AWS teams for space incubator
Cloud provider Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched an incubator for space startups, working with a UK venture capital fund.
The AWS Space Accelerator is a four-week business support program that is open to space startups seeking to use AWS to help solve the biggest challenges in the space industry. Applications are open today and proposals are due by April 21, 2021.
The AWS Space Accelerator will provide technical, business, and mentoring resources to space startups around the globe. AWS and Seraphim will select a cohort of 10 space companies to participate in an intensive, four-week program with AWS Cloud and technical training to help them accelerate research, development, and growth using AWS. Seraphim, has helped dozens of emerging space companies around the world become investment ready through its own space accelerator program.
AWS and Seraphim are accepting applications from innovative startups at all stages of maturity working with space technology or space-derived data who have a clearly defined and unique mission. Qualifying missions can include, but are not limited to, earth observation, electronics and robotics, spacecraft launch and delivery, spacecraft hardware and software, launch manufacturing and launch operations, and more.
Selected startups may receive up to $100,000 (€85,000) in AWS Activate credit, as well as mentoring from space domain and technical subject matter experts. The program offers collaboration opportunities with AWS customers and members of the AWS Partner Network (APN) looking for cutting-edge technology solutions to their most challenging space problems. It will also bring participants together with venture investors for fundraising conversations.
“Startups provide a catalyst for bold new experimentation in the space industry,” said Clint Crosier, director of aerospace and satellite at AWS. “We are proud to announce the AWS Space Accelerator as part of our ongoing commitment to help startups succeed, and to shape the future of aerospace. We look forward to helping the first cohort of companies launch and grow through this new program.”
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has a number of space ventures, including the Kuiper constellation of low earth orbit satellites planned by Amazon and Blue Origin developing an orbital launcher and
Today, more startups build on AWS than any other cloud provider, and many of our customers and partners started with AWS at an early stage. For example, Capella Space in California used AWS as a startup to provide customers with access to satellite data within minutes of capture—far faster than traditional satellite data services, and at a lower cost.
“AWS is building a world-class accelerator program for space startups tailored around the use of AWS services, and we are excited to work with them,” said Rob Desborough, partner, Seraphim. “Combined with Seraphim’s unique domain expertise in space investment and acceleration, we hope to attract, select, and accelerate startups who will go on to address some of the world’s biggest challenges.”
Applications will be judged on several factors, including: the innovative and unique nature of the project, the overall value the solution will bring to the industry, the creative application of AWS to solve problems, and the team’s ability to deliver on an identified opportunity.
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