Space Commerce Institute Announces Launch of SpaceEdge

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — March 28, 2024 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, offering education, collaboration and information for the global space ecosystem, today announced that its Space Commerce Institute is launching SpaceEdge in collaboration with Arizona State University, Vanderbilt University, University of Florida, and University of Central Florida. SpaceEdge is a 12-week virtual multihub accelerator program for space-adjacent industries to develop and activate its space strategies. The inaugural program, slated to start in fall 2024, will focus on the biomedical industry.

SpaceEdge is designed to educate participating teams on the vast business opportunities available to them in the space ecosystem and equip them with the acumen necessary to develop scalable and sustainable business models. This will be achieved through either leveraging space-based technologies or integrating directly into the global space supply chain. Participants will gain the tangible abilities, knowledge and skills necessary to envision a clear path of entry into the global space ecosystem.

Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Space Foundation vice president of space commerce and entrepreneurship, remarked, “As humanity ventures further into the cosmos, advancements in the biomedical industry become not just aspirations but imperatives. This program isn’t only about accelerating business growth, it is also about igniting the entrepreneurial spirit and fueling the innovation necessary to grow and scale the future of space.

Throughout the 12-week program, a select team of mentors and instructors, including experts from the participating universities, will provide a user- and industry-centric perspective, with a goal of ensuring that participants maintain a focus on developing a relevant capability that aligns with their broader business plan. The program will culminate in a pitch day, providing cohort members an opportunity to showcase their business plans to potential investors, partners and community members.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with  Space Foundation and other leading universities in space research to offer a program that may give Arizona-based innovators and entrepreneurs a commercial advantage by participating in the space economy” said Jessica Rousset, director of ASU’s Interplanetary Initiative. “In the future, we expect SpaceEdge to extend to industries such as advanced materials and manufacturing with additional participating universities across the country.”

About Space Commerce Institute

Space Commerce Institute, established in 2022 by Space Foundation, is dedicated to opening and expanding opportunities to connect innovators and entrepreneurs 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 education, collaboration and information 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.

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Tags: Space Foundation, Space Commerce Institute, Orbital Reef University Advisory Council, Arizona State University, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, Vanderbilt University, Arizona Space Summit, SpaceEdge, accelerator program, space industry, space commerce, space economy, space technology, space innovation, space ecosystem, space advocate, space exploration, space education, 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]

Sandy Leander
Assistant Director, Media Relations
Arizona State University
(480-) 727-3396
[email protected]

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