Carl Pucci

An Introduction

My story has been like a painting of adventures, growing up in several American states with a solid hometown in Rochester, New York. The first thing I remember ever buying was a Nikon camera—an early spark that began a lifelong fascination with Earth observation, space, and the power of seeing the world differently. With much of my family working at the Eastman Kodak Co. and a grandfather connected to NASA, I grew up on stories of spacecraft, early satellite imaging, and film literally dropped from space and flown back to Rochester.

After studying political science, I moved to Estonia, where I joined the country’s first IT company to launch its American operations. That transatlantic experience ultimately led me to found EO59, an Earth observation company based in Rapla, Estonia and Richmond, Virginia. EO59 was built with a clear purpose: to bring advanced satellite and radar technologies out of the abstract and into everyday use—supporting infrastructure safety, public resilience, and smarter decision‑making across communities large and small. Here you are with it, right now!

A central focus of my work is infrastructure and public safety. Through EO59, I lead efforts that apply advanced radar and satellite analytics to bridges, tunnels, dams, pipelines, and landscapes—helping authorities and operators understand how critical assets are moving, aging, and responding to stress. I believe Earth observation should be treated as a foundational layer of modern society: quietly informing how we build, protect, invest, and respond to risk. When used well, it saves money, improves safety, and opens new economic possibilities—especially in places that are too often overlooked.

My career sits at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, policy, and communication. I’ve served as a subject‑matter expert with the Bertelsmann Foundation North America and contributed to the U.S. Opportunity Project, where I was fortunate to help launch a technology tool from the White House. I’ve spoken within the EU Copernicus programme and have been invited to Brussels to speak at the EU’s “Startup Villages” initiative, sharing practical lessons on rural economic development, space‑enabled entrepreneurship, and how globally relevant technology companies can be built from small communities. I’ve also participated as a keynote contributor at EU SME and ESA‑related events.

I am a passionate public speaker and deeply enjoy connecting ideas with people. For many years, I’ve served as a keynote speaker for the Coca‑Cola Youth Empowered program, working with young people on leadership, confidence, communication, and the belief that meaningful careers and impact are possible regardless of background or geography.

I’ve been elected to multiple terms on the Managing Board of the American Chamber of Commerce in Estonia and have served as it’s Vice President, advocating for strong transatlantic business ties, practical innovation policy, and economic opportunity that reaches far beyond capital cities.

Community impact is central to my life and work. Based in Rapla, I actively contribute to local development and strongly believe that visibility changes trajectories. I volunteer a week of each year as a high‑school teacher, leading courses in science entrepreneurship and communications, and regularly host youth engagement activities through EO59 to help students see space, science, and technology as real, accessible, and relevant to their own futures.

In memory of my mother, and an EO59’er, I lead the Pamela Luise Dream Lifter Prize, an initiative dedicated to lifting young people with ambition, creativity, and drive—especially those who may not yet see a clear path forward. The prize reflects my belief that encouragement, opportunity, and belief in potential can truly change lives.

Outside of work, I’m a passionate film photographer, youth mentor, and lifelong space enthusiast—with a particular fondness for 1960s space design and culture. Most of all, I love collaborating with people who care deeply about building meaningful, resilient, and inclusive futures.

Please feel free to connect with me and the EO59 team on LinkedIn.

Speaker Introduction:

Carl Pucci is Founder and President of EO59, bringing Earth observation into the heart of infrastructure, public safety, and economic growth. A passionate public speaker, he believes space data belongs in everyday decisions, everywhere.