FAQ

  • Space-Edge is designed for teams or ventures that are new to space but not new to building, such as startups, applied research efforts, or established ventures with real work already underway. We’re looking for teams that already have some traction, meaning tangible progress on Earth: early customers, prototypes, pilot projects, or initial revenue. In addition, all applicants must be affiliated with one of the program’s hub universities, and each hub may have its own eligibility requirements. See the Cohort 2025–26 page for full details.

  • Space-Edge accepts individual applicants and small teams representing startups, research groups, or established companies. Each accepted project may register up to two representatives to participate in the program.

  • Space-Edge is a 12-week, primarily online program: each week has a short module with readings and videos, plus a live Q&A and mentor-led office hours, all delivered online. Hub universities also host optional in-person events and add-on programming. Applicants must be affiliated with one of the program’s hub universities to participate. Expect a minimum of 5 hours per week of engagement (content + meetings + mentor time).

  • Participants learn from a cross-sector network of experts, many are active in the space sector and others are experienced entrepreneurs or venture builders with hands-on commercial experience. The program’s experts span industry, academia, and entrepreneurial communities. You can see the instructors and mentors for the current cohort on the Cohort 2025–26 page.

  • Space-Edge is a collaborative effort between Arizona State University, Rice University, University of Central Florida, Vanderbilt University, and Space Foundation. The four universities serve as program hubs, each supporting a set of teams and offering optional in-person add-ons alongside the cohort-wide online experience. Space Foundation serves as a content-delivery and expert partner, contributing specialized instruction and industry connections.

    Space-Edge also draws on a growing network of industry experts and mentors from leading organizations. See the homepage for the current list of partners and mentors.

  • Delivery is primarily virtual with optional in-person activities at hub universities. Participation is contingent on affiliation with a hub, and hub-specific eligibility criteria (e.g. geographic or invitation requirements) are listed on the Cohort 2025–26 page.

  • By the end of Space‑Edge, participants will have developed a practical space‑enabled strategy, a draft roadmap to customers and markets, and clear insights into how their technology or idea creates value in the space sector. They will also receive targeted mentorship, feedback from industry experts, and curated introductions to potential customers, collaborators, and funders through program events and showcases.

    Success doesn’t end at graduation. The goal is for ventures to activate what they’ve built, whether by advancing into other accelerator programs, securing funding to launch an experiment in space, generating new intellectual property from space‑based R&D, or expanding their market by selling existing technology to space‑sector customers.

  • Applicants are selected based on three core criteria designed to highlight both technical promise and business readiness:

    • Scientific & Technical Excellence: Evaluators look for a strong scientific or technical foundation, typically at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4–6 in Earth-based applications. This means applicants should have demonstrated proof-of-concept or prototype results and be ready to explore new applications in the space environment during the program.​

    • Business Fundamentals: The selection committee seeks ventures with evidence of momentum for their Earth-based business, such as traction with customers, a clear value proposition, or early revenue or partnerships. Space‑Edge is best suited for teams who already know their market and are positioned to use space as a differentiator.​

    • Fit for Space & for the Program Theme: Reviewers assess whether a project stands to gain clear benefits from exposure to the space environment or the unique training and network that Space‑Edge provides. Projects should connect meaningfully to the current cohort theme; for 2025–26, this focuses on advanced materials and manufacturing.​

    Together, these criteria help select ventures most likely to translate existing innovation into a sustained space-enabled business advantage by leveraging the expertise, partnerships, and investor connections provided through the Space‑Edge experience.