The SATELLITE Conference and Exhibition announced the competitors and judges for the 9th annual Startup Space entrepreneur pitch competition. As rapid innovation is redefining the space industry and global challenges demand bold solutions, competitions like Startup Space are more critical than ever.

This year’s competing companies are Avionova; Ensemble Space Labs; GITAI; Magma; Odysseus Space; Paramium; Phemotron; Planetary Systems AI; SpaceMap; and ThinkOrbital. The judges panel is comprised of investors representing Data Collective Venture Capital, Lockheed Martin Ventures, MaC Venture Capital, OpAmp Capital, Seraphim Space, Starbridge Venture Capital, Stellar Ventures and Toyota Ventures.

Emerging entrepreneurs are given a platform to showcase transformative ideas, connect with industry leaders and gain the resources they need to succeed. "The Startup Space competition at SATELLITE is different and compelling because it's an actual pitch competition. Judges set aside previous interactions and only look at that pitch,” says Rafferty Jackson, Board Member, Advisor, Investor, Jack Industries and Competition Director, Startup Space. “This is their chance to talk to future customers, employees and partners. It’s a really big opportunity for them to swing the bat and hit it out of the park."

Participants in the Startup Space competition are divided into groups and given five minutes to present their company or product to a panel of judges. Following each presentation, judges have five minutes to ask questions or offer feedback. The contestant with the highest overall score will be declared the winner and awarded the grand prize: a series of private pitch meetings with leading space investors.

"Startup Space captures the spirit of innovation, bringing together the brightest minds and unparalleled energy to kick off our Exhibit Hall with excitement and purpose," says Jeffrey Hill, Executive Chairman of SATELLITE. "This event is more than a competition — it’s a launchpad for transformative ideas that are shaping the future of the space industry. We’re proud to spotlight this year’s finalists, chosen from an incredibly competitive field of applicants.”

Past Startup Space winners include:

• TrustPoint (2024)
• Magnestar (2023)
• Vyoma (2022)
• AV SpaceTech and TMY Technologies (2021)
• Traxyl (2020)
• Eventech and Orbit Fab (2019)
• LeoLabs (2018)
• Astrapi Corporation (2017)

The 9th annual Startup Space, hosted by the SATELLITE Conference & Exhibition and produced in partnership with Jack Industries, will take place Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in the SATELLITE Unveiled Theater, located on the Exhibit Hall floor.

SATELLITE 2025 will be held March 10-13 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center located at 801 Mt Vernon Pl NW, Washington, D.C. 20001.