A virtual program dedicated to accelerating the next generation of space technology. Our 2022 programming will take place from June 6 - July 1, 2022. Applications closed on April 15, 2022.
About the Program
The AWS Space Accelerator, delivered by AlchemistX, is a four-week, technical, business and mentorship accelerator open to space startups from around the globe. Now in its second year, the AWS Space Accelerator has selected 10 startup companies worldwide who are seeking to use AWS to transform the future of space and help solve the biggest challenges in the industry.
Customized Curriculum
The AWS Space Accelerator is designed as an intensive, advanced curriculum to help companies focused on the space domain accelerate their growth using AWS. It is one of the only programs in the industry that combines hands-on mentorship and coaching with experienced technical and business teams from AWS and AlchemistX to support startups at all stages.
Support and Networks
Selected startups will work with leading AWS and AlchemistX experts to build and scale their cloud solution. The program provides participants with hands-on mentorship and coaching, AWS Promotional Credits, and access to both the AWS and AlchemistX global networks to build connections.
Industry Leaders
The program will also bring in space industry leaders to interact with startups on topics ranging from space and national security, international regulatory law, managing mergers and acquisition, to working with the public sector, and more. Startups can benefit from unique domain expertise in space investment and business development through AlchemistX, and mentoring with AWS subject matter experts.
Meet the Startups
Albedo
Albedo builds and operates satellites to capture 10-centimeter visible imagery and 2-meter thermal imagery from space.
Blue Sky Analytics
Blue Sky Analytics is a climate tech startup empowering the world’s decision-makers with accurate, real-time climate data and actionable insights. Using AI models, the company crunches terabytes of raw satellite data to deliver environmental and climate intelligence via their user-friendly platform SpaceTime™, and APIs. Used by corporations, lawmakers, and the financial sector, Blue Sky Analytics specializes in tracking and analyzing climate change as it evolves, because what can’t be measured can’t be solved.
EOS Data Analytics
EOS Data Analytics is a global provider of AI-powered satellite imagery analytics used for commercial and scientific purposes. We have developed our web-based platforms to monitor mainly the farmlands and forest areas around the globe. Our products are based on satellite data, AI, Big data analytics and use of proprietary algorithms. Currently, EOS Data Analytics serves customers and partners from 20+ verticals with the bespoke solutions to meet their challenges.
Epsilon3
Software for complex engineering, testing, and operational procedures.
Kayhan Space
Kayhan Space is a software company, providing spaceflight safety-as-a-service to the Space industry. Kayhan’s first product, Pathfinder, is an autonomous satellite collision avoidance solution. Currently, Pathfinder is servicing more than 400 satellites in LEO, helping performs maneuvers on a regular basis.
Magdrive
Magdrive is developing next generation propulsion for satellites, with both high thrust and high efficiency. Our highly efficient electric plasma thruster this will enable sustainable use of space for regular avoidance maneuvers and deorbiting, as well as enabling entirely new business models with improved agility and longer lifetimes.
Mission Space
Mission Space is building a satellite-based space weather intelligence system to help satellite operators solve the problem of data deficit and lack of warning tools to mitigate the effects of the sun’s activity. Mission Space turns outdated and costly raw data processes into real-time, actionable insights with custom sensors in LEO and advanced models on the ground.
Terradepth
Terradepth is fundamentally improving human knowledge with respect to the ocean to create better, faster decision-making with respect to Earth's ocean. Terradepth is an ocean data as a service business that has built a cloud-based, browser-accessible, ocean data management platform and marketplace. This product, Absolute Ocean (AO), provides an intuitive, immersive interface for the visualization of vast, high-resolution geospatial datasets (akin to Google Earth for ocean data). Terradepth has also invented a scalable, full ocean depth data collection solution to massively scale ocean data availability within AO.
The Exploration Company
Our mission is to make space exploration affordable, available and open.
To realize this mission, The Exploration Company develops, manufactures and operates Nyx, a modular and reusable orbital vehicle that can eventually be refueled in orbit. The technical bricks of Nyx are built with open interfaces: they are available on a SpaceStore to enable space & non-space companies to use them and develop new applications.
Nyx provides a wide scope of missions ranging from 6 months around the Earth (and re-entry) to landing on the Moon (and coming back) or performing 100km hopping on the Moon. Nyx can resupply space stations and large space infrastructures. Nyx has the potential to carry humans.
ZaiNar
ZaiNar is a Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) company building solutions that power smarter supply chains and advance modern technology. ZaiNar has developed advancements in signal processing that enable sub-nanosecond network timing and sub-meter 3D positioning for any device that emits a radio signal. ZaiNar works across any frequency and on any known wireless protocol without any reliance on GPS/GNSS.
ZaiNar technology solves unmet needs like tracking phones indoors and in dense cities, tracking cars without line of sight, tracking assets using IoT devices in dynamic industrial environments, and enabling self-calibrating PNT networks that are robust to alien and GPS-denied environments.
AWS Program Details
AWS has a long history of supporting our customers in Space. As a leading cloud provider, we believe that startups ignite innovation and drive bold new experimentation in the Space industry. The inaugural accelerator, launched in 2021, established a highly differentiated, world-class accelerator for Space startups with a wide array of space missions. Our goal is to help startups to scale in the space industry, to accelerate their impact, help them access additional resources, and help expand their reach. Our program is unique compared to how other accelerators typically operate. Each participating company determines its own individual goals and focus. During the 2022 AWS Space Accelerator, participants can benefit from both technical and commercial expertise at AWS, which can align with their challenges and objectives.
Qualifying Missions are Limitless
Previous mission submissions include but are not limited to: Earth observation, electronics and robotics, spacecraft launch and delivery, spacecraft hardware and software, satellite operations, space travel and living, space computing, science instruments, launch manufacturing and operations, and beyond.
Judging Criteria
AWS and AlchemistX experts will judge applications on several factors including innovation, the overall value the solution can bring to the industry, the creative application of AWS to solve problems, the team’s ability to deliver on an identified opportunity, and the startup’s fit with this opportunity.
Application Process
The application portal closed at 11:59 PM (PST) on April 15, 2022.
AWS and AlchemistX will notify the 10 selected companies by April 27, 2022.
Participation Requirements
There is no equity or financial obligation to participate. The accelerator is open to any startup company that is:
- A privately held company
- U.S.-based company or international company
- Able to commit 10-15 hours per week throughout the four-week accelerator
- Participants must be fluent in English and able to join video conference events, primarily held during U.S. Pacific Time business hours
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Applications Open
March 10, 2022 -
Applications Close
April 15, 2022 (11:59 PM PST ) -
Pitch Finals
April 18 - 22, 2022 -
Final Cohort Selected (10 participants)
April 25 - April 27, 2022 -
Week Zero (Orientation)
May 9 - 13, 2022 -
AWS Space Accelerator Begins
June 6 - July 1, 2022
Startups Selected to Participate Will Receive:
Training
- Specialized AWS training
- Mentoring from space domain and technical subject matter experts
- Support towards business and strategy development from AlchemistX
Networking and Collaboration
- Networking opportunities with other participating startups
- Networking opportunities with AWS Public Sector customers and members of the AWS Partner Network
Credits
- Up to $100,000 in AWS Promotional Credits (via the AWS Activate Program)
Testimonials
Justin Cyrus, CEO
Lunar Outpost
John Robins, Founder
Asynos
Adam Kaplan, CEO
Edgybees
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AWS Space Accelerator?
The AWS Space Accelerator, delivered by AlchemistX, is a four-week, technical, business and mentorship accelerator opportunity open to space startups from around the globe.
Now in its second year, the AWS Space Accelerator is designed to provide technical, business, and networking mentorship to a select cohort of startups seeking to use AWS to help solve the biggest challenges in the space industry.
Who is eligible to participate?
Participation is open to privately held startups at all stages of maturity working with space technology or space-derived data who have a clearly defined and innovative space mission. We welcome applications from startups around the globe. (See Participation Requirements section for further eligibility requirements).
How do I apply?
Please click Get in touch for more information and to submit an application.
When and how will participants be notified of selection?
Selected startups will be notified directly in late April 2022, at which time they will be invited to join an onboarding event in May. During the onboarding event, startups will receive an introduction and overview of AWS, as well as a business and technical needs assessment driven by AWS in collaboration with AlchemistX to prepare them for the four-week accelerator curriculum in June.
When and where will the Accelerator take place?
The four-week Accelerator will take place June 6-July 1, 2022. The curriculum will be offered through a mix of virtual and recorded sessions, to support global participation.
Why is AWS offering this opportunity?
AWS has a long history of supporting our customers in space. As one of the world’s leading cloud providers, we believe that startups ignite innovation and drive bold new experimentation in the space industry. It is our aim to offer a highly differentiated, world-class accelerator designed specifically for space startups.
What if my company would like to participate but the June timeframe doesn’t work?
AWS still welcomes startups to apply. If the June timeframe doesn’t work with your company’s schedule, please note on your application your preference to have an AWS technical or business specialist to contact you in the interim.
Who do I contact with questions?
For questions about this opportunity or the application process, contact: awsspace@alchemistaccelerator.com