Airbus Space Accelerator

The Airbus Space Accelerator is an exciting opportunity not only for existing space companies, but for any business with the desire and potential to work in space. This is a chance for participants to move their product closer towards minimum viable product (MVP) and directly benefit from the extensive space heritage and technical expertise at Airbus Defence and Space.

Part of the wider Community for Space Prosperity (CUSP) initiative to develop the UK’s space ecosystem, our 14-week programme will help startups, academics and non-traditional space businesses to advance their technical offering, understand the commercial space landscape and build connections within the wider space industry.

APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2024 COHORT HAVE NOW CLOSED.

Meet our first cohort

Meet the nine innovative companies that joined our first Airbus Space Accelerator cohort!

 

ANGOKA: Cyber security for smart systems
Applied Atomics: Rapid response network in space
Aquark Technologies: Quantum systems for cold matter
BioOrbit: Pharmaceuticals factory in space
Calnex Solutions: Telecom and cloud computing testing
D-RisQ: Aerospace control software development
LIA Aerospace: Green propulsion systems
Magdrive: High-power electric plasma thrusters
Yondar: STEM education in space technologies

 

 

 

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR 

We’re looking for companies and academics working on hardware and software technologies with potential applications in space. Technologies include in-orbit application, ground-based technologies, engineering tools or data analytics.

We’re particularly interested to hear from companies and non-traditional organisations, such as academics, who have not worked in the space environment before as we aim to accelerate novel organisations in this sector.

We’re keen to hear from companies with a particular focus in five keys areas for technical development: 

  • Quantum / photonics & future comms networks 
  • Space Domain Awareness 
  • Propulsion 
  • Sensors 
  • Space exploration / adjacent sectors 

PROGRAMME BENEFITS

Participants will receive: 

  • Expert mentorship 
  • Tailored product development support 
  • Access to Airbus Defence and Space’s engineering and business expertise 
  • Operational scaling guidance 
  • Founder peer support and resilience training 
  • Access to a coworking space for the duration of the programme 

Participants will be based in a NATO member state, Australia or New Zealand.

There is no cost, however participants will be expected to attend all sessions in order to complete the programme.

Please note that spaces are limited and will be allocated depending on technical need. 

LOCATION

The programme will be delivered as a mix of in-person and virtual activity, with a minimum of three sessions per week made up of at least one in-person cohort session. 
 
With sessions including in-person at Airbus Defence and Space HQ in Stevenage, other locations will be considered based on the cohort composition. 

Applications have now closed. Thank you to all who expressed interest.

DATES

14th June

Application deadline.

8th July

Programme starts.

11th October

Programme ends.

Check this page for regular updates.

About Airbus

Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Defence and Space division employs over 3000 people in the UK across multiple sites and is at the heart of the UK’s space ecosystem.  Working with a broad UK supply chain, Airbus Defence and Space is committed to growing the sovereign space industry needed for the future.