A new accelerator launched today to help early-stage space startups build the next generation of infrastructure in orbit.
Blacknight Space Labs will provide five companies up to $100,000 each. In addition, accelerator companies will get startup 101 education, mentorship, assistance breaking into the defense space market—and help with everything from fundraising, to navigating the government contracting system, to finding customers.
The founder of the feast: The accelerator is backed by Blacknight Space Labs, an AI-driven modeling and simulation firm that offers services such as in-orbit mission simulation, and training exercises for space operations. The company will have a separate team running the program—and companies in the cohort will also get free access to its services.
More details: The accelerator is aiming to work with companies across the space enterprise, focusing on:
- Sat infrastructure and comms
- Data and analytics
- Logistics and in-space servicing
- Tech for the lunar and cislunar economy
- Dual-use systems for defense customers.
“We believe our ability to help our startups with product development, go-to-market & fundraising and [navigating] the nuances of the commercial space industry is a competitive advantage that helps de-risk these early stage companies even further,” Jeremy Gocke, the managing director of Blacknight Space Labs, told Payload in an email.
Logistics: The accelerator’s first 12-week cohort will start in September in Phoenix, AZ, culminating with a demo day in December. Applications are open until Aug. 2.
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