Calling all Space Startups

Today, the The Center for Space Commerce and Finance announced a call for competitors for a regional NewSpace Business Plan Competition being held in conjunction with the 2018 International Space Development Conference (ISDC) on May 26, in Los Angeles. In a “Shark Tank” style competition, startups will present their business plans in front of a panel of investors and the ISDC audience, for a chance to win a cash prize.

Startup companies, at any stage, that have a technology or product that will significantly advance the commercial space movement, are encouraged to apply. This could be anything from launch and propulsion companies, to small satellite manufacturers, or companies that provide products or services to any sector of the emerging NewSpace economy. This includes companies with space-scalable technologies; those technologies primarily developed to solve problems here on Earth for commercial benefit and profit, but are also scalable to solve key long-range space problems when the demand ultimately exists.

 Startup companies who are selected as finalists will participate in a half-day bootcamp on Friday, May 25. This interactive workshop helps competitors perfect their pitch in a collaborative environment. For more information about how the competition works, and its rules, please visit https://www.cscf.space/newspace-bpc-rules.

This NewSpace Business Plan Competition is being held in conjunction with two days of programming, presented by the Center for Space Commerce and Finance, as a part of the International Space Development Conference. This two day space startup and investment event will include the ‘shark tank’ style competition, as well as a half-day space investment summit on Saturday, May 26. On Sunday, panels and keynotes will cover space commerce topics, with a special focus on how new commercial agriculture technology will change the way humans live and work in space.

The winner of the Los Angeles regional event will receive a $2,500 cash prize, courtesy of the Heinlein Prize Trust. All interested space startup companies are encouraged to apply online at: https://www.cscf.space/newspace-bpc-apply. Interested investors, media, students, and anyone who would like to be in the audience, are encouraged to sign up to attend the International Space Development Conference: http://isdc2018.nss.org/.

About NewSpace Business Plan Competition

The Center for Space Commerce and Finance (CSCF), is an educational non-profit, dedicated to space entrepreneurship. The flagship project of CSCF is the NewSpace Business Plan Competition. In the last decade, over 200 companies have participated in the competition and associated educational programs, gaining real-world fundraising experience and practical advice to improve their business ideas. The NewSpace Business Plan Competition has awarded over $350,000 in cash prizes to promising startups, through various regional and national events. Along the way, more than 60 companies were publicly showcased to investors and customers, catalyzing millions in deal flow. Find out more: cscf.space
 

About the International Space Development Conference

The 37th annual International Space Development Conference, ISDC 2018, hosted by the National Space Society, will be held in Los Angeles from May 24 – 27 at the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel. ISDC 2018 is where is where space leaders, astronauts, enthusiasts and
the next generations of young students and professionals participate on space development; its scientific, economic, technical and social challenges and potentials. ISDC 2018 will host
various sessions and workshops focused in multiple areas of space development: Moon and Mars exploration and settlement, deep space exploration, innovative technology, science fiction influence in today’s technology, commercialization of space, collaboration in space, asteroids, living in space, space based solar power, space debris, space tourism, and space law and policy, among others. Find out more: isdc2018.nss.org

About the Heinlein Prize Trust

The Heinlein Prize Trust honors the memory of Robert A. Heinlein, a renowned American author. The purpose of the Heinlein Prize is to encourage and reward progress in commercial space activities that advances Robert and his wife Virginia’s dream of humanity’s future in space. Efforts include: The Heinlein Prize for Accomplishments in Commercial Space Activities, The Microgravity Research Competition, The  Heinlein Commercial Space Activity Prize, and The “Flight Into the Future” international contests. Find out more: heinleinprize.com

More News from The Center for Space Commerce and Finance