Techstars Space Accelerator

• Space, drone or manufacturing startups at product stage seeking a global accelerator.

About this scheme

Techstars, a globally recognized investment platform, is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs by providing critical access to capital, expert mentorship, and a vast worldwide network. The Techstars Space Accelerator program, conducted in close partnership with the United States Space Force and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is designed to foster the next generation of innovators in space technology. These strategic alliances provide unparalleled opportunities for participating startups to engage directly with leading government agencies, access cutting-edge research, and gain invaluable insights into critical mission requirements and market needs within the aerospace sector.

The program specifically targets startups from diverse adjacent industries, including automotive, agriculture, energy, mining, finance, and manufacturing, that are looking to establish or expand their presence within the aerospace sector as a primary market entry point. This unique approach recognizes that significant innovation often stems from cross-sector collaboration, allowing companies to adapt existing technologies and business models for novel applications within the demanding space and aerospace environments. Beyond these adjacent industries, the accelerator actively seeks out groundbreaking technologies that demonstrate clear commercial applicability within the broader space and aerospace ecosystems. This includes cutting-edge advancements in areas such as autonomy and robotics, essential for future space missions, satellite operations, and terrestrial spin-offs. The program's physical location is in Los Angeles, California, ensuring an immersive, in-person experience designed to maximize collaboration and hands-on guidance.

While explicit funding amounts are not always publicly detailed, Techstars accelerators consistently involve an investment component in exchange for equity, alongside a rich suite of non-monetary support. Selected companies benefit from unparalleled access to leading figures and experts within the global aerospace industry. This invaluable support encompasses guidance on strategic market positioning, effective customer acquisition techniques, efficient product development strategies, and comprehensive strategies for overall business growth, equipping startups for enduring success in this dynamic and challenging sector.

Who can apply

• The Techstars Space Accelerator is designed for next-generation space technology companies poised for significant impact.
• This includes startups developing novel solutions in areas such as satellite technology, advanced propulsion systems, Earth observation, in-space manufacturing, data analytics for space applications, and sustainable space exploration initiatives.
• A key focus is on startups originating from diverse adjacent industries, including automotive, agriculture, energy, mining, finance, and manufacturing, that are strategically seeking the aerospace industry as a primary go-to-market channel.
• This criterion encourages the transfer and adaptation of established technologies and business models from other sectors into the high-growth aerospace domain.
• Furthermore, technologies must demonstrate clear commercial applicability within the broader space and aerospace ecosystems.
• This encompasses innovations like advanced autonomy and robotics for spacecraft and ground operations, AI-driven solutions for mission planning, novel sensor technologies, and disruptive materials science for space applications.

Benefits & funding

• The program offers an investment component in exchange for equity, expert mentorship, and a vast global network.
• Participants gain unparalleled access to leading government agencies (US Space Force, NASA JPL), cutting-edge research, and industry experts for strategic market positioning, customer acquisition, product development, and business growth.
• An immersive, in-person experience also facilitates collaboration.

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with Techstars, in your own name.

1. 1

   Applicants submit a detailed online application, followed by a rigorous screening phase.

2. 2

   Promising candidates then progress to interview rounds with program staff, mentors, and partners for final selection.

Frequently asked questions