Starburst Aerospace and Aerospace Futures Alliance (AFA) Launch the Sustainable Aviation Technologies and Energies (SATE) Accelerator

Starburst Aerospace, the leading global Aerospace and Defense (A&D) startup accelerator and strategic advisory practice, and Aerospace Futures Alliance (AFA), Washington state’s trade association for aerospace companies and communities, have joined in an official partnership to launch the Sustainable Aviation Technologies and Energies (SATE) Accelerator, as a part of the SATE Cluster.

AFA was recently awarded EDA federal funds through a Department of Commerce Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program (ICAP) to form the SATE Cluster, with the mission of leading and encouraging the research, development, and deployment of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and electrified and hydrogen-powered aviation.

Powered by Starburst Aerospace, the SATE Accelerator is an early-stage startup accelerator program that is designed to identify and advance the development of innovative sustainable aviation and energy technologies, products, and solutions that will help advance the sector such as Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs), Advanced Aerodynamics, Hydrogen, Electric, AI Tools for Operational Efficiencies, Propulsion Systems, etc.

Based out of Washington state, the global center of aerospace manufacturing, the joint venture offers companies access to the accelerator program in which startup founders will have a tremendous opportunity to bring their product to market. Selected candidates can look forward to access to fundraising resources, introductions to potential customers, investors and partners, pitch deck support, mentorship from industry experts, the opportunity to pitch to a network of key stakeholders at the culminating Demo Day, and more.

A non-dilutive opportunity that is equity-free, the 3.5-month long program is geared toward pre-seed and seed stage startups in the verticals of sustainable aviation fuels & energies, as well as enabling technologies, who are looking to raise their next round within the upcoming 12-18 months.

Eligible companies must be currently based in the state of Washington or planning to expand their operations to the area. We are looking for technology that is TRL 3 or above.

The full decarbonization of the aviation economy requires a robust and mature ecosystem with stakeholders from across the industry supporting one another. By supporting new business creation and attracting diverse new talent to the region, the SATE Accelerator will further establish Washington as the leading sustainable aviation innovation hub in the US.

Starburst will support the development of programs that accelerate emerging and disruptive technological solutions with strong commercial potential to support new business creation and attract diverse innovators and businesses to relocate to the Washington region. By leveraging Starburst’s extensive network and industry insights, the Hub will be able to focus on solutions that provide significant impact for end users, driving economic growth and workforce development. There are no costs to apply or join.

Benefits for Startups: 

• To be a part of the WA state ecosystem
• To have access to the SATE Cluster, which will lead the research, development, and deployment of sustainable aviation fuels, electrified and hydrogen-powered aviation
• To receive access to commercialization gap funding sources
• Facilitated introductions to industry experts, investors, SATE Advisory Committee Members, and local technology associations
• Support with building and optimizing your pitch deck
• Pitching to a network of investors, customers, and industry professionals on Demo Day
• Explore the aviation ecosystem through dedicated workshops provided by Starburst and AFA
• Meetings & networking with decision makers from key public & private initiatives
• Exposure to venture capital and angel investors with a focus on early-stage startups

Applications for the SATE Accelerator are open from September 13, 2023 to 11:59 pm PDT on October 8, 2023. To apply, visit www.form.typeform.com/to/Lc0VtGGc.

Key Accelerator Dates:

• September 13, 2023: Application opens
• October 8, 2023: Application closes at 11:59 pm PDT
• October 13, 2023: Selected startups notified
• October 23, 2023: Program launches
• November 20 – 24, 2023: Holiday break
• December 25, 2023 – January 5, 2024: Holiday break
• March 15, 2024: Program concludes with a Demo Day

Contact nate@starburst.aero with any questions or inquiries.

About Starburst Aerospace:

Founded in 2012, Starburst Aerospace is an innovation catalyst in the global Aerospace and Defense (A&D) industry. Combining three complementary activities—accelerators, consulting, & ventures—they help stakeholders innovate, navigate and invest in the dynamic ecosystem. With offices in Los Angeles, Paris, Munich, Singapore, Seoul, Tel Aviv, Madrid, and Washington, DC, the team has built a robust community with 60+ partners and a portfolio of 140+ startups while identifying all sources of innovation that will impact the aerospace value chain. Starburst’s leading Flagship Accelerator program helps startups scale their business in aviation, space, and defense with access to one of the largest groups of corporate representatives, government stakeholders, and private venture investors in the world. More information about Starburst can be found at www.starburst.aero

About Aerospace Futures Alliance (AFA):

Aerospace Futures Alliance (AFA) is the state’s trade association for aerospace companies and communities in Washington. Founded as a 501(c)6 non-profit in 2006, AFA’s mission is to advocate for Washington state’s aerospace industry and help member companies connect and grow. Their vision is for Washington state to be the recognized center of aerospace excellence around the world and for the aerospace industry to get stronger every year. More information about AFA can be found at www.afa-wa.com.