El Segundo, CA

Starburst, the world’s first and only global aerospace and defence accelerator, today announced the launch of the Allied Defence Accelerator, the first of many programs to align allied nations with startups and entrepreneurs from around the world to solve mission-critical challenges, together.

This first accelerator will be run by a grand coalition of the Royal Air Force, U.K.’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, U.K. Strategic Command, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force and NATO, brought together to find, fund, and fast-track the best ideas from start-up innovators around the world to the front line.

Start-up tech companies and inventors will be coached for a chance to pitch directly to U.S. and U.K. military leaders, for a slice of $1M, to fast-track ideas for cutting-edge space innovations. This joint initiative will find, fund, and advance innovation and technology that gives advantages to allied military personnel and operations in the space domain. It is specifically designed to bolster tech start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises and harness the power of their ingenuity and innovation.

Selections for participating companies in the Allied Defence Accelerator will be announced on Oct. 15, followed by a 5-week course of specialized business mentoring and training, in the hopes of securing a coveted place at the first International Space Pitch Day in front of senior U.S., U.K., and NATO military leaders at the Defence Space Conference in London on Nov. 17, 2020.

Those organizations who make it through to the International Space Pitch Day, will be in contention to secure a $66,000 same-day contract award from the judging panel to speed up their innovations and technology – similar to hit TV shows like “Shark Tank” and “Dragon’s Den.”

“This is an unprecedented initiative where entrepreneurs and startups from anywhere in the world are invited to join and accelerate their access and growth in the UK and US defence markets” said Van Espahbodi, Managing Partner and Cofounder of Starburst. “We are incredibly proud to support and set a model for other allied nations to join future programs.”

USSF’s Space and Missile Systems Center along with UK DASA solicited help from Starburst who will act as the industry partner leading up to International Space Pitch Day with training and mentoring under the Allied Defence Accelerator.

Compulsory registration questions for this first Allied Defence Accelerator must be submitted by noon, August 19.

Full details, scope and requirements of International Space Pitch Day and the Allied Defence Accelerator can be found (here – https://intlspacepitchday.com/)