PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The unique environment of micro-gravity enables new methods of manufacturing, cultivation, and production of specialized pharmaceuticals and therapeutics otherwise impossible to create on Earth. Thus, there now exists an exciting opportunity to anticipate these challenges and utilize the micro-gravity conditions in LEO for the research and development of new healthcare solutions for use both in space and on Earth.
Over the past decade, space has transitioned from a research-driven domain to one of commerce and exploration made possible by passionate innovators and entrepreneurs who, like us, believe that the future of humanity is among the stars. The significant decreases in the costs of launch and expanded access to orbit, made possible by companies like SpaceX and Axiom Space, have enabled new opportunities in tangential industries such as Bioscience and Healthcare.
The pioneering lifetime care company, Boryung, has partnered with the leading provider of human spaceflight services, Axiom Space, and the aerospace and defense innovation catalyst, Starburst Aerospace, to accelerate the growth of the space health ecosystem by hosting the inaugural Care in Space Challenge (CIS Challenge). Eight to ten winning startups will receive a $100,000 investment from Boryung, support for on-orbit experimentation from Axiom, and acceptance into Starburst’s 13-week accelerator program—which will grant the startups access to a network of mentors, advisors, and investors within the aerospace, healthcare, and bioscience industries.
The application period will open on April 18th, and will run until June 17th, 2022. All entrepreneurs, innovators, and researchers working on the future of space health, or any health-adjacent solutions are encouraged to apply.
The selection process will be conducted in two rounds:
Round One:
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Interested startups may submit their applications here which must thoroughly describe their core competences as a founding team and outline their proposed technology's relevance as a space health or health-adjacent solution.
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Pitch decks outlining the key business elements including the team, problem, solution, competitive landscape, business model, and technology roadmap are required. The pitch deck must not exceed 20 slides in length and must be submitted as a PDF prior to the application deadline, June 17th, 2022.
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A team of subject matter experts well-versed in both healthcare and aerospace-related domains will review the applications using the evaluation criteria posted below. 15-20 selected applicants will be invited to advance into the second round of the competition, the Care in Space Challenge Pitch Day event.
Round Two:
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Finalists advancing to the second round will be invited to pitch their concepts live on August 4th, 2022 (location TBD)
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A panel of expert judges will evaluate the finalist’s presentations using criteria to be announced prior to the pitch event and will nominate 8-10 winners of the Care in Space Challenge.
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Challenge winners will receive $100,000 in funding via a SAFE investment (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) and will participate in a 13-week Care in Space Accelerator program. The prize funding and subsequent accelerator program will offer challenge winners the unique opportunity to develop concrete business plans, establish product market fit, preform customer discovery, connect with industry stakeholders, receive mentorship from aerospace and healthcare industry experts, and showcase their progress to investors at the CIS Demo Day in December 2022.
Round One Criteria
Product
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Does this technology provide a strong solution to a real problem?
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If successful, what impact will the solution have?
Innovation
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How is this capability accomplished today and what are the limitations of current practice?
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Does the proposed idea utilize novel theoretical concepts, approaches, methodologies, instrumentation, or services?
Team
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Does the team demonstrate a high level of ability and dedication?
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Have the founders worked together in the past? Have they built other successful businesses?
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Is there a clear mission and demonstrated passion, drive, discipline, ability to work collaboratively and willingness to push forward under conditions of extreme business uncertainty?
Commercialization
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Are the overall strategy, methodology, and analyses well-reasoned and appropriate to test the proposed idea?
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Is there a clear path for the product/service to become a viable business? What are the milestones?
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Are the product users and purchasers clearly identified?
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Is there evidence that market research or analysis of competitors was conducted?
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What are the risks and mitigation strategies?
CHALLENGE TIMELINE
