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

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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.

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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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