Announcing the AWS Space Accelerator for startups

by Sandy Carter, 30 MAR 2021

Helping startups succeed, from inception to IPO, has been an integral part of Amazon Web Services (AWS) since our beginning. Today, more startups build on AWS than any other cloud provider, and many of our customers and partners started with AWS at an early stage. For example, Capella Space began their journey on AWS as a startup to provide customers with access to satellite data within minutes of capture—far faster than traditional satellite data services, and at a lower cost.

As the global aerospace and satellite industry enters a new age, leveraging the power of startups will drive innovation and improve accessibility to space data. AWS understands the importance of creating and nurturing startup communities, and today, we are proud to announce the launch of the AWS Space Accelerator.

AWS Space Accelerator

The AWS Space Accelerator is a four-week business support program that is open to space startups seeking to use AWS to help solve the biggest challenges in the space industry. Applications are open today and proposals are due by April 21, 2021.

The AWS Space Accelerator will provide technical, business, and mentoring resources to space startups around the globe. AWS is offering this opportunity in collaboration with Seraphim, one of the world’s leading investment groups focused exclusively on the space industry, who will provide business development and investment guidance. AWS and Seraphim will select a cohort of space startups to participate in an intensive, four-week program with AWS Cloud and technical training to help them accelerate research, development, and growth using AWS. Seraphim, has helped dozens of emerging space companies around the world become investment ready through its own space accelerator program.

“Startups provide a catalyst for bold new experimentation in the space industry,” said Clint Crosier, director of aerospace and satellite at AWS. “We are proud to announce the AWS Space Accelerator as part of our ongoing commitment to help startups succeed, and to shape the future of aerospace. We look forward to helping the first cohort of companies launch and grow through this new program.”

AWS and Seraphim are accepting applications from innovative startups at all stages of maturity working with space technology or space-derived data who have a clearly defined and unique mission. Qualifying missions can include, but are not limited to, earth observation, electronics and robotics, spacecraft launch and delivery, spacecraft hardware and software, launch manufacturing and launch operations, and more.

“AWS is building a world-class accelerator program for space startups tailored around the use of AWS services, and we are excited to work with them,” said Rob Desborough, partner, Seraphim. “Combined with Seraphim’s unique domain expertise in space investment and acceleration, we hope to attract, select, and accelerate startups who will go on to address some of the world’s biggest challenges.”

Applications will be judged on several factors, including: the innovative and unique nature of the project, the overall value the solution will bring to the industry, the creative application of AWS to solve problems, and the team’s ability to deliver on an identified opportunity.

AWS and Seraphim will select 10 companies to participate in the four-week accelerator taking place in June 2021. Selected startups may receive up to $100,000 in AWS Activate credit, as well as mentoring from space domain and technical subject matter experts with deep experience working on AWS. The program offers collaboration opportunities with AWS customers and members of the AWS Partner Network (APN) looking for cutting-edge technology solutions to their most challenging space problems. It will also bring participants together with space-savvy venture investors for fundraising conversations.