We're excited to announce that we've added a dedicated space stage to TechCrunch Disrupt 2024. It joins Fintech, SaaS, and ai as other industry-focused stages, all under one big roof.
And we are excited to share that this year we will be hosting a pitch competition, “The Space Challenge, Powered by Aerospace,” as part of the event. More details on how to submit your space startup coming soon!
The Space Stage agenda at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024
As the space industry accelerates, new opportunities are proliferating for founders, investors and customers. Not only are the once astronomical costs of doing business in orbit falling, but so are the technical barriers to entry.
A greater number of stakeholders in the space create a lively, diverse and highly competitive environment that crosses public and private markets, not to mention the rapidly growing dual-use segment. Discover the challenges and possibilities that await you in orbit on Disrupt's space stage, where you will hear from leaders from across the industry.
Check out the draft agenda below and keep checking back for updates – there's plenty more to come!
Dual-use startups
with John Gedmark (Astranis), Melissa Quinn (Slingshot Aerospace) and Even Rogers (True Anomaly)
Government and defense are increasingly reliant on commercial services, but startups face a real challenge entering this formal and highly regulated side of the industry. How can young, efficient companies compete for contracts and attention with majors and more established organizations, and how can investors help?
Bridgit Mendler on her journey from Disney star to startup founder
with Bridgit Mendler (Northwood Space)
Former Disney Channel star Bridgit Mendler wants to transform one of the least attractive segments of the space industry: ground stations. In this fireside chat, we'll learn more about how Northwood Space will build a data highway between Earth and orbit.
The future of launching
with Kelly Hennig (Stoke Space) and speakers to be announced
Pitching has already been reinvented over the last decade, but why stop there? Demand for space is growing as fast as launch rates allow, but there are opportunities beyond making rockets and vehicles. Startups are likely to define the future of software, automation, and launch-related operations, if these founders have anything to say about it.
Future of Space Operations Commissioning Challenge
Presented by Aerospace Corporation
Five finalists will have the exclusive opportunity to showcase their startup and present it in front of our judges on the Space Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 this October. One winner will receive expert-led feedback sessions with leaders from Aerospace Corporation, government and commercial companies to advance their projects and enhance partnership opportunities.
Peter Beck takes the space industry by the fins
with Peter Beck (Rocket Laboratory)
As founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, Peter Beck is a familiar face to anyone in the space industry. But the company's ambitions go far beyond its popular Electron launch vehicle: Beck believes that to thrive, perhaps even survive, space companies will have to become fully integrated one-stop shops. Hear how Rocket Lab pursues this ambitious goal.
Riding the wave: the future of space investing
with Maureen Haverty (Seraphim Space), Katelin Holloway (Seven Seven Six), Jordan Noone (Embedded Ventures)
Private investments in commercial space companies have soared in recent years, but investor appetite has been tempered more recently by higher interest rates, the turbulent performance of space stocks and geopolitical uncertainties. In this talk, we will discuss the future of space technology investment, which areas are oversaturated or undervalued, and whether this year will be decisive for space startups.
About TechCrunch Disrupt 2024
TechCrunch Disrupt is where you'll find innovation for every stage of your startup journey. Whether you're a budding founder with a revolutionary idea, a seasoned startup looking to scale, or an investor looking for the next big thing, TechCrunch Disrupt offers unparalleled resources, connections, and expert insights to propel your company forward. More than 10,000 startup leaders will attend this year's event October 28-30 in San Francisco.
We can't wait to hear from these space leaders at this year's show. Buy your tickets here.
