KENNEDY SPACE CENTER (FL), April 29, 2026 – An informational webinar will be held on Tuesday, May 5, at 1 p.m. (EDT), for founders interested in learning more about—and applying to—the Orbital Edge Accelerator program. The virtual session will walk through the key elements of the Orbital Edge Accelerator, including the program’s mission, structure, funding partners, mentorship model, application process, and resources available to participating startups. Founders will also gain insight into how the program is designed to support early-stage teams building innovative solutions at the intersection of space, aerospace, and advanced technologies.

The Orbital Edge Accelerator program provides unrivaled resources of $500,000 to $750,000 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. Selected participants will also be eligible to compete for the Boeing-sponsored Technology in Space Prize, which includes up to $100,000 in non-dilutive funding. Applicants choose from 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 stage startups with a focus on space biotechnology and advanced materials, including in-space manufacturing and drug development.

Startups exploring acceleration, strategic partnerships, and investor readiness are encouraged to register and attend the webinar to determine whether the program is the right fit for their growth goals. The deadline to submit a concept application is May 26, 2026.

In addition, founders are encouraged to register for the in-person networking reception in San Mateo, California, on May 7, where they can connect with fellow founders, program leaders, and members of the broader innovation ecosystem.

Download a high-resolution image for this release: Orbital Edge Webinar

CAMBRIDGE (MA), April 21, 2026 – The Orbital Edge Accelerator will host a networking reception for founders and investors building space‑enabled businesses on April 23 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The event will bring together ambitious startups, venture investors, and industry leaders to explore emerging commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit.

The reception will offer founders an inside look at the 2026 Orbital Edge Accelerator, an industry-leading program that connects $500,000+ in private capital, expert mentorship, and access to space‑based testing. This program is in partnership with returning global investment partners Cook Inlet Region, Inc., E2MC, and Stellar Ventures and welcomes new partners Context Ventures, Draper Associates, and Draper University, alongside leading industry participants and sponsors.

Designed for early‑stage and growth‑stage startups across sectors such as space technology, AI, robotics, advanced materials, and life sciences, the event will foster meaningful conversations around commercialization, investment, and scaling technologies in orbit.

Complimentary drinks and light hors d’oeuvres will be provided. Attendance is by approval, and space is limited. Registration is open now.

Founders unable to attend the Cambridge reception may register for an Orbital Edge informational webinar on May 5 to learn more about the accelerator and upcoming cohort.

For more information and to register, visit the Orbital Edge Accelerator website.

Download a high-resolution image for this release: Accelerator Cambridge Event

Media Contact: Amy Elkavich
Email: aelkavich@ISSNationalLab.org

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About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory:

The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Laboratory® allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space® (CASIS®) manages the ISS National Lab, under a Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit our website.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER (FL), March 24, 2026 – The ISS National Laboratory® is preparing to launch the 2026 Orbital Edge Accelerator program in partnership with returning global investors Cook Inlet Region, Inc., E2MC, and Stellar Ventures, as well as leading industry participants. Now entering its second year, the one-of-a-kind program expands access to orbital flight opportunities, venture capital, and business mentorship for early-stage startups developing market-changing products through the use of space.

The Orbital Edge Accelerator:

• Provides unrivaled resources 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.

By combining private capital with ISS National Lab-enabled access to space, Orbital Edge accelerates time to market for transformational technologies. As investment flows into deep tech and defense sectors, the accelerator attracts investors and industry partners focused on space, dual-use technologies, and other high-growth areas, including biotechnology, advanced materials, and manufacturing.

To learn more about how the Orbital Edge Accelerator program provides investment and industry partnership opportunities, email orbitaledge@ISSNationalLab.org.

Download a high-resolution image for this release: Orbital Edge Accelerator Partners

Media Contact: Amy Elkavich
Email: aelkavich@ISSNationalLab.org

# # #

About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory:

The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Laboratory® allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space® (CASIS®) manages the ISS National Lab, under a Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit our website.