Since 2018, the Hyperspace Challenge has been proudly funded by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), supporting startups and researchers pushing the boundaries of space innovation. Over the years, our alumni have grown from receiving zero government funding to securing $600 million in contracts—making remarkable progress and impact across the defense and commercial space sectors.
This year, we’re excited to partner with SpaceWERX to support the advancement of Space System Command’s Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI) by identifying Phase III-eligible companies with cutting-edge capabilities in key areas. These include:
Data Processing and Integration.
Pattern of Life (PoL) Characterization & Analysis.
Digital Twins.
Eligibility Requirements:
To participate, companies must be classified as a small business and have a Phase II SBIR/STTR contract from any government organization—either within six months of completion or no more than two years post-award. We are seeking companies with cutting-edge technologies that are uniquely positioned to solve real-world operational challenges in national security and space.
What You’ll Gain:
Selected companies will receive:
Direct access to government customers for pitching and real-time customer discovery
6–10 hours of one-on-one consulting with some of the best experts in the business, tailored to help you sharpen your strategy, technical approach, and government alignment
Opportunities to engage with key stakeholders and potential industry partners, opening doors for future collaboration and funding
Important Participation Details:
This accelerator has a short turnaround time. Participants should be prepared to commit a significant portion of their time in October for programming and engagements. Additionally, in-person attendance is required in Albuquerque, NM on November 5–6 for final presentations and collaboration events.
We encourage all qualified companies to apply.
****There is NO promise of funding of any sort as a result of participating in this cohort.
How Hyperspace Challenge Works:
Many technologies beyond the traditional space and aerospace domains will be needed as our journey into space advances. Hyperspace Challenge engages those technologies from a wide spectrum of sectors.
During this virtual gathering, government/non-government representatives from SpaceWERX and Hyperspace Challenge will discuss the non-technical aspects of the application process. Come to learn what to expect from the cohort, the time commitment should you be selected, what outcomes you can expect, etc. Recordings will be available immediately following the event and shared here.
Teams develop applications explaining how research responds to specific mission needs.
Application deadline is Tuesday, September 16 at 5pm Mountain (7pm Eastern).
If selected as a finalist, the team is then asked to attend a series of onboarding and educational webinars.
As a final stage of the accelerator, selected teams will participate in the annual three-day Hyperspace Accelerator Week: November 5– 6, 2025. During this in-person portion of the program, teams interact with government sponsors and customers to illustrate how a team’s capabilities fit mission needs.
Would you like to sponsor this event? Contact [email protected] for more information.
Hyperspace Challenge, launched in 2018, is a business accelerator fueled by the U.S. Space Force and Air Force Research Lab, in partnership with CNM Ingenuity, to support the Space Vehicles directorate and our U.S. government personnel everywhere.
For more information, reach us at [email protected]
