Orbital Edge Accelerator

Overview

The Orbital Edge Accelerator is an initiative launched by the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory to support early-stage space technology startups. The program offers selected companies an investment of up to $500,000, provided by global investors including Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI), E2MC, and Stellar Ventures. In addition to funding, participants receive mentorship and the opportunity to conduct research utilizing the ISS National Lab's facilities, aiming to foster innovations that can benefit humanity and drive commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit. The accelerator focuses on startups in the space technology sector, particularly those in the seed and early stages of development. By bridging the gap between early-stage companies and space-based innovation, the program seeks to unlock discoveries that can benefit humanity and drive new commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit. The initiative is part of the ISS National Lab's strategic priority to engage the startup community and leverage the unique space environment to push the boundaries of science and technology. Over the years, startups supported by the ISS National Lab have collectively raised nearly $2.4 billion in postflight funding, underscoring the commercial potential of space-based research. The Orbital Edge Accelerator builds on this success, aiming to fuel the next wave of innovators that will shape the future space economy. The program is managed in collaboration with TechConnect, a commercialization-focused organization, and AWS serves as a corporate partner, providing expertise in scouting and mentoring the inaugural cohort of startups.

Investment Focus

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents representing entities incorporated in the United States.
• Applications must be submitted by the specified deadline.
• Participants must complete a free registration with Sam.gov prior to the program's start date.