Back in July, Plexal had the great pleasure of raising the curtain on the inaugural Airbus Space Accelerator, a programme delivered in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space
as a component of the Airbus Community for Space Prosperity (CUSP) initiative focused on UK space ecosystem development.
Through the Airbus Space Accelerator, we sought to help SMEs and non-traditional partners enter and expand across the space industry. Following a 14-week journey across the stars – as well as Airbus HQ in Stevenage and Plexal HQ in Stratford – we’re pleased to have supported nine impressive companies:
- ANGOKA: Cyber security for smart systems
- Applied Atomics: Rapid response network in space
- Aquark Technologies: Quantum systems using cold matter
- BioOrbit: Building a 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: Innovative STEM education in space technologies
Visit here for the full rundown of each company offering.
Our cohort represented a diverse range of regions, technology maturity levels and growth stages, while the smallest company selected had just two employees and the largest employing more than 150 people.
Together with Airbus, Plexal’s core objectives included enabling SMEs to build their UK space ecosystem network and grow new collaborations – a necessity given the complexity of the sector – as well as achieve personalised outcomes, taking their unique ambitions and challenges into consideration.
These unique challenges shaped the bespoke programme that included 1:1 mentoring, networking opportunities, business and leadership sessions organised by Plexal and technical sessions led by Airbus colleagues. Together, this helped the cohort build a deep understanding of the requirements of the space sector and refine their propositions.
We’re proud to share that by the end of the 14-week period:
- 56% of participants grew their team by 1-5 full-time equivalents (FTE).
- 72% of the cohort implemented or amended a policy, process, or practice due to the programme.
- Five participants raised investment or received grant funding during the programme and three more companies are planning to raise in the short term.
Having overseen programme delivery of the Airbus Space Accelerator, Lou-Davina Stouffs, Innovation Lead at Plexal, said: “The space sector is vital for advancing the UK’s position as a global leader in innovation, enabling groundbreaking solutions that benefit industries far beyond space. That’s why we’re so proud of the achievements of the first Airbus Space Accelerator cohort.
“In just 14 weeks we’ve seen the cohort refine or refocus their propositions, fundraise, build out their international customer base and prepare for launch. Their successes highlight the unique value of technical, industry-led programmes in driving innovation, collaboration and, ultimately, business outcomes.”
Watch our Airbus Space Accelerator wrap video below and hear directly from the programme graduates about their experiences.
