Airbus, a leading aerospace company, has recently launched a new Space Accelerator Program in collaboration with UK-based co-working company Plexel. The program aims to support the advancement of the UK’s space industry by assisting startups, academics, and SMEs operating in the space sector.
The announcement was made by Kata Escott CB, the Managing Director and Head of Country for Airbus Defence and Space UK, at the 2024 Space-Comm Expo in Farnborough. Escott expressed her pride in launching the Space Accelerator Program, which is designed to provide technical acceleration for innovative SMEs in the industry.
The program will run for 12 weeks, during which the selected companies and projects will have the opportunity to accelerate their innovation by leveraging Airbus’ expertise and experience in space. The goal is to help these companies navigate the commercial space industry and make progress towards their minimum viable product (MVP). Escott emphasized that the program will foster competence, exchange, innovation, and skills growth for regional development and exports.
The Space Accelerator Program is part of Airbus’ Community for Space Prosperity (CUSP) initiative. The program is currently accepting expressions of interest from projects and startups interested in being considered. Participants who are chosen will receive mentorship, tailored development support, peer support, resilience training, and operational growth insight from Airbus Defence and Space. Additionally, they will have access to Plexel’s co-working and networking spaces.
The program will be delivered through a combination of in-person and virtual activities over the summer of this year. It aims to attract companies and academics already working on hardware or software technologies that may have potential applications in space, whether in-orbit or ground-based. The program is particularly interested in hearing from non-traditional organizations such as academics who are new to the space environment, as it seeks to accelerate novel organizations in this sector.
One important requirement for participation is that all applicants must be based in a NATO member state, Australia, or New Zealand. This ensures that the program focuses on supporting companies and projects within these regions.
The launch of Airbus’ Space Accelerator Program is an exciting development for the UK’s space industry. By providing technical acceleration and support to startups, academics, and SMEs, the program aims to foster innovation and growth in the sector. With access to Airbus’ engineering and business expertise, as well as Plexel’s co-working spaces, participants will have the necessary resources to advance their technological offerings and navigate the commercial space industry. This program will undoubtedly contribute to the thriving space sector in the UK and help build a prosperous future for the industry.
