Amazon Web Services has announced the launch of a new space startup assistance programme, with the tech giant partnering with UK-based venture firm Seraphim Capital on the project.
The AWS Space Accelerator is a four-week business support programme that will take place in June, AWS vice president of partners and programme Sandy Carter wrote in a blog post.
The accelerator will select ten companies to participate, with startups receiving as much as $100,000 in “AWS Activate credit” – essentially funds to use for various parts of Amazon’s cloud service.
Startups will also receive mentoring during the accelerator, “from space domain and technical subject matter experts with deep experience working on AWS,” the company said.
In a statement, Clint Crosier, AWS’ Aerospace and Satellite division director said: “Startups provide a catalyst for bold new experimentation in the space industry. We look forward to helping the first cohort of companies launch and grow through this new programme.”
Rob Desborough, a partner at Seraphim, added: “AWS is building a world-class accelerator programme for space startups tailored around the use of AWS services, and we are excited to work with them. Combined with Seraphim’s unique domain expertise in space investment and acceleration, we hope to attract, select, and accelerate startups who will go on to address some of the world’s biggest challenges.”
AWS established the Aerospace and Satellite unit last year, as the company identified a growing need for cloud-based support across the space industry.
Applications for the space accelerator programme are due April 21.
Applications will be judged on several factors, including the innovative and unique nature of the project, the overall value the solution will bring to the industry, the creative application of AWS to solve problems, and the team’s ability to deliver on an identified opportunity.
Add Comment