AWS unveils space accelerator to boost startups in Australia, India, and Japan

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched a new programme called the AWS Space Accelerator: APJ 2025, aimed at supporting startups in Australia, New Zealand, India, and Japan that are working on space technology. The 10-week initiative will help up to 40 selected startups by providing them with resources, expert advice, and technical support to develop their ideas and grow their businesses using AWS tools.

The programme is open to space technology startups at any stage of development based in the mentioned countries. It will run from September 2025 and end with a demo day in December 2025, where startups can present their work to potential investors and customers. Participants will receive up to $100,000 in AWS credits, technical guidance, business mentoring, and connections to industry leaders and venture capital firms.

This initiative follows the success of a similar programme in India in 2024, which supported 24 startups working on projects like spacecraft propulsion, satellite imagery, and space tourism. Many of those startups secured customer contracts or investments and made significant progress in their technologies.

The space industry is growing rapidly in the region. In Japan, the space economy is worth around £20 billion, with plans to double this by the early 2030s. In India, the sector is expected to grow from £6 billion in 2022 to £34 billion by 2033. However, startups in this field often face challenges like high costs for developing and testing technology and the need for skilled workers. The AWS programme aims to help by allowing startups to test their ideas using AWS services before making large investments, enabling faster and cheaper innovation.

The accelerator will focus on startups working in areas such as satellite imagery for agriculture, climate monitoring, and disaster response; cost-effective satellite manufacturing and launch systems; and advanced drone technology to support environmental monitoring and communication in remote areas. These efforts aim to address global issues like climate change and data accessibility while supporting the growing space economy.

AWS is partnering with several organisations to deliver the programme, including T-Hub in India, Minfy Technologies in India and Australia, Fusic in Japan, and Ansys, a company that supports spacecraft design. The programme also involves space agencies and organisations like the Australian Space Agency, India’s IN-SPACe, Japan’s SKY Perfect JSAT, and Australia’s iLAuNCH programme.

Clint Crosier, director of AWS’s Aerospace and Satellite business, said the collaboration with these organisations shows their commitment to supporting the space industry in the region. He added that the programme is not just about helping individual startups but also about building a strong community to drive economic and technological progress.