AWS announces new cohort of 14 startups for its space accelerator program

After the February launch of Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) 2023 Space Accelerator program, the company has released a list of 14 selected startups. The space accelerator program is a technical, business, and mentorship program for startups to advance their space solution and grow using the cloud.

“The four-week accelerator curriculum begins in May and provides an opportunity for startups to receive a customised set of valuable business development resources as well as AWS tools and resources to enhance each startup’s unique mission,” the company said.

The cohort of startups was selected from a panel that consisted of experts from AWS and global research firm TechConnect which connects emerging tech startups with funding and partnership opportunities. The startups were selected on factors like the innovative and unique nature of the project, relevance in terms of space sustainability, and overall value that the solution is adding to the ecosystem.

Some of the solutions the selected startups are building include 3D-printed space vehicles, orbital robots, and AI-based satellite solutions, among others. For instance, California-based Kawa Space provides space-powered intelligence as a service; Delaware-based Delta-V Analytics offers a cloud platform for automating satellite constellation operations; California-headquartered In Orbit Aerospace is building infrastructure to support mass manufacturing in space.

Under the accelerator program, the startups will be able to leverage agile cloud tools to innovate faster. The participants will get business development support, specialised AWS training, and mentoring from space and subject matter experts.

Further, the startups will also get up to $100,000 in AWS Promotional Credit through AWS Activate, a program designed specifically for startups. The program also provides opportunities to work with AWS customers and AWS Partner Network (APN) Partners looking for space solutions.