Navigating the universe of space tech accelerators: top 50 programs and insights to propel your startup

Discover the top 50 space tech accelerators, with insights from Techstars' MD on selecting the ideal program for your startup's success in the ever-growing space sector.

Issue No 30. Subscribers 5281. Sponsored by Techstars Space Accelerator.

Startups frequently ask us which accelerators to target and the best way to approach them. With over 500 startup support players publicly known to have some exposure to space tech, making these decisions can be quite challenging. In this article, we've narrowed the focus to the top 50 accelerators and incubators and have prepared a comprehensive overview to help guide your choices.

Joining an accelerator offers startups numerous benefits, such as gaining new knowledge, expanding their network, connecting with potential clients, and accessing new geographical markets. Additionally, accelerator participation serves as a mark of quality for future investors. It may even be a prerequisite for applying for talent visas in some jurisdictions. While not every startup needs to undergo acceleration, there are numerous examples of highly successful startups that have benefited from it, such as Momentus (post-IPO).

We are excited to launch the first-ever comprehensive map of space and deep tech accelerators across the universe which is now live on our sleek, newly designed website.

Matt Kozlov, the head of Techstars Space Accelerator

How to choose the right accelerator for you?

We recently had a conversation with Matt Kozlov, the head of Techstars Space Accelerator, who shared his insights on choosing the right accelerator for startups. Here's what he had to say:

It's crucial for startups to research the track records of the program - how much funds graduates managed to attract or in winning government contracts. They should look into the success of these companies and speak with their founders to gain insights into their experiences.

Startups must consider the main purpose behind attending an accelerator. For instance, Techstars is primarily focused on the US market and is well-known for its strong relationships with federal partners. If a startup is interested in building connections with the European Space Agency (ESA), it might want to consider a European accelerator instead. On the other hand, if an international startup aims to establish a solid foundation and sales pipeline in the US, Techstars could be a perfect choice. The accelerator has already welcomed several international startups, such as Pixxel from India (total funding 33M), Morpheus Space (total funding 29.6M) from Germany, as well as BiFrost and Equatorial Space from Singapore.

Space focused accelerators and incubators

There are several well-established space-focused accelerators that are usual choices for startup companies. 

Techstars Space Accelerator: located in Los Angeles, the Techstars Space Accelerator collaborates with the United States Space Force and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, enhancing the likelihood of participants securing government contracts and grants. Although not guaranteed, some graduates have obtained contracts worth $35 million. This intensive 13-week on-site program offers access to an extensive network of mentors, partners, and alumni, all part of the broader Techstars family. Techstars’ focus is to help startups that will make a massive impact on society.

Techstars' renowned "give first" culture encourages mentors to generously share knowledge, energy, and time without expecting anything in return. The cohort is limited to 12 companies, creating an intimate atmosphere where participants can forge lifelong friendships.

Furthermore, Techstars has recently launched a pre-accelerator in Saudi Arabia in partnership with the Saudi Space Commission. The application deadline for the LA program is June 7th. Upon completing your online application, kindly send an email to both Matt Kozlov and Alex Tonhazy to notify them of your submission. Notable graduates of the Techstars Accelerator include Kepler Communications (total funding $85M), Slingshot Aerospace (total funding $110.5M), and Skywatch (total funding $28.2M).

Slingshot Laboratory (Techstars’ portfolio company) is an easy-to-use, immersive, next-generation space education and training environment to learn the fundamentals of astrodynamics and space domain awareness.

Starburst Aerospace Accelerator: a global aerospace accelerator offering various programs tailored to entrepreneurs at different stages of growth. Notable graduates include Zero Avia (total funding of $140M). 

Seraphim Space Accelerator: this accelerator supports space tech startups in their journey from pre-seed to Series A backed by a VC fund. It has a presence in both the UK and the US.

Take Off Accelerator: part of the Plug and Play ecosystem and based in Italy, applications for the 2023 cohort are currently closed. However, you can sign up for their newsletter to stay informed about the 2024 program. The program offers €120,000 investment.

ESA Business Incubation Centres (ESA BICs): the largest network of incubators supporting space-related startups in Europe. Each incubation center is managed by local champions who connect their ESA BIC to local industries, universities, research organizations, government, and investor communities.

Network of ESA BIC and TTB centres in Europe

Venture Catalyst Space: this Australia-based program encompasses both an incubator and accelerator for space startups. Operated by the University of South Australia's Innovation & Collaboration Centre, applications for the 2023 cohort are now closed but stay tuned for announcements regarding the 2024 cohort. The program comes with 10K AUD funding.

Intelak: a Dubai-based virtual program that includes an idea lab, incubator, and accelerator with a focus on aviation. The incubator program offers $2,500 and up to $10,000 in equity-free funding. Although applications are currently closed, be sure to keep an eye on their website for future opportunities.

Aerospace Xelerated: a funded, 3-month accelerator program designed for software startups that have the potential to advance the aerospace industry. The program provides a £100k investment from Boeing and is open to startups worldwide, focusing on those at the seed to Series A stage. Although applications for the 2023 cohort are now closed, you can submit the form on their website to stay informed about the next cohort's application process.

Singapore Space and Technology: a venture-building program based in Singapore for global startups from pre-seed to Series B. Apply anytime.

Westcott Incubator & Accelerator by Catapult Satellite Applications UK. The program will run until August 2025. Vouchers between GPB 5 000 and 25 000 are available for participants.

Syndicate 708 offers deep tech founders funding and mentoring. The name is coming from US 708 - the fastest-moving star in our galaxy. We love the idea! Apply anytime.

Illustration of the possible event that led to the high-speed ejection of US 708: a type Ia supernova. US 708 is a hyper velocity white dwarf in the Milky Way Galaxy. One of the fastest moving stars in the galaxy, it was first surveyed in 1982

CASSINI Business Accelerator (CBA): a program by the European Commission and the EU Agency for the Space Programme. This six-month, equity-free program is designed to support growth-stage founders in the European space tech ecosystem. Applications for the 2023 cohort are closed.

NASA Frontier Development Lab (FDL): a public-private partnership with NASA and the Department of Energy (DOE) in the USA and ESA in Europe. FDL is an interdisciplinary Ph.D. and Postdoc level applied artificial intelligence (AI) research program. Applications for 2023 are opening soon.

Space Business Innovation Centre Noordwijk: is the business incubation program of the European Space Agency. Apply before the 17th of April 2023 for the spring cohort. Startups get up to €50,000 in zero-equity funding.

Hyperspace Challenge forges relationships between the government, startup, and university communities to accelerate innovation in the space domain. Hyperspace Challenge is currently seeking federal government innovators who have problem areas or pain points related to space technology areas and would like to explore commercial solutions for the 2023 challenge.

Earth and Beyond Incubator: an Israeli-based, VC-backed incubator that makes investments in collaboration with Israel Innovation Authority providing their portfolio companies with services, such as office space, ongoing guidance, and mentoring, preferred rates with service providers.

Relativity Space, a company focused on 3D-printed rockets and launch services, attended the prestigious Y Combinator accelerator program.

Generalist accelerators

It's important to note that you don't need to limit your search to accelerators specifically focused on space tech or deep tech. Many renowned accelerators, such as 500 Startups and Y Combinator, have already begun accepting space tech startups into their programs. According to Crunchbase data, Y Combinator has had 34 space tech graduates, including prominent companies like Momentus, which is already in the post-IPO stage, and Relativity Space, with total funding exceeding $1.3 billion. Similarly, Mass Challenge has supported 28 deals in the space tech domain.  

Other generalist accelerators that have previous investments in aerospace and defense are Alchemist, Start-Up Chile, SkyDeck Berkeley, Newchip, NEXT Canada, EvoNexus, European Innovation Council, 9Unicorns, Startmate, Darwin Startups, MassChallenge Israel, Lever, Space3ac, AlchemistX, Intelak, and Antler.

For detailed information and competitive analysis of these accelerators, please visit our webpage with the map.

Be quick with applications

There are several upcoming deadlines for accelerator applications, so be sure to act quickly if you want to participate:

• Y Combinator - April 7th

• Space Business Innovation Centre Noordwijk - April 17th

• Alchemist - April 14th

• Techstars - June 7th

• European Innovation Council - June 7th

• Satellite Applications Catapult - 24 vouchers available

Don't miss out on these opportunities and apply promptly to secure your spot. Additionally, the Space Ambition team would be more than happy to help you review and provide advice on your application, ensuring the best possible chance of success. Please contact us at alexandra@spaceambition.org. Good luck with your space tech startup!