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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Jan. 15, 2025 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983 as a gateway to unite the global space community, today announced that its Space Commerce Institute and global aerospace and defense innovation catalyst Starburst are partnering for the second year to host the “Space Symposium Innovate Pitch Competition.” This initiative is designed to showcase emerging aerospace and defense companies at the 40th Space Symposium by offering them a dynamic platform to create collaborative discussions and partnerships.
The invite-only pitch competition will take place on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. at the Broadmoor Theatre in Colorado Springs during Space Foundation’s annual Space Symposium. Those interested in attending the showcase can request to be on the waitlist when they register for Symposium. The premier gathering of the global space ecosystem draws over 11,000 attendees, uniting leaders from diverse global sectors including government, industry, military, intelligence, research and investment.
Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Space Foundation vice president of space commerce and entrepreneurship, remarked, “Innovation thrives when new voices and perspectives are brought to light. Connecting next-generation capabilities to the space industry is not just an opportunity — it’s a necessity. These innovations hold the key to unlocking breakthroughs that will drive exploration, expand space’s economic impact, and reinforce national security objectives.”
The Space Symposium Innovate Pitch Competition is dedicated to advancing the development and deployment of innovative solutions crucial to both the expansion of commercial industry and the enhancement of national security. Last year’s winner, Hubble Network, pitched by co-founder Alex Haro, has seen significant success. After the competition, Hubble Network demonstrated the capability of their off-the-shelf Bluetooth chipset technology and were the first company to ever successfully transmit data from standard Bluetooth devices to its satellite constellation, proving that Bluetooth — typically used for short-range connections — can link devices on Earth with orbiting satellites. This further enables IoT use-cases previously impractical at global scale with implications for logistics monitoring, wildfire and environmental monitoring, tool tracking, and more.
“The future of the space economy depends on elevating bold ideas and building strong partnerships. Starburst is thrilled to once again partner with Space Foundation for the Space Symposium Innovate Pitch Competition,” said Francois Chopard, Starburst’s CEO and founder. “By providing a launchpad for the next generation of aerospace and defense companies, we aim to accelerate transformative solutions and foster vital collaborations that will shape the future of space exploration and commercialization.”
Entrepreneurs building innovative solutions for the space industry who are interested in being part of the pitch competition are encouraged to submit their applications by the deadline of Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. Submissions will be evaluated based on technical merit, team expertise, impact, and dual-use potentials. The most promising applicants will be granted the opportunity to present their ideas to a distinguished panel comprising innovation leaders in aerospace, defense and venture capital.=
The winning company will be awarded five free hours of consulting from Space Commerce Institute, a one-year subscription to The Space Report, and two complimentary tickets to next year’s Space Symposium, scheduled for April 7-10, 2026.
Innovation and collaboration are at the core of both Space Foundation and Starburst’s missions. Through this partnership, the pitch competition aims to inject fresh perspectives into Space Symposium, ensuring the industry stays dynamic, forward-looking and transformative.
To learn more about the pitch competition and to apply, visit www.spacesymposium.org/innovate-pitch-competition/.
About Space Commerce Institute
Space Commerce Institute, established in 2022 by Space Foundation, is dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs, companies and countries with the dynamic space economy through information, experience, training, mentorship and consultancy. With jobs, services and markets forecasted for considerable growth, Space Commerce Institute helps partners navigate the evolving mandates from concept to creation to grow businesses. Initiatives study how the space economy and its actors are transitioning around the globe and provide a tangible roadmap to help participants find their place in space. Visit Space Commerce Institute at www.SpaceFoundation.org/sci.
About Space Foundation
Space Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1983 as a gateway to unite the global space community and accelerate its growth and success. Space Foundation uniquely educates, collaborates and informs the entire space workforce from early education to college, to the start of their careers as new professionals, and to leaders at the highest levels in government and commercial industry. Driven by partnerships, Space Foundation raises support from corporate members, sponsors, fundraising and grants. Visit Space Foundation at www.SpaceFoundation.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
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Media Contacts:
Rich Cooper
Vice President, Strategic Communications & Outreach
Space Foundation
(202) 596-0714
rcooper@spacefoundation.org
Dottie O’Rourke
TECHMarket Communications
(650) 344-1260
SpaceFoundation@techmarket.com
