Space Foundation and Starburst Aerospace to Debut New Innovation Pitch Event at Space Foundation Space Symposium

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

(Written by Space Foundation and Starburst Editorial Team)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Jan. 25, 2024 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, offering information, education and collaboration for the global space ecosystem, today announced that its Space Commerce Institute is partnering with Starburst Aerospace to launch Space Symposium: Innovate. The initiative is designed to showcase emerging aerospace and defense companies, offering a dynamic platform for collaborative discussions and partnerships.

The inaugural, invite-only, pitch competition will take place on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Space Foundation’s annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. The premier gathering of the global space ecosystem draws over 11,000 attendees, uniting leaders from diverse global sectors including government, industry, military, intelligence, research, and investment. Space Symposium: Innovate is dedicated to advancing the development and deployment of innovative solutions crucial to both the expansion of commercial industry and the enhancement of national security.

Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Space Foundation vice president of space commerce and entrepreneurship, remarked, “Innovative companies and the entrepreneurial spirit play a crucial role in growing the space ecosystem and driving real-world solutions. We must create a platform and forum for next-generation capabilities to collide with industry leaders and government partners. This synergy of innovation not only propels us forward into new frontiers but also is the catalyst to achieve our collective wish for the future.”

“This event is an opportunity to not only showcase the technologies of the future but also to seed the collaborative efforts necessary to implement critical solutions. Our greatest opportunity as a nation is to harness the power of coalitional innovation — to build an ecosystem that accelerates technological advancements and ensures robust, sustainable growth in both national security and commercial sectors — and we’re excited to partner with Space Foundation to do just that,” said Elizabeth Reynolds, Starburst’s U.S. managing director.

Entrepreneurs building innovative solutions for the space industry are encouraged to submit their applications by the deadline on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. Submissions will be evaluated based on technical merit, team expertise, potential impact, and dual-use potential. The most promising applicants will be granted the opportunity to present their ideas to a distinguished panel comprising innovation leaders from the United States Air Force, United States Navy, NASA, industry, and venture capital.

The judging panel will select the winning company, which will be awarded five hours of consulting from Space Commerce Institute, a one-year subscription to The Space Report, and two complimentary tickets to next year’s Space Symposium scheduled for April 7-10, 2025.

The event will also feature a panel discussion with industry executives about the future of innovation, collaboration, and working with startups.

To learn more about the pitch competition and to apply, visit www.starburst.aero/space-symposium-pitch-competition-2024.

About Space Symposium

Space Symposium, hosted by Space Foundation since 1984, is the premier assembly for the global space ecosystem. The live event, held in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is widely attended by commercial and government leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and teachers around the globe. To learn more about Space Symposium, visit www.space symposium.org.

About Space Commerce Institute

Space Commerce Institute, established in 2022 by Space Foundation’s Center for Innovation and Education, is dedicated to opening and expanding opportunities to connect with the most dynamic economy in the world through information, experience, training, mentorship and consultancy. With jobs, services and markets forecasted for considerable growth, Space Commerce Institute allows participants to learn from experts who have perfected what it takes to navigate the evolving mandates from concept to creation and grow businesses in the global space economy. Capitalizing on four decades of advocacy for the space community and leveraging Space Foundation’s unparalleled global network of space leaders, Space Commerce Institute provides accessible, actionable, tangible and targeted programming to bridge the knowledge gap and move participants swiftly toward their goals. To learn more about Space Commerce Institute, visit: www.SpaceFoundation.org/sci.

About Space Foundation

Space Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, offering information, education and collaboration for the global space ecosystem. Driven by partnerships, Space Foundation unites the entire spectrum of stakeholders — business, government, education and local communities — through support from corporate members, sponsors, fundraising and grants. Visit Space Foundation at www.SpaceFoundation.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

About Starburst Aerospace 

Founded in 2012, Starburst Aerospace is an innovation catalyst in the global Aerospace and Defense (A&D) industry. Combining three complementary activities—accelerators, consulting, & ventures—they help stakeholders innovate, navigate and invest in the dynamic ecosystem. With offices in Los Angeles, Paris, Madrid, Munich, Singapore, Seoul, Tel Aviv, and Washington DC, the team has built a robust community with 60+ partners and a portfolio of 140+ startups while identifying all sources of innovation that will impact the aerospace value chain. Starburst’s leading Flagship Accelerator program helps startups scale their business in aviation, space, and defense with access to one of the largest groups of corporate representatives, government stakeholders, and private venture investors in the world. More information about Starburst can be found at www.starburst.aero.

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Tags: Space Foundation, Space Commerce Institute, Starburst Aerospace, Space Symposium, The Space Report, venture capital, space mentorship, space industry, space commerce, space economy, space technology, space innovation, space ecosystem, space advocate, space exploration, space derived, entrepreneurship

Media Contacts:

Rich Cooper
Vice President, Strategic Communications & Outreach
Space Foundation
(202) 596-0714
[email protected]

Dottie O’Rourke
TECHMarket Communications
(650) 344-1260
[email protected]

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