Seventy-five years ago, a camera aboard a V-22 rocket returned the first-ever picture from space. The black and white image was taken with a 35mm motion picture camera at an altitude of 65 miles, just above the Karman Line, between atmosphere and outer space.
Fast forward to today, an exciting era where advances in engineering are helping to transport technology far beyond Earth’s atmosphere. As the rapid pace of innovation continues not only for space exploration but across the global aerospace industry, organisations continue to turn to the cloud for the speed, agility, and innovation required for complex space missions.
In the commercial space industry, we’re seeing that even small organisations can have a big impact by leveraging the cloud for the space missions of tomorrow. That’s why today Amazon Web Services (AWS) is announcing the next AWS Space Accelerator.
2022 AWS Space Accelerator
The AWS Space Accelerator is a four-week technical, business, and mentorship opportunity open to space startups. Now in its second year, the AWS Space Accelerator is designed to support innovative startups from around the world looking to power their space missions using AWS. The application period is open, with proposals due by April 15, 2022.
In 2022, AWS will deliver the AWS Space Accelerator in alliance with AlchemistX, a company with extensive experience running customised accelerator programs. AWS and AlchemistX will select 10 startups to participate in the four-week curriculum taking place in June.
Privately held startups, at all stages of maturity, are encouraged to apply for this opportunity.
AWS welcomes ideas from across the industry that help to reimagine solutions for both government and commercial space missions by using advanced cloud-based technologies.
Applications for the AWS Space Accelerator will be judged on factors, including but not limited to: the innovative and unique nature, the overall value the solution may bring to the industry, the creative application of AWS technology, and ability to deliver on an identified opportunity.
Startups will receive up to $100,000 in AWS Activate credit, as well as mentoring from space domain and technical subject matter experts with deep experience working on AWS.
The program offers collaboration and networking opportunities with other participating startups, AWS customers, and members of the AWS Partner Network (APN) looking for cutting-edge technology solutions to their most challenging space problems. It will also bring participants together with space-savvy venture investors for fundraising conversations.
The AWS Space Accelerator success story
The AWS Space Accelerator has demonstrated success in helping startups identify ways to optimise their space missions using cloud computing, and convey unique value to the public.
Since last year’s accelerator participants, the group collectively raised more than $359m.
In addition, Space Accelerator alum LeoLabs was listed among Fast Company’s list of The World’s most Innovative Companies, and others were recognised as leaders in industry innovation including Euroconsult and the Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA).
The 2021 cohort of startups integrated AWS Cloud solutions to boost their missions related to earth observation, robotics, spacecraft launch and delivery, spacecraft hardware and software, satellite operations, human space travel, and launch operations.
To join the elite success group, you can apply now for the AWS Space Accelerator. Learn more about how AWS Aerospace and Satellite supports customers and partners.
AWS launches sustainable accelerator
Cities occupy just 3% of the land on Earth but account for 75% of carbon emissions. With the urban population expected to grow 1.5 times to 6 billion people by 2045, developing sustainable cities is a crucial component of the fight against climate change.
Innovation is key to launching sustainability initiatives, from driving decarbonisation to modernising mobility. The culture of innovation has put startups at the forefront of developing the next generation solutions to transform cities and address climate crisis.
This is why AWS launched the Clean Energy Accelerator in 2021, to help startups working in clean energy accelerate their impact, access additional resources, and expand their reach.
This accelerator resulted in funding and growth opportunities for the participating startups including; multiple commercial pilot deployments opportunities and series B funding rounds, signifying the ability to expand rapidly into new markets.
Building off this success, AWS is now launching a new accelerator focused on the rapid growth of clean tech innovations: the AWS Sustainable Cities Accelerator. The accelerator will focus on mobility and transportation with a goal of helping companies learn how to innovate and accelerate their mission growth by leveraging advanced cloud-based technologies.
The AWS Sustainable Cities Accelerator
The AWS Sustainable Cities Accelerator is a virtual 6 week, business and mentorship program delivered by Freshwater Advisors and Public Spend Forum from May 15 – June 30, 2022.
Over the past 9 years, Freshwater has run tech scouting programs for more than 20 leading corporations in the energy, public sector, and industrial sectors seeking to work with the brightest emerging technology-based startups to bring new innovative solutions to market.
As part of the program, the 10-15 selected startups can qualify for:
- Collaboration opportunities with AWS clients and members of AWS Partner Network (APN)
- Specialised AWS training
- Up to $100,000 in AWS Activate credits
- Mentoring from subject matter experts in technical and related domains
- Business development and guidance from Freshwater Advisors and Public Spend Forum
- Networking opportunities with other participating startups
AWS Cities Accelerator to catalyse collaborations
“The AWS Sustainable Cities Accelerator will provide a platform to catalyse collaborations and bring new solutions,” said David Weinstein, founder and CEO of Freshwater Advisors.
“We are delighted and honoured to be working with AWS to launch this accelerator to develop solutions to support sustainable cities and address the energy and climate crisis.”
Public Spend Forum founder and CEO, Raj Sharma says, “Providing emerging and diverse companies the knowledge, data, and access they need to accelerate their impact in the government market is exciting work and so fundamental to our growth programs.”
“This AWS accelerator provides an amazing opportunity to further our mission to help government market buyers find cutting edge companies while providing emerging companies a high visibility platform that shines a light on their cutting-edge work.”
AWS is now accepting applications from mature tech startups working on solutions for mobility and transportation, including: micro-mobility, last mile-delivery, urban parking and route optimisation, EV charging infrastructure and applications, IoT transportation and traffic solutions, or other solutions to promote sustainable transportation in urban settings.
“AWS Clean Energy Acceleration gave us exposure, mentors, potential clients, and investors,” said James Larson, CEO of E-Zinc, indulged the 2021 AWS Clean Energy Accelerator.
“We were able to learn how to pitch our solution and it helped push our sales. We were able to leverage our association with AWS to build trust among our clients and investors.”
Applications for the 2022 accelerator will be judged on several factors including innovation, the overall value the solution will bring to the industry, the potential application of AWS to solve problems, and the team’s ability to deliver on an identified opportunity.
Applications are open today and proposals are due by April 15, 2022.
