IAI CATALYST

Overview

IAI CATALYST is an immersive early-stage accelerator that offers aerospace and defense startups a comprehensive support system, including investment, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities with Israel’s leading aerospace and defense company. The program is designed to bridge the gap between prototype and market readiness, addressing systemic challenges startups face in the aerospace and defense innovation ecosystem. By providing access to IAI’s engineering teams and technical infrastructure, startups can validate their technology under real-world conditions, making them more attractive to venture capital, government contracts, and prime partnerships. The accelerator focuses on sectors such as space and satellites, quantum technologies, sustainability and renewable energy, advanced materials, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence. It is tailored for U.S.-based early-stage startups and mature research projects aiming to advance their technology readiness levels (TRL), market their technologies to key corporate and government stakeholders, and build scalable, thriving businesses. The program offers a structured process designed to explore alignment, validate technology, and collaborate with IAI on potential co-development opportunities. Startups accepted into the program receive a $100,000 cash investment along with an additional $100,000 in-kind technical and business support. They also benefit from 1:1 strategic advisory from over 100 industry experts, mentors, and advisors. The program is hybrid, with about two weeks in person over a 20-week period, and participating startups are required to attend the in-person program Kickoff Week and culminating Demo Day reception in Washington, D.C. to close out the program. While companies can participate virtually for the rest of the duration of the program, they have full access to the IAI North America's Innovation Center in Herndon, Virginia, including their own private office space, if desired. The program is open to pre-seed and seed startups and mature research projects located in the United States who can address the posted technology focus areas. The application window for Cohort 4 closed on October 21, 2025, with the program commencing on January 19, 2026, and concluding with a Demo Day on June 18, 2026.

Investment Focus

• Up to 7% equity stake