Space-Edge 24/25
Cohort 1: Biomedical Innovations
Watch the Virtual Showcase
Don’t miss the showcase where each team shared their space strategy.
About the 2024–25 Cohort
The inaugural Space‑Edge accelerator launched in Fall 2024, focusing on biomedical innovations that can benefit from the space economy. This 12-week hybrid program brought together 20 ventures across four university hubs—Arizona State Univeristy, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, and Vanderbilt University—to build actionable space strategies.
Featured Coverage:
Meet the Ventures
Arizona State University
Axon Logic – Developing energy-efficient in-memory computing for space-based sensors and wearables.
Blackstar Orbital – Advancing a reusable satellite platform for microgravity life science research.
MedAire – Creating medical solutions for long-duration space travel based on aviation health expertise.
NeoMatter – Engineering 3D-printed biomaterials (e.g., collagen, spider silk) for astronaut care in microgravity.
AdAstra (PSA) – Building an AI-driven telemedicine tool for health monitoring during space missions.
University of Central Florida
UCF Biomaterials & Nanomedicine – Translating regenerative nanomedicine innovations for space applications.
Confident Good – Using bioinformatics to develop a virtual doctor system for space health challenges.
PMA (Personal Mental Health Assistant) – Designing digital tools to support astronaut mental well-being.
QLEDCures – Creating wearable light therapy to treat wounds and infections in space.
SILFOAM – Testing a self-expanding hemostatic sponge for bleeding control in microgravity.
University of Florida
GatorSpace – Exploring microgravity’s potential to accelerate regenerative medicine breakthroughs.
Laminomics – Developing astronaut health monitoring tools for biohazard detection and treatment guidance.
Lectra Tech – Building wearable muscle stimulation tech to counteract atrophy during deep space travel.
Melts – Producing dissolvable electrolyte strips for hydration and nutrient delivery in microgravity.
Vanderbilt University
AstroFlexion – Creating diagnostics to personalize astronaut training and maintain muscle function.
Baregamian Endocrine Neoplasia Lab – Using cancer organoids in space to test treatments for aggressive thyroid cancer.
Melagen Labs – Advancing radiation shielding materials through space-based testing and optimization.
Microbial Insights – Adapting a fluid encapsulation system for nucleic acid isolation in microgravity.
Radical Shoots – Modifying precision agriculture systems to grow nutrient-rich crops for astronaut health.
ArgoNav Surgical – Designing compact surgical tools for low-resource and microgravity environments.
Instructors & Mentors
The program featured space, biomedical, and business experts guiding the cohort through strategy and development, including:
Dr. Amor Menezes, University of Florida
Dr. Emmanuel Urquieta, University of Central Florida
Dr. Erika Wagner, Blue Origin
Frederic Zenhausern, University of Arizona
Dr. Julie Brisset, University of Central Florida
Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Space Foundation
Maureen Kanwischer (Mo), Momentum Business Consulting
Robert Katz, World Innovation Network
Stefanie Countryman, BioServe Space Technologies