Meet the Innovators and Entrepreneurs Selected for the Space-Edge Accelerator's First Cohort

The Interplanetary Initiative is pleased to introduce the five Arizona-based teams selected for the Space-Edge Accelerator's inaugural cohort. With a special focus on biomedical science, this twelve-week track is connecting innovators and entrepreneurs with industry experts, learning opportunities, and non-dilutive funding paths aimed at bridging human health and space exploration.

The teams selected by the Space-Edge Accelerator's ASU hub are Axon Logic, Blackstar Orbital, MedAire, NeoMatter and Problemsolvedaerospace (PSA). By participating in the program, teams will gain a competitive advantage in the areas of market analysis, growth strategy, fundraising, and in-space product R&D, enabling them to conduct the following work:

• Axon Logic aims to fast-track the development and commercialization of its in-memory computing technology, which can optimize energy efficiency in space environments, making it ideal for space wearables and sensors.
• Blackstar Orbital will leverage its reusable satellite platform for life science research in space by providing a stable environment for experiments in microgravity.
• MedAire, which offers medical support to transportation-based organizations, seeks to democratize space travel by extending its expertise in aviation healthcare to the future space-traveling public.
• NeoMatter, a team from ASU's Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science, plans to address 3D printing challenges in microgravity, particularly as those challenges relate to medically beneficial biomaterials.
• PSA is developing AdAstra, a telemedicine solution that ensures seamless task management and enhances astronaut performance during critical phases by providing real-time health diagnostics and interventions essential for long-duration missions.

The inaugural Space-Edge cohort will also feature fifteen other teams selected by each of the program's university hubs: the University of Central Florida, the University of Florida, and Vanderbilt University. From providing astronauts with personalized mental health support to using microgravity to stimulate tissue regeneration, the inaugural Space-Edge cohort represents a diverse range of industries and focus areas, demonstrating the breadth of opportunity for the biomedical sector in space.

While this Space-Edge cohort focuses on bridging biomedical and space industry innovations, future cohorts will expand to additional “space-adjacent” industries such as advanced manufacturing, consumer products, agriculture and more. Those who are interested in staying up-to-date on forthcoming Space-Edge focus areas are encouraged to sign up for Interplanetary Initiative's newsletter for timely updates.

The Space-Edge Accelerator was born from the work of the Orbital Reef University Advisory Council (ORUAC). This 15-university council chaired by ASU sought to drive new opportunities for education and research in Low Earth Orbit, as well as establishing ethical research guidelines for future commercial space stations.

Space-Edge, announced in summer 2024, was designed by the council to help spur new solutions in and for space by leveraging the collective expertise of the ORUAC members, Blue Origin and the Space Foundation. Organizations interested in providing mentorship, educational presentations or funding support to this and future Space-Edge cohorts are invited to contact the organizers.

Over the next few weeks, all 20 Space-Edge teams will get acquainted with each other and the program partners while developing an understanding of the industries influencing—and influenced by—the space economy. Participants will build a sense of how their innovations fit within the larger context of a thriving global space ecosystem. Laura Forczyk, a renowned space industry career expert, and Kelli Kedis Ogborn, vice president of space commerce and entrepreneurship at Space Foundation, will guide participants as they explore how their work can best serve existing and emerging markets.

Participants will also learn the fundamentals of biomedical science in space and navigate the full space experiment life cycle. UF assistant professor of mechanical and space engineering Amor Menezes and UCF physicist Julie Brisset will help teams discover opportunities for in-space biomedical R&D, as well as the unique constraints inherent to in-space scientific experimentation. Participants will build on this knowledge over the next few weeks as they work with Blue Origin senior sales director Erika Wagner, tech business consultant Mo Kanwischer, chemist Siobhan Malany, and others to learn strategies for commercial growth and conducting biomedical research in space.

Space-Edge's inaugural program will culminate in a virtual showcase on Wednesday, Jan. 22, when teams will present their space strategies and solutions to potential investors, partners and customers. Those interested in attending the virtual showcase are encouraged to sign up for Interplanetary Initiative's newsletter for a more detailed upcoming invitation.