Case study 6 Distant Imagery Distant Imagery , a United Arab Emirates-based start-up, is redefining environmental restoration with cutting-edge drone technology and community- driven solutions. Since its inception, the company has grown exponentially, increasing the number of seeds planted by drones from just 2,000 in 2020 to an impressive 5.5 million in 2024. Concurrently, project-based investments surged from $150,000 to $2.8 million over the same period. Jane Glavan, Co-Founder of Distant Imagery, actively participated in the UpLink Engagement Programme, where she had the opportunity to build valuable connections with community-based government leaders from Tonga and Seychelles. These collaborations have been pivotal in accelerating the company’s plans for 2025-26, which include four large-scale community restoration projects in Brazil, Tonga, Kenya and Indonesia, addressing specific ecological and community needs in each region. Jane reflects, “UpLink helped us connect with other innovators and experts, such as Brian Takeda (Founder of another Top Innovator, Urchinomics), who supported us in developing our investment data room and is now joining our board.” Distant Imagery’s impact has garnered significant recognition. In 2024, the start-up entered the Hatch Blue Innovation Studio and the C3 Companies for Change Accelerator and received the prestigious PwC Net Zero Future50 award. Partnerships with major clients such as ADNOC, Mubadala Energy and Engie have further validated their model, supporting projects like the deployment of 2.5 million mangrove seeds and engaging over 4,000 volunteers in hands- on restoration activities. UpLink has been instrumental to our growth, providing a platform to share knowledge and exchange best practices with peers in the environmental tech space. The visibility we gained in Davos, Oceans G50 and the Villars Summit has elevated our reputation, helping us build brand recognition and attract partnerships. It’s given our work the credibility and respect needed to thrive in this space. Jane Glavan Co-Founder, Distant Imagery Credit: Distant Imagery Uplink Annual Impact Report March 2025 27

UpLink Annual Impact Report 2025