#Japan #Tokyo #GEOINT #SPACETIDE #USGIF

SPACETIDE 2026: Uniting Global Minds in Geospatial Intelligence

In a groundbreaking move, the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) has partnered with Japan’s SPACETIDE to foster community growth within the space industry and geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) sectors. This marks an important milestone, as both organizations aim to build strategic connections and enhance collaboration among nations, industries, and academic institutions.

Memorandum of Understanding Signed

On March 2026, SPACETIDE and USGIF formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to unite their efforts in advancing the GEOINT landscape. The MOU aims to strengthen ties and cultivate relationships that can lead to innovative solutions for global challenges and opportunities in the spatial intelligence domain.

Upcoming International Conference

Following this collaboration, SPACETIDE will host the International Space Business Conference, known as SPACETIDE 2026, from July 6 to 9, 2026, at the renowned Tokyo Toranomon Hills Forum and Vision Center Tokyo Toranomon. This conference will feature a multitude of sessions geared towards exploring recent advancements and future prospects in GEOINT, with a particular focus on strategic discussions among experts from the U.S., Japan, Australia, and other nations.

Notably, on July 8, 2026, a special GEOINT session will be held, highlighting critical developments and debates surrounding the applications of geospatial intelligence in various fields beyond national security, including climate change, disaster response, marine monitoring, and economic security.

Session Breakdown

The GEOINT special session will be divided into four core blocks:

Block 1: Setting the Strategic Background (9:00 - 10:40)
The session will kick off with speakers including USGIF’s CEO Rhonda Schneider and the program director Sue Callaway, who will discuss the implications of recent changes in GEOINT on security and social issues, supported by concrete examples. Keynote speeches will spotlight the demands for GEOINT among allied nations, leading to discussions on challenges and opportunities related to geospatial data, analyses, and information sharing.

Block 2: Technological Engines (11:20 - 12:05)
Advancements in AI and data utilization technologies are set to transform the GEOINT landscape. Keynote speakers will examine how AI can enhance collaboration and analytical capabilities among allied nations, while a subsequent panel discussion will cover next-generation technologies capable of rapidly converting vast amounts of geospatial data into practical insights.

Block 3: Applications and Missions (13:20 - 14:50)
This block will address the use of GEOINT in security within the Indo-Pacific region and explore its implications for areas such as disaster response, climate change measures, maritime situational awareness (MDA), and economic security. Experts will delve into the social value and implementation possibilities of GEOINT beyond traditional national security.

Block 4: Human Dimension (15:30 - 16:40)
Focusing on talent development in the GEOINT field, a keynote presentation by Jim McCool, USGIF’s VP of Professional Technology, will outline the practical skills and expertise required in the age of AI as part of the "GEOINT 2035" initiative. The closing panel will feature perspectives from governmental, academic, and industrial representatives from the U.S., Japan, and Australia on training the next generation of talent.

Ticket Sales and Media Inquiries

Tickets for SPACETIDE 2026 are currently available, and interested parties are encouraged to consider participating in what promises to be a significant gathering of spatial intelligence advocates.

For media professionals, there is an opportunity to register for coverage of the event, further fostering the relationship between the media and the international GEOINT community. Registrations can be made through the designated application form.

Official website for SPACETIDE 2026: SPACETIDE Official Site

SPACETIDE is committed to advancing the global, space-related business, having hosted the international conference annually since its inception in 2015, focusing on cross-industry initiatives that aim to redefine the landscape of space business innovations. As part of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), SPACETIDE stands as a key player in shaping the future of space exploration and technology.