In a major development for the global marine technology sector, Qatar-based deep-tech startup Darkocean has officially launched NAVBathy, the world’s first Rapid Satellite-Derived Bathymetry (SDB) engine that can generate large-scale underwater depth models in mere seconds.
The pioneering system represents a significant leap forward in coastal intelligence, leveraging a powerful fusion of satellite technology and advanced artificial intelligence to offer unprecedented speed, scale, and accessibility in bathymetric analysis.
Harnessing Satellites and AI for Instant Seabed Insights
NAVBathy is engineered on an integrated technology stack that pulls data from a diverse range of satellite sources, including NASA platforms, Worldview, Maxar, Landsat, and Spot imagery. This data is then processed through proprietary AI and machine-learning models developed internally by Darkocean.
This unique architecture allows the platform to rapidly analyze vast satellite datasets and produce consistent, high-resolution relative depth assessments for coastal and shallow-water regions worldwide, a task that traditionally required weeks of expensive and logistically complex field surveys.
From Weeks to Seconds Redefining Coastal Intelligence
The platform’s core value proposition is its ability to transform a lengthy physical process into a near-instant digital workflow. Early demonstrations have showcased NAVBathy mapping 70% of Qatar’s coastline and over 100 kilometers of adjacent waters within moments.
“The ability to generate accurate, large-scale relative depth maps within seconds transforms how coastal projects are scoped and risk-assessed,” said Neha Supekar, AI Solution Architect at Darkocean. This provides engineers, environmental planners, and maritime operators with immediate insight into seabed conditions.
A Scalable Model for Democratized Access
Darkocean is preparing to tokenize access to NAVBathy, offering both free and paid monthly PRO subscriptions through its AI platform. CEO Anupam Thakur confirmed that NAVBathy will also be available via API integrations, enabling third-party platforms, engineering firms, and government agencies to embed its powerful capabilities directly into their existing systems.
“This strategy ensures scalability while supporting democratized access to high-value geospatial intelligence,” Thakur stated.
Beyond Bathymetry A Suite of Digital Geophysics Solutions
The company’s ambitions extend beyond bathymetry. Darkocean’s AI models are being expanded to create a broader suite of digital geophysics solutions, including geophysical mapping, underwater object detection, and geotechnical interpretation for both marine and terrestrial applications.
A key focus is ensuring these powerful tools are accessible. The company is optimizing its applications to be lightweight and capable of running smoothly on standard mobile phones and tablets, removing the need for costly high-performance computing hardware traditionally required for such analytics.
Gaining Global Traction and Investor Interest
The launch of NAVBathy has already captured the attention of the global investment community, with venture capital firms in the United States and Europe expressing immediate interest. Darkocean has confirmed it is open to engaging with local investors, including the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), and is in discussions with Qatar Satellite Company.
“The company is currently raising funds to expand its processing infrastructure as global demand accelerates,” Thakur added.
Further validating its innovative approach, Darkocean has been accepted into the prestigious Web Summit Startup Programme. The company sees this as a crucial step toward building international partnerships and positioning NAVBathy as a transformative tool for coastal nations globally.
About Darkocean
Darkocean is a Qatar-based deep-tech startup specializing in AI-powered geospatial intelligence. The company develops advanced solutions for marine and terrestrial mapping, including its flagship product, NAVBathy, the world’s first rapid satellite-derived bathymetry engine. By making complex geospatial analytics accessible on everyday devices, Darkocean aims to revolutionize how industries and governments understand and interact with the world’s coastal and underwater environments.
Source: Zawya
