We are entering an extraordinary period of innovation and expansion in the space industry.

The Orbital Edge Accelerator is a one-of-a-kind program in the space industry connecting private capital, International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory–provided access to orbit, and a world-class expert ecosystem to build and accelerate businesses in low Earth orbit. We aim to elevate the boldest ideas and help startups transform cutting-edge technologies into real-world commercial solutions.

Orbital Edge is powered by the ISS National Lab and founded in partnership with global investors Cook Inlet Region, Inc., E2MC, Stellar Ventures, Context Ventures, Draper Associates, and Draper University, leveraging decades of experience enabling commercial innovation in low Earth orbit.

The Orbital Edge Accelerator:

• Provides unrivaled resources of $500k+ for ambitious startups through significant venture capital investment and an opportunity to test and develop technologies on the ISS and other low Earth orbit platforms.
• Advances promising space-related ventures by equipping startups with strategic guidance, technical expertise, mentorship, and resources needed to accelerate product development and commercialization.
• Responds to growing interest in space-driven business models across industries ranging from AI and data centers to robotics, therapeutics, and materials.

In addition to the above Orbital Edge Accelerator benefits, chosen participants will also have the chance to win the Boeing-sponsored Technology in Space Prize, which consists of $100k in non-dilutive funding.

Chosen participants—those with strong plans to commercialize innovative technologies—will take part in a program spanning several months that provides access to exclusive networks of space investors, ISS National Lab experts, corporate innovation scouts, and experienced mentors. The program includes both virtual and in-person coaching and culminates in the opportunity for companies to send their R&D to space.

All participating startups are invited to apply to conduct research on the International Space Station. The ISS National Lab will sponsor the launch (upmass and downmass) and astronaut time, or chosen participants may pursue the use of alternative spaceflight platforms.

The Orbital Edge Accelerator program consists of two distinct tracks based on the areas of technology innovation and business maturity:

• The Sentinel Track seeks Early-Stage startups developing space technologies with dual-use potential.
• The Disrupt Track seeks Pre-Seed and Seed startups with a focus on space biotechnology and advanced materials, including in-space manufacturing and drug development.

To learn more about the Orbital Edge Accelerator program and the application process, read the scope and metrics page or view the application.