Challenge Overview

1. Commercial Space Technology Concepts: This category encompasses visionary ideas related to commercial space technology, spanning various domains.
2. In-Space R&D Commercial Concepts: This category encompasses groundbreaking in-space research and development concepts. This category is not confined to space-specific fields; it includes work pertaining to fields not directly related to space such as life sciences, material and physical sciences, advanced manufacturing, and agriculture. These ventures should hinge on utilizing the unique environment of space (especially microgravity) for R&D demonstration, commercialization, and application.

Interested participants are required to submit a concise business plan, after which a handpicked cohort of finalists will be invited to submit a pitch deck to present at a Pitch Day Competition. Finalists invited to the Pitch Day Competition will have the opportunity to present their visionary concepts before a panel of esteemed coaches drawn from the commercial space industry and investment community.

Following the Pitch Day Competition, six winners will be awarded, with two of the most promising concepts each securing a substantial $50,000 award. Additionally, four other standout concepts will be granted $25,000 awards.

These monetary rewards will be contingent on the recipients committing to establish and operate their businesses within Pennsylvania. Beyond the financial support, all winners will be granted an annual membership to the Keystone Space Collaborative, facilitating ongoing collaboration and engagement within the space innovation ecosystem.

As the pilot year unfolds, the Keystone Space Innovation Challenge envisions expanding its impact to include the larger tri-state region, encompassing Ohio and West Virginia in addition to Pennsylvania, thereby paving the way for ongoing advancements in space technology and research.

Printable Flyer

View or download a printable flyer about the Keystone Space Innovation Challenge. Feel free to use for your own purposes or share with those who may be interested in this opportunity!

Watch 0ur Webinar

We hosted a webinar to kick off the Keystone Space Innovation Challenge on December 4, 2024. You can access a recording of the webinar and additional resources below.

Schedule

This timeline is subject to changes at the discretion of Keystone Space. Any adjustments will be effectively communicated in advance.

Eligibility

All team members must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

All team members must be 18 years of age or older.

Additionally, participants must be either:

1. For Registered Businesses, formally registered within Pennsylvania.
2. For Student Groups, at least one member of the group must be currently attending a higher-education academic institution within Pennsylvania, and the business plan submitted must outline intentions for formal execution within the state.
3. For Unaffiliated Teams, at least one team member must be a full-time resident of Pennsylvania, and the business plan submitted must outline intentions for formal execution within the state.

Must ensure that their participation does not violate their employer’s policies or procedures or any other third-party rights or obligations (e.g. non-competition agreements).

The applicant company leaders or individual and their immediate family members must not be employed by or affiliated with Keystone Space, BNY Mellon, Innovation Works, or any of their/our parent and affiliate companies.

Have not received funding of $50,000 or more in previous Challenge cycles.

Eligibility requirements are subject to interpretation by the Keystone Space Innovation Challenge organizers. All potential participants are strongly advised to review the comprehensive challenge guidelines and terms to ensure compliance before submitting their applications.

Applicant Resources

Mentors and Office Hours

Cigdem Benam, PhD

Portfolio Executive, Life Sciences, Innovation Works

Cigdem has worked with small businesses at Chambers of Commerce and technology transfer offices of University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and University of Pittsburgh. At Colorado, she built and run a biotech accelerator program called SPARK in collaboration with Stanford University, to translate early stage life science discoveries from bench to bedside. Cigdem drafted and co-secured the NIH REACH grant, which enabled SPARK Colorado to receive $4M and become part of a national network of innovation hubs funded by the NIH. She was faculty at Boston College, a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard University, and a pre-doctoral fellow at Oxford University. She is the co-founder of a biotech startup and founder of a consulting company.

Cynthia Bouthot

Founder & CEO, Space Commerce Matters

Cynthia Bouthot is a trailblazer in space commercialization, bringing diverse entities—Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, universities, and government agencies—into space for applications spanning life sciences, advanced materials, and technology. She developed the ISS National Lab’s innovation competition model, securing over $34M in funding for 30+ in-space projects. Cynthia is a sought-after speaker on commercialization, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

John Dahlia

Director of Communications, TMC Technologies

John has nearly 30 years of experience as an accomplished senior-level communications director and strategic communications thought leader. He has established himself as a leading space science and technology communications expert, effectively bridging complex concepts with diverse audiences. In particular, his work in small satellite science and technology led to the creation of the West Virginia Small Satellite Center. In the realms of security and defense technology, he has played a crucial role in shaping strategic communications and policy advocacy. Additionally, John’s extensive experience in government contracting and public affairs has ensured successful collaborations and impactful public engagement.

Brian Joseph

President & CEO, Touchstone Research Laboratory

Brian Joseph is President, CEO, and founder of Touchstone Research Laboratory. Brian is a serial entrepreneur, scientist, and inventor. He is named on over 30 patents, has managed over 100 million dollars of R&D programs in the government and private sectors, and built a predominately government funded research laboratory that has won more than 100 SBIR contracts. Touchstone has spun out three tech companies in the areas of materials science, aerospace composites, and aerospace materials testing.

Tanya Kanigan, PhD

Senior Market Analyst, Space Commerce Matters

Dr. Tanya Kanigan is a scientist, inventor, and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience advancing platform technologies for molecular analysis and diagnostics. She co-founded BioTrove, where she developed the OpenArray® PCR technology, now central to Thermo Fisher Scientific’s genomic solutions. At Space Commerce Matters, she leverages expertise in genomics, AI, and commercialization to help clients transform space-based research into market opportunities.

Afshan Khan

Portfolio Executive, Hardware and Robotics, Innovation Works

Afshan is a seasoned executive with 20+ years deep experience in scaling entrepreneurial ventures, raising and investing venture capital, leading strategy and operations in diverse industries, and providing executive leadership to advise on critical business issues, including business development, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic planning.

Jon Kirchner

President, Perfero Advisory LLC

Jon is a dynamic global leader in the Space, Industrial Technology, and Manufacturing sectors with a proven track record of driving innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth. He is an expert in strategic planning, product management, and fostering multinational teams to leverage advanced technologies while delivering exceptional customer value. Jon is recognized for creating scalable operating models, optimizing operations, and making data-driven decisions to propel revenue growth and market leadership.

Jeffrey McDaniel

Portfolio Executive, Innovation Works

Jeffrey leads pre-seed, seed, and follow-on venture capital investment in Cleantech/Energy, Advanced Materials & Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics, and other hardware and software tech start-ups. He is a board member and advisor to 25+ companies annually, manages funnel of 35-50 additional prospect concepts and companies. Jeffrey manages Innovation Works Energy Portfolio. Entrepreneur with multiple commercialization and spin-out exits. He is a former active duty Naval Officer with engineering and combat systems assignments.

Connor O’Shea

Director of Business Development, Astrobotic

Connor Lyons O’Shea is Director of Business Development at Astrobotic, where he leads expansion of Astrobotic’s products and services into new markets from supporting NASA’s Artemis program to cislunar R&D for the Space Force. He has a particular focus on integrated spacecraft systems featuring real-time sensor data processing. Prior to Astrobotic, Connor advised A&D primes, financial investors, NASA, international space agencies, the Department of Defense.

Jim Scott

Chief Strategy Officer, Acoustic Research Systems

With 36 years of entrepreneurial experience, Jim has founded, scaled, and successfully exited multiple businesses, specializing in business development and forging strategic partnerships to drive growth. As CSO of ARS, he has applied this expertise to achieve rapid expansion in the aerospace sector, positioning ARS as the global leader in Direct Field Acoustic Testing.

Ryan Spangler

Engineering Manager, Aerospace Product, Advanced Cooling Technologies

Mr. Ryan Spangler has over a decade of experience leading critical space programs, including NASA’s VIPER Thermal Control System. A two-phase thermal expert, he has been instrumental in developing and qualifying ACT’s spacecraft thermal technologies, including LHPs, VCHPs, SCWHPs, Pulsating Heat Pipes (PHPs), Pumped Single- and Two-Phase Fluid Subsystems/Components (Cold Plates, Accumulators, Radiators, ..), Phase Change Material (PCM) heat sinks, and honeycomb composite panels. Mr. Spangler’s expertise in traditional and “new space” requirements has positioned ACT as a leading spaceflight systems provider.

Judging and Criteria

• EVALUATION BEYOND TRADITIONAL METRICS: Companies will not be evaluated based on business maturity, including factors like how much money has been raised, revenue generated or number of employees.
• RELEVANCE: How does this capability (product, service, technology, etc.) benefit the space industry in Pennsylvania?
• VALUE PROPOSITION: What value does this capability offer to potential customers?
• COMMERCIALIZATION POTENTIAL: How do you plan to commercialize this capability?
• FEASIBILITY: What is the plan for scaling this capability? How will this capability sustain itself, i.e., revenue/funding stream?
• MARKET DIFFERENTIATION: How is this capability different from other products/solutions on the market?
• CUSTOMER ACQUISITION: How will the capability reach more customers/clients?
• FINANCIAL SUPPORT: How does the team intend to raise the capital needed to roll out this capability?
• TEAM AND LEADERSHIP: Team can articulate impact cases for their capability and the team can execute on the business plan.

Meet the Judges 

JUDGES TO BE ANNOUNCED

Frequently Asked Questions

This project was financed [in part] by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community & Economic Development.