ODERMATT & BROCKMANN GMBH

Their core work

Odermatt & Brockmann is a Zurich-based SME specialising in satellite Earth observation applied to water quality monitoring. They develop and apply remote sensing algorithms and data processing pipelines that use space-based sensors — particularly Copernicus satellites — to detect and quantify aquatic parameters such as cyanobacteria blooms and optical water properties in lakes, reservoirs, and transitional water bodies. In EU projects they act as specialist technical contributors, providing the EO analytics layer that translates raw satellite imagery into actionable water quality information. Their Swiss location places them close to a dense ecosystem of limnology and remote sensing expertise (EAWAG, Eawag, ETH Zurich), suggesting strong academic grounding behind their commercial services.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their first project (CyanoAlert, 2016–2020) the focus was narrow and biological: detecting a specific threat — cyanobacteria blooms — using space-based sensors, with a clear early-warning service application. By the second project (CERTO, 2020–2023), the framing shifted toward broader water quality parameters and the Copernicus programme itself, suggesting a move from single-indicator detection toward a more generalised Earth observation analytics capability. The trajectory points toward becoming a provider of operational Copernicus-based water quality data services rather than a single-use alert system.

They are moving from niche biological-alert tools toward broader Copernicus-integrated water monitoring platforms, positioning themselves for operational environmental monitoring contracts and Copernicus service downstream market opportunities.

How they like to work

Odermatt & Brockmann has never led an H2020 project — they join as a specialist partner, contributing specific EO analytics expertise within larger consortia assembled by universities or research institutes. Their very modest per-project funding (EUR 35K and EUR 9K) is consistent with a focused technical work-package role rather than broad project management responsibility. With 15 partners across 9 countries from only 2 projects, they clearly connect into wide international networks, but as a specialist node rather than a hub.

Despite only two projects, they have collaborated with 15 distinct partners across 9 countries, reflecting the large international consortia typical of Copernicus and Space pillar projects. Their network spans European research institutes and space agencies, though no single geographic cluster is identifiable from the available data.

What sets them apart

Odermatt & Brockmann occupies a very specific intersection: commercial SME expertise in aquatic remote sensing, operating out of Switzerland's leading water-science hub (Zurich / EAWAG corridor). For consortia building water quality monitoring or Copernicus downstream services projects, they offer private-sector delivery credibility that purely academic partners cannot provide, combined with a scientific depth that generic IT firms lack. Their willingness to participate in both RIA (research) and IA (innovation) projects also makes them a flexible fit across the full TRL spectrum.

Highlights from their portfolio

• CyanoAlert
  The largest funded project in their portfolio and their earliest H2020 engagement, establishing their core niche in space-based biological water quality alerting — a commercially relevant capability as drinking water regulators increasingly demand early-warning systems.
• CERTO
  Directly tied to Copernicus programme evolution, giving Odermatt & Brockmann a foot in the EU's flagship Earth observation infrastructure and positioning them for downstream Copernicus service contracts.