Yolanda: turning satellite data into an early warning system for Europe’s forests

Bark beetle outbreaks are a growing threat across Europe’s forests, killing millions of trees, reducing timber yields, and accelerating carbon emissions. These infestations often go undetected until the damage is done. Yolanda, a Slovenian start-up, is tackling this challenge with a smart, space-based solution: BugBit, a satellite-powered early warning system that helps forest owners and insurers detect pest outbreaks before it’s too late.

From hackathon to headline

The idea was first developed during the 4^th CASSINI Hackathon, with the theme “Space for the Financial World” in 2022, where the Yolanda team responded to a challenge on using space data for finance and insurance. Their concept - using Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery and AI to flag early signs of forest stress — earned them the national win in Slovenia and first prize at the international finals, showcasing their solution at the European Demo Day. The solution was designed to help insurers anticipate risk and forest managers take timely action to contain outbreaks.

Building a real-world solution

After the hackathon, Yolanda incorporated as Yolanda d.o.o., based in Maribor, and focused on turning BugBit from a prototype into a working platform. The system analyses satellite data and detects subtle changes in forest health, highlighting areas at risk of pest infestation. The goal remains providing users with actionable alerts through a clear and easy-to-use dashboard. The platform is designed to support both commercial insurance use cases and broader environmental management.

Gaining traction, securing support

Yolanda’s progress since then has been steady and tangible:

• They won €10,000 in the myEUspace competition, organised by EUSPA, which confirmed BugBit’s relevance for downstream space applications.
• They secured public funding through the Slovene Enterprise Fund’s P2 programme, which supports early-stage product development.
• They have been incubated at Venture Factory, receiving business support and visibility in the regional innovation ecosystem.

Expanding scope and impact

The team has also expanded the scope of BugBit, from bark beetles to broader forest health monitoring, including stress from other pests or diseases. They are currently engaging stakeholders across forestry and insurance to test and validate the tool in real-world conditions.

Focus, execution, and practical value

Yolanda’s story is not one of visibility alone: it is a case of consistent execution. They leveraged their hackathon win into mentoring, funding, technical development, and partnerships. What sets them apart is their focus: delivering a functional tool that blends satellite tech, machine learning, and clear user value.

A tool for Europe’s climate future

As the European Union looks for new ways to manage natural resources and adapt to climate pressures, tools like BugBit are more relevant than ever. By combining space data with practical field application, Yolanda is helping protect forests, reduce financial risk, and support sustainable land management.

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