ISS National Lab unveils startup accelerator to drive innovation in orbit

ISS National Lab unveils startup accelerator to drive innovation in orbit
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 03, 2025

The International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory has introduced the Orbital Edge Accelerator, a new initiative aimed at jumpstarting entrepreneurial activity within the expanding space economy. This program will select six emerging startups to each receive up to $500,000 in funding from investment partners Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI), E2MC, and Stellar Ventures. In addition to the financial backing, selected companies will gain mentorship and the opportunity to conduct space-based research through an ISS National Lab-sponsored mission.

The accelerator is part of a broader push by the ISS National Lab to strengthen ties with the startup community. By leveraging the unique microgravity environment aboard the space station, startups can explore new frontiers in science and technology, leading to the development of breakthrough products and companies. Historically, flight opportunities through the ISS National Lab have supported ventures in fields like remote sensing, telecommunications, biotech, and materials science. These space-enabled projects have proven commercially impactful, with awardee companies collectively raising around $2.4 billion following their ISS missions.

To deliver the Orbital Edge Accelerator, the ISS National Lab has partnered with TechConnect, an organization with over two decades of experience connecting innovation to commercialization. In the months ahead, representatives from the ISS National Lab, CIRI, E2MC, Stellar Ventures, and TechConnect will engage directly with startups at industry events to promote the program and illustrate the benefits of research conducted in orbit. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is also supporting the accelerator as a corporate partner, offering its technical resources and industry insight to guide selected teams.

TechConnect is scheduled to hold an informational webinar on April 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. EDT to provide more specifics about the program. Additional support will include two office hour sessions where interested applicants can pose questions. Further information is available via the Orbital Edge Accelerator webpage.

Applications for the Orbital Edge Accelerator are due by 8:00 p.m. EDT on May 19, 2025. After reviewing submissions, the ISS National Lab and its investment partners will narrow the field to 20 finalists, who will then deliver virtual pitches. From this group, six startups will be chosen to form the accelerator's initial cohort. Each selected company will be eligible to propose a flight project onboard the ISS.

The winning cohort will be formally introduced at the 14th annual ISS Research and Development Conference, taking place in Seattle from July 28 to 31, 2025. Details on the application process, networking opportunities, and program timeline can be found at the Orbital Edge Accelerator site.