Accelerator to prepare Israeli startups for NASA integration

• Published date: 23 April 2024
• Author: LIOR NOVIK
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The 'EXPAND' accelerator targets early-stage startups in fields like robotics, materials, construction, food tech, and health. It teaches them how their developments can meet space mission demands while providing a platform for development and viability in the domestic market

Registration opened on April 15th, with selected initiatives participating in a grand opening event in Mitzpe Ramon, Israel's Space and Stars City, a month and a half later. The accelerator, launched in partnership with the TECH-7 innovation community and supported by the Jewish National Fund USA and the American investment fund CreationsVC, offers mentoring and close business guidance from experts deeply familiar with the space industry. It also provides professional workshops equipping startups with tools for success and presentation to potential investors. The winning startup receives a scientific-technological grant totaling NIS 100,000.

"In Israel, known as the Startup Nation, there's immense, untapped potential to significantly contribute to the global breakthroughs of human potential beyond Earth's boundaries," explains Dr. Roee Naor, Creation-Space founder, who previously researched Mars geology at the Weizmann Institute and NASA. "Among other things, this involves developing technologies for building infrastructure and systems for space-oriented missions, and in the future, developing...