The Center for Space Commerce and Finance has partnered with the Space Generation Advisory Council, along with SGAC’s Project Groups Coordination Team, to produce and host a space startup “Elevator Pitch Competition” event, in Sydney, Australia, as part of the annual Space Generation Congress, September 25, 2025.
This competition is not limited to SGC delegates, it is open to any young professional under the age of 35, willing to attend the Space Generation Congress. Finalists selected who are not delegates will be provided with a half-day conference pass on September 25th.
The top three teams will each receive a no-strings microgrant award of US$1000, sponsored by CSCF, and it’s event sponsor, the Werb/Barth Family Office
You must be in Sydney to participate, there will be no Zoom entries.
The application deadline is September 8th
Individuals/teams applying for this competition should fall into one of the following categories:
1. Space Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
This area focuses on technologies and business models that reduce the environmental impact of space activities, both in orbit and on Earth.
Examples: reusable launch systems, debris-tracking technologies, eco-friendly propulsion.
2. In-Space Manufacturing and On-Orbit Services
This area emphasizes solutions that enable production, assembly, or servicing in orbit, creating new capabilities for long-duration missions and commercial infrastructure in space.
Examples: orbital refueling, satellite servicing, 3D printing of components in microgravity.
3. Earth Observation and Climate Solutions
This area highlights innovations in Earth observation to support climate monitoring, disaster response, agriculture, and resource management.
Examples: AI-driven satellite image analysis, smallsat constellations for weather forecasting, platforms for carbon monitoring.
4. Access to Space and Launch Innovations
This area targets novel approaches to improve access to orbit, emphasizing cost reduction, flexibility, and responsiveness.
Examples: reusable rockets, small launchers, hypersonic vehicles, responsive launch systems.
5. Satellite Applications and Connectivity
This area explores technologies that enhance communication, data processing, and connectivity for both terrestrial and space markets.
Examples: satellite internet constellations, inter-satellite links, hybrid terrestrial-satellite communication systems.
6. Space Resources and Infrastructure Development
This area focuses on harnessing space resources and creating infrastructure that supports long-term space presence.
Examples: lunar regolith processing, asteroid mining, construction of lunar surface habitats.
7. AI, Autonomy, and Data-Driven Space Systems
This area covers the application of AI, robotics, and automation to enhance mission safety, efficiency, and scalability.
Examples: autonomous spacecraft navigation, AI-enabled mission planning, onboard data analysis.
8. Human Spaceflight and Life Sciences
This area emphasizes innovations to improve human health, performance, and safety in space environments.
Examples: radiation protection systems, closed-loop life support, space medicine research platforms
9. Defense and Security in Space
This area focuses on technologies and policies that enhance the safety and resilience of space assets against threats.
Examples: satellite protection systems, secure communication protocols, SSA/SDA capabilities.
10. Cross-Sectoral Innovation and Commercialization
This area highlights business models, financing mechanisms, and interdisciplinary applications that accelerate the commercialization of space.
Examples: space tourism, financial tools for space ventures, space-to-Earth technology transfer.
You may apply to compete here: https://cscf.space/nsbpc-application