In this presentation, we reflect on our experiences within the Iliad project to co-create smartphone apps that offer significant value, encouraging citizens and other users to share their own observations. We will discuss how we've advanced public access to geo-spatial data, focusing on building toolboxes that simplify access to Copernicus Marine data and provide image processing tools to extract meaningful insights from raw data. These technologies empower even organisations with limited GeoICT skills, including those in regions with inconsistent (mobile) Internet access. By leveraging the cloud platform RAMANI Analytics, SemFlow, and FlowCell, various types of maritime geo-data can be processed, analysed, and published for mobile and web use. Drawing on over 8 years of experience as a key technology provider for some of Europe’s and Africa’s largest innovation competitions—like the Copernicus Masters and several sponsored app developer camps funded by ESA, SAP, and Deutsche Telekom—we will share our insights. Recently, we supported the European Commission’s Copernicus Hackathons and an African Youth Ideathon held during GEO Week 2023 in South Africa, helping young scientists to apply their research. Our native Android and iOS APIs assist in delivering decision-ready information to value-chain stakeholders, such as fishermen locating hotspots or shellfish farmers assessing risks from invasive species. Here the link of the presentation: Link