The space economy is taking off, and UCF has joined an initiative powered by industry and academic leaders to propel innovators and businesses into new realms of opportunity. The Space-Edge Accelerator is an educational collaboration designed to expand markets within the global space economy, which is projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2040.

UCF — along with Arizona State University, Blue Origin, University of Florida, Space Foundation and Vanderbilt — are joining forces to launch the program on Sept. 23. Each organization will accept up to five participating teams, for a total cohort of 20, to develop actionable space strategies.

From tissue culture to drug formulation and physiological sensors, the 12-week hybrid program will cover key areas of biomedical innovation that can either benefit from the space environment or that can advance human spaceflight. Researchers, entrepreneurs, early-stage ventures and established businesses are encouraged to apply Aug. 8 to Sept. 8.

“At the heart of Central Florida and its booming space economy, SpaceU — UCF — is relentlessly growing its research and educational efforts to support our vision of available and accessible space technologies for humankind,” says Julie Brisset, interim director of UCF’s Florida Space Institute. “We are excited to participate in the SpaceEdge Accelerator, soon providing students, faculty, and local businesses with unique opportunities at the crossroads between space systems and technologies, and human health and performance, two top priorities in [the university’s] strategic plan.”

“We are looking forward to supporting innovation locally and globally to fuel the next generation of entrepreneurs and initiate them to the opportunities of the space biomedical sector,” she continues.

UCF Is a Leader in Space Research, Partnerships

Founded in 1963 to fuel the burgeoning space industry, UCF has long supported advancement of this dynamic industry. Recently, the university has hired nationally recognized space medicine expert Emmanuel Urquieta to expand research into how spaceflight affects humans and create space medicine curriculum for students across the university.

UCF’s active space-health research includes specimen studies from Axiom Missions 2 and 3, which are led by Professor of Medicine Michal Masternak and may hold keys to understanding aging in space and on Earth, as well as cancer treatments. Through separate studies, Professor of Medicine Melanie Coathup is exploring how microgravity and radiation impact bone and muscle health.

For decades UCF has held strong research and academic partnerships with NASA and the space agency’s Kennedy Space Center — where 29% of employees are UCF alums.

Earlier this month, the university hosted the qualifying round of NASA’s Lunabotics competition in UCF Exolith Lab’s new Regolith Bin, which is the world’s largest simulated lunar surface. The 10-foot by 10-foot facility will help NASA and companies like Blue Origin perform tests that help accelerate space exploration, including the Artemis program.

For more information and updates on how to apply through UCF, visit space-edge.org.