The Orbital Edge Accelerator will support companies across a broad range of applications, industries, and technologies.
Applicants should have interest in accessing the space environment aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to advance their technological development.
Potential applications and industries of interest include:
- Advanced communications technology
- Advanced manufacturing
- Advanced materials and components
- Biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals
- Data processing and cybersecurity
- In-space, servicing, assembly and manufacturing (ISAM)
- Robotics and automation
- Sensors and detectors
- Space data analytics and generative artificial intelligence (GenAI)
- Quantum technologies
Evaluation Metrics
TechConnect, the ISS National Lab, and all three 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 National Lab? 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 who will participate in virtual pitch interviews to advance to the final stage. Pitch reviewers will evaluate using the following metrics:
- Technical Viability and Feasibility: Does the presenting team have a feasible concept of operations for the ISS? 35 points
- Impact: does the founder/founding 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 founder/founder team have a compelling vision for the company? 10 points