High-spectrum integrated detection vehicle is used to monitor crops in Nantong. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The Nantong Yangtze River Delta Intelligent Perception Research Institute is leading the development of an integrated sky-ground hyperspectral remote sensing system, with the goal of advancing different industries through advanced technology.

Founded by Liu Yinnian, a trailblazer in satellite hyperspectral imaging in China, the institute has achieved notable progress. In 2018, Liu and his team developed the world's first satellite-mounted wide-spectrum, wide-swath hyperspectral camera. This innovative technology is widely applied in mineral exploration, methane detection, and wetland monitoring, surpassing international standards in spatial, radiometric, spectral, and accuracy performance.

In 2019, Liu spearheaded the establishment of the Nantong Yangtze River Delta Intelligent Perception Research Institute. Building on the solid expertise of the satellite-borne hyperspectral team and responding to the pressing demands of Nantong's growing industries, in addition to benefiting from advantageous policies, the institute focuses on commercializing hyperspectral remote sensing and its applications.

Over the past six years, the institute has made notable advances in core technologies, such as creating a new generation of in-situ earth deep spectrometers. These devices can analyze spectral features from millions of samples in just minutes, offering performance that exceeds comparable products both domestically and globally. The institute is now recognized for having top-tier capabilities worldwide in the full spectrum of hyperspectral data preprocessing and distribution.

2024 was a milestone year for the institute. It stood out internationally by leading the payload mission for the UAE's 813 satellite project, representing China's first export of satellite hyperspectral technology. The institute also became part of the Yangtze River Delta National Technology Innovation Center and co-founded Jiangsu Jicui Intelligent Perception Technology Co with Nantong's municipal government, advancing industrialization significantly.

By October 2025, the institute and its commercialized entities have filed 228 patent applications and received 109 patent grants, underscoring their innovation and leadership.