INNOVATE PITCH COMPETITION

Space Symposium Innovate

Pitch Competition 2025

Space Symposium Innovate Pitch Competition 2025

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Space Symposium, an annual "must-attend" event hosted by Space Foundation, which brings together over 10,000+  professionals from across government, industry, military, intelligence, research, and investment sectors.  As part of this milestone, startups will once again have a dedicated stage through the Space Symposium Innovate Pitch Competition designed to highlight the critical role startups play in accelerating space capabilities, introducing disruptive business models, and challenging the status quo. 

Organized by Space Foundation’s Space Commerce Institute in partnership with Starburst, the Space Symposium Innovate Pitch Competition brings a dynamic ecosystem that fosters collaboration between startups and established corporations, blending the agility and innovation of emerging companies with the scale and expertise of established players. This synergy is vital to advancing national security and commercial growth in the rapidly evolving space industry. 

Details

The pitch competition will take place on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Startups will deliver pitches to a distinguished panel of judges from industry, government, and the investment sector. The invite-only audience will feature key decision-makers and stakeholders. A networking reception will follow the event, fostering further opportunities for engagement.

Applications are open through 11:59 PM PT, Sunday, February 14, 2025, and global companies (not limited to the U.S.) are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates will present innovative solutions backed by strong technical capabilities and business acumen, with technologies proven in a lab or prototype setting and a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 4–7. Demonstrated commercial or government customer traction is a significant advantage.

The competition also aims to increase exposure to emerging technologies, create alignment on critical challenges, and reduce risks in collaboration, ultimately ensuring sustained growth and competitive edge across the space sector. This initiative continues to embody the mission of Space Symposium Innovate Pitch Competition - fostering robust, sustainable growth in both national security and commercial markets by showcasing the ingenuity and potential of emerging space companies.

The audience is invite-only. If you are interested in attending, you may express your interest to be included on the waitlist in your Space Symposium registration process. If you have already registered and would like to indicate your interest please contact [email protected]

Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

Space Symposium

Innovate

Date of Event

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Time

14:00–16:00, followed by a networking reception

Location

Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs, CO

Audience

Global leaders from government, industry, academia, and investment sectors

Applications 

OPEN - Wednesday, January 15, 2025

CLOSE - Sunday, February 14, 2025 at 11:59 PM PT

Innovate Pitch Competition 2024
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Apply to Space Symposium Innovate Pitch Competition

A Call to Startups Driving Innovation in Space

The 2025 Space Symposium Pitch Competition is a premier opportunity for startups to showcase their innovations, connect with global space leaders, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the space industry. Organized by Space Foundation’s Space Commerce Institute in partnership with Starburst, this event reflects a shared commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in aerospace and defense.

Why Apply?

Participating in the pitch competition offers unparalleled exposure to key stakeholders and future partners across the global space industry, including:

  • Spacefaring nations and their space agencies
  • Commercial space businesses and subcontractors
  • Military and national security organizations
  • Cybersecurity firms and government agencies
  • R&D facilities, think tanks, and educational institutions
  • Space entrepreneurs, private exploration companies, and media influencers

Prizes for the Winner:

  • Five hours of consulting from Space Commerce Institute
  • A one-year subscription to The Space Report
  • Two complimentary tickets to the 41st Annual Space Symposium (April 7–10, 2026)

Competition Goals

Innovation and collaboration are at the heart of Space Foundation and Starburst’s missions. Through this partnership, the pitch competition aims to infuse fresh perspectives into Space Symposium, ensuring the industry remains dynamic, forward-thinking, and transformative.

True innovation is an active process—it thrives on curiosity, collaboration, and bold experimentation. Space Symposium: Innovate is designed to create a space for these intersections, inspiring creativity and fostering sustained growth across the aerospace and defense sector.

Application Details

Applications Deadline: 11:59 PM PT, Sunday, February 14, 2025

Application Criteria: Review Application Criteria Here

What We’re Looking For:

  • Innovative Solutions: Technology with the potential to transform the space sector
  • Proven Readiness: Solutions with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 4–7
  • Strong Teams: Clear technical expertise and business acumen
  • Market Traction: Demonstrated interest from commercial or government customers
  • Global Eligibility: Open to companies worldwide

Pitch Day Experience:

Selected applicants will present their solutions to a panel of judges representing leading organizations in aerospace, defense, and venture capital. The invite-only audience will include high-level stakeholders and decision-makers, offering unmatched networking opportunities.

Help Us Spread the Word: Space Symposium Innovate Pitch Competition Flyer

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Questions? Contact us at [email protected]