Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the program open to?
The program is open to pre-seed and seed startups, as well as mature research projects, located in the Innovation Corridor or in the US with the willingness to expand in the San Marcos area, in order to explore a proof of concept and create value for the local ecosystems.
What is the duration of the program?
13 weeks.
Is the program virtual or in person?
The program is hybrid, with the possibility for in person attendance for all key program milestones (Kick off & Demo Day event). Companies will participate virtually for the rest of the duration of the program.
Does the program cost anything?
The program does neither charge a fee for its support nor ask for equity.
Does the program provide funding support?
The program will prepare the founders to raise funds and provide ample opportunities to market their technologies to key players in the ecosystem.
What is the time commitment for participating startups during the program?
Throughout the program, startups will engage with Starburst, mentors, and industry experts, working on business development, technical integration, and milestone preparation. Key touchpoints include weekly check-ins, workshops, and collaborative sessions. The program will require a time commitment of a few hours per week.
What kind of mentors are we looking for?
We are looking for expert industry mentors in a variety of tech related fields. Check our mentor page for more information to apply.
How are mentors paired to startups, and what’s the expected mentor cadence?
- Mentor matching is based on your tech and market needs.
- One 1-on-1 session per week (30–60 min).
- On-demand “office hours” with domain experts.
- A backup mentor if scheduling conflicts arise.
What kind of partners are we looking for?
We are looking for testing facilities, corporates and government agencies that want to participate in the Defense ecosystem of the Innovation Corridor. Check our ecosystem page for more information to apply.
Are travel, accommodation or relocation costs covered for in-person sessions?
No, travel, lodging and relocation expenses for event attendance are the startup’s responsibility.
Can we bring additional team members (e.g. engineers, advisors) to workshops and sessions?
Yes! All workshops and in-person sessions are open to your core team. Just let us know in advance who will attend.
Who can I contact with further questions regarding application submissions and/or general inquiries?
Please email icda@starburst.aero with questions and to get added to a list to stay updated on upcoming events and program announcements. Be sure to include a link to your company’s website, a brief description of the technology you are working on, and anything else you think we may need to know so that we can better assist you.
© ICDA 2026 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
- Partnered with HCEDP
- Powered by Starburst
