the door for Spire Global to access Nvidia's infrastructure, which means better service for clients, more valuable goods, and more applications. Platzer said Nvidia may also use their data to enhance its models and equipment.
Nevertheless, the CEO pointed out that no direct "economic flow" exists between Nvidia and Spire Global.
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