Startmate, Australia’s “most successful technology accelerator”, is joining forces with “global engine for space startups”, Moonshot, to “supercharge the best space-tech startups in Australia”, according to a press release by Moonshot.
Beginning in July this year, Startmate will welcome the “best and brightest” space-tech startups to its Melbourne cohort where they will have access to the full Startmate program and community. In parallel, Moonshot will bring a “high calibre network” of space industry leaders, mentors, and investors, from across Australia and the globe.
Melbourne is also where Moonshot is headquartered, geographically anchoring its space mentor network of more than 100 individuals spanning 4 continents.
Startmate CEO James Tynan said of the partnership, “It’s an historic time for space technology in Australia and we’re thrilled to be welcoming the best space-tech companies to supercharge their development alongside space industry leaders and a community of mentors and alumni with venture-backed success in areas like hardware, SaaS, health-tech, and marketplaces”.
According to Moonshot’s statement, “Space technology was once limited to the world’s largest nations but miniaturisation and more frequent launches into space mean that today minimally-funded entrepreneurs with big ideas can build their own space program. The benefits of this technological development already underpin almost every aspect of our day-to-day lives, from life-saving mammograms to financial transactions.
“Despite there previously being no Federal space industry framework, Australia already has over 80 space startups. Globally, space is worth AU$420b annually, with market estimates indicating the space industry will be worth US$2.7t by 2045.”
“Moonshot is an organisation dedicated to making space easy, and we do this by cultivating well-oiled space innovation ecosystems around the world. We have designed a space accelerator program with an expert understanding that many space startups are facing high capex requirements; longer returns for investors willing to take the risk; and need access to special resources for manufacturing, testing both on earth and in orbit, and meeting your legal obligations in a tricky arena.
“Startmate is widely considered to be Australia’s most successful tech accelerator, and is unusual for the fact that every mentor is also an investor in the startups that are funded and participating in their accelerators, leading to great results for the startups. Startmate also has close relationships with many high caliber mentors and VC funds from around Australia and the US.”
Applications for local and international participants opened yesterday through the Startmate Melbourne online form and will close on midnight May 31, AEST.
The Australian space industry has recently received a major boost with over AU$300 million being committed to its development by the Australian Government.
