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SPACE NORTHWEST
COMMERCIAL SPACE ACCELERATOR

Accelerating the next generation of space companies in Washington State and beyond.

Interested? Learn More!Interested? Learn More!

Space Northwest is launching a regional space business accelerator to support early-stage companies building in and around the commercial space economy.

 

Developed in partnership with the Commercial Space Federation, with local support from the City of Kent, the accelerator is designed to help emerging companies sharpen their market strategy, prepare for investment, connect with customers, and plug into the global space supply chain.

 

The program kicks off in summer 2026 with an executive roundtable, followed by a 12-week accelerator program in the fall. The accelerator is expected to support up to 10 early-stage space companies.

 

Why this accelerator matters

The Pacific Northwest has one of the most dynamic space ecosystems in the country, combining deep aerospace heritage with world-class strengths in software, advanced manufacturing, robotics, cloud infrastructure, energy systems, and defense technology.

 

From Apollo-era lunar rover work to today’s growth in launch, satellites, propulsion, power, orbital infrastructure, and space services, the region has the industrial depth needed to help shape the next phase of the commercial space economy.

 

The Space Northwest Commercial Space Accelerator is built to turn that regional strength into company growth.

 

Program focus areas

Participating companies will receive programming and support focused on:

  • Commercial space markets

  • Investment readiness

  • Technology commercialization

  • Growth strategies for commercial and government customers

  • Space supply chain integration

  • Customer discovery and business development

  • Strategic partnerships across the regional and national space ecosystem

 

Who it is for

The accelerator is designed for early-stage companies working in space or space-adjacent sectors, including:

  • Satellites and spacecraft systems

  • Launch and propulsion

  • Space infrastructure

  • Robotics and autonomy

  • Advanced manufacturing

  • Power and energy systems

  • Software, data, AI, and cloud services

  • Defense, dual-use, and government markets

  • Supply chain technologies supporting the commercial space sector

  •  

Located in Kent, WA

Kent is one of Washington’s most important space and aerospace hubs, with a legacy that reaches back to Boeing’s work on NASA’s Apollo lunar rovers and continues today through companies such as Blue Origin, Stoke Space, PowerLight Technologies, and other space-related ventures.Launching the accelerator in Kent reflects the city’s role as a center of space innovation and its commitment to growing the next generation of space companies.

About the Team

Space Northwest is a nonprofit organization supporting the growth, visibility, and long-term strength of the Pacific Northwest space economy.

 

The Commercial Space Federation is a national industry organization advancing the commercial space sector and helping connect companies to the broader U.S. space economy.

 

Learn More

Fill out our online Interest Form for additional details about the application process, program structure, speakers, and partner organizations.

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Space Northwest Accelerator

A 12-week accelerator helping emerging companies identify opportunities, develop market strategies, connect with industry leaders, and prepare for growth in the commercial space economy.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Accelerator Program

Program Format

The 12-week accelerator combines structured instruction, individualized coaching, and direct engagement with industry experts.

SUBMIT AN INTEREST FORM

Weekly Sessions

One 90-minute live or virtual session each week.

One-on-one Coaching

Three hours of personalized coaching through 30-minute weekly office hours.

Ongoing Support

Ongoing communication and coordination with instructors and fellow participants throughout the 12-week accelerator.

Business Development

Develop and refine your market strategy, business model, growth roadmap, and investor pitch throughout the program.

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A curriculum Built for Impact

From understanding the space economy to competing for investment, our curriculum is designed to meet you where you are and take you where you want to go.

Commercial space markets

Navigate and capitalize on growing opportunities across the commercial space economy.

Investment readiness

Strengthen your financial foundation and prepare to attract investors.

Technology Commercialization

Translate innovation into market-ready solutions and accelerate time to traction.

Growth Strategies for  Customers

Develop market-winning strategies for commercial and government customers.

Space Supply Chain Integration

Connect with suppliers, partners, and resources to stengthen your position in the pace supply chain.

Customer Discovery & Business Development

Identify high-value customers, validate needs, and build a sustainable pipeline.

Strategic Partners

Build lasting partnerships across the regional and national space ecosystem to drive growth and innovation.

Who is the Accelerator for?

Whether you're building a space company or bringing space-enabled capabilities to an existing business, the SNW Accelerator provides the tools, connections, and guidance to help you grow.

Satellites & Spacecraft Systems

Launch & Propulsion

Space Infrustructure

Robotics & Autonomy

Advanced Manufacturing

Power & Energy Systems

Software, data, AI, & Cloud Services

Defense, Dual-use, and Government Markets

Supply Chain Technologies Supporting the Space Sector

2026 Cohort Timeline

August

2026

Week of

Aug 3

Cohort applications open & Executive Rountable invites are sent.

Week of

Aug 24

Executive Roundtable guest list is finalized.

Week of

Aug 31

Cohort applications are reviewed and final selections are made.

September

2026

Week of

Sept 7

Executive Roundtable.

FRIDAY

Sept 11

Selected cohort participants are notified.

Week of

Sept 28

Cohort Kick-off and Week 1

The cohort program begins. A summary of the Executive Roundtable is also distributed to stakeholders.

October

2026

Week of

Oct 5

Cohort Week 2

Week of

Oct 12

Cohort Week 3

Week of

Oct 19

Cohort Week 4

Week of

Oct 26

Cohort Week 5

November

2026

Week of

Nov 2

Cohort Week 6

Week of

Nov 9

Cohort Week 7

Week of

Nov 16

Cohort Week 8

Week of

Nov 23

Cohort Week 9

December

2026

Week of

Dec 7

Cohort Week 11

Week of

Dec 14

Pitch Competition

Weekly Program Modules

01

Week 1

Space in Our Lives and the Space Economy

Explore the modern space economy and the growing role of space-enabled technologies, services, and infrastructure in everyday life, commerce, and national competitiveness.

Participants will examine global investment trends, emerging technologies, key industry players, and the geopolitical forces shaping the sector. This introductory module establishes the foundation for understanding where opportunities exist, how value is created, and how companies can participate in the broader space ecosystem.

02

Week 2

Emerging Technologies and Space Market Trends

Examine the technologies, business models, and market trends driving growth across the space economy.

Topics include launch, communications, Earth observation, artificial intelligence, autonomy, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and in-space infrastructure. Participants will also explore workforce needs, upstream and downstream integration, and the convergence of terrestrial and space-enabled technologies.

03

Week 3

Space-Adjacent Industries and Orbits of Interest

Explore the differences between Space-to-Earth and Space-to-Space markets, as well as the commercial and operational timelines associated with low Earth orbit, medium Earth orbit, geostationary orbit, cislunar space, and beyond.

Participants will learn how to identify capability-insertion points and uncover new business opportunities enabled by space-based technologies.

04

Week 4

Finding Your Market Niche

Identify promising market opportunities and align your company’s capabilities with the most viable customer segments.

Participants will learn practical approaches to market segmentation, competitive positioning, customer discovery, and capability differentiation. The module emphasizes market readiness, high-value use cases, and opportunities to build sustainable competitive advantages.

05

Week 5

Industry and Ecosystem Spotlight

Discover the industries, institutions, and innovation ecosystems shaping space activity throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Participants will gain a stronger understanding of the region’s competitive strengths, partnership opportunities, supply-chain dynamics, and pathways for collaboration.

06

Week 6

Strategies for Growth — U.S. Government

Learn how to engage government customers and navigate the public-sector marketplace as a direct contractor, supplier, or strategic partner.

Topics include: Government contracting and procurement, Grants and cooperative agreements, SBIR and STTR opportunities, Partnerships with prime contractors and integrators, Market research and capture strategy, Pricing and proposal positioning, Technology readiness and mission alignment

Participants will also examine how public policy, national-security priorities, and public-private partnerships shape demand across the space sector.

07

Week 7

Strategies for Growth — Commercial Markets

Develop a sustainable strategy for commercial growth within the evolving space economy.

Participants will explore customer acquisition, commercialization pathways, and partnership development. The module emphasizes responsible scaling, durable market advantages, and the transition from technology development to long-term commercial viability.

08

Week 8

Competition, Differentiation, and Value Proposition

Analyze the competitive landscape and develop a compelling value proposition.

Participants will assess direct and indirect competitors, clarify their market position, and identify meaningful differentiators. They will also refine customer and investor messaging around the problem being solved, market opportunity, competitive advantage, and growth strategy.

09

Week 9

Cost Structure, Business Models, and Revenue Strategy

Build the financial foundation needed to support sustainable growth.

Participants will explore: Business-model design, Sustainable cost structures, Pricing strategies, Capital requirements, Financing and investment structures, Diversified revenue streams, Operational scalability and resilience

The module focuses on aligning financial strategy with the company’s vision, market realities, and long-term objectives.

10

Week 10

Space Economy Roadmap and Strategic Planning

Develop a customized strategic roadmap through individualized guidance and one-on-one mentoring.

Participants will identify opportunities for technology development, commercialization, strategic partnerships, and market expansion. Each company will begin creating an actionable timeline for product maturation, customer engagement, fundraising, and operational growth.

11

Week 11

Pitch Deck Development and Practice

Create and refine a compelling presentation for investors, customers, and other stakeholders.

Participants will receive guidance on pitch structure, storytelling, data presentation, and communicating complex technical and business concepts clearly. The module emphasizes market opportunity, traction, leadership vision, and alignment with investor priorities.

12

Week 12

Capstone Pitch Competition

The accelerator concludes with a formal pitch competition before an expert advisory panel, investors, industry stakeholders, and a curated audience.

Participants will present their ventures and take part in a question-and-answer session designed to provide practical experience, strategic feedback, increased visibility, and opportunities for future partnerships and investment.

Why it matters

The Pacific Northwest has one of the most dynamic space ecosystems in the country, combining deep aerospace heritage with world-class strengths in software, advanced manufacturing, robotics, cloud infrastructure, energy systems, and defense technology.

 

From Apollo-era lunar rover work to today’s growth in launch, satellites, propulsion, power, orbital infrastructure, and space services, the region has the industrial depth needed to help shape the next phase of the commercial space economy.

 

The Space Northwest Commercial Space Accelerator is built to turn that regional strength into company growth.

Located in Kent, WA

Kent is one of Washington’s most important space and aerospace hubs, with a legacy that reaches back to Boeing’s work on NASA’s Apollo lunar rovers and continues today through companies such as Blue Origin, Stoke Space, PowerLight Technologies, and other space-related ventures.

 

Launching the accelerator in Kent reflects the city’s role as a center of space innovation and its commitment to growing the next generation of space companies.

Developed In partnership with

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Ready to build what's next? 

Be a part of the next generation of space companies.

SUBMIT AN INTEREST FORM
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