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Scope & Metrics

The Orbital Edge Accelerator opportunity is open to companies across a broad range of applications, industries, and technologies. Applicants should require access to the space environment aboard the International Space Station (ISS) or another low Earth orbit (LEO) platform to accelerate, validate, or scale their technological development.

The Orbital Edge Accelerator program offers two tracks tailored to companies at different stages of development and targeting different commercial opportunities: Sentinel Track and Disrupt Track.

Sentinel Track

The Sentinel Track seeks Early-Stage startups developing space technologies with dual-use potential.

Potential applications and industries of interest include:

  • Advanced communications and networking technology
  • Advanced materials and components
  • Data processing and cybersecurity
  • In-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM)
  • Radiation shielding material and technology
  • Robotics and automation
  • Sensors and detectors
  • Space data analytics and generative artificial intelligence (GenAI)
  • Thermal management and power systems
  • Quantum technologies
Go to Application Form

Disrupt Track

The Disrupt Track seeks Pre-Seed and Seed stage startups with a focus on space biotechnology and advanced materials, including drug development and in-space manufacturing.

Potential applications and industries of interest include:

  • Biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals, including but not limited to:
    • Drug discovery and testing
    • Protein crystallization
    • Personalized and precision medicine
    • Stem cells and regenerative medicine
    • Therapeutics testing and disease modeling
    • 3D bioprinting and tissue fabrication
  • In-space manufacturing of advanced materials, including but not limited to:
    • Semiconductors
    • Optical fibers
    • Alloys
    • Nanomaterials
Go to Application Form

Evaluation Metrics

The ISS National Lab and investment partners will evaluate eligible submissions received by the submission deadline according to the following metrics:

  • Persuasiveness: Is the application well-written, engaging, and persuasive? 10 points
  • Suitability: Does the application present compelling information regarding why the proposed technology needs to be developed and/or tested on the ISS or other LEO platform? 20 points
  • Technology Maturity and Outlook: Is the proposed technology likely to achieve commercial viability and by when? How close to commercial readiness is the proposed technology? 25 points
  • Business Vision: Does the proposal present a compelling value proposition for customers addressing a sizeable market opportunity and a well-articulated business case to attract investors? 30 points
  • Innovation: Does the application describe a novel technology or a unique application of an existing technology? 15 points

The team of evaluators will select up to 25 finalists per track who will participate in virtual pitch interviews to advance to the final stage. Reviewers will evaluate pitches using the following metrics:

  • Technical Viability and Feasibility: Does the proposing team have a feasible concept of operations for the ISS or other LEO platform? 35 points
  • Impact: Does the proposing team present a compelling case about the user value proposition and potential business impact of their proposed technology? 30 points
  • Team Experience: Does the proposing team have sufficient technical and business background to build and commercialize the proposed technology? 25 points
  • Founder Vision: Does the proposing team have a compelling vision for the company? 10 points