We're excited to announce that we've confirmed a dedicated Space Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024. This stage will join industry-specific stages like Fintech, SaaS, and AI, all coming together under one big roof. Additionally, we're excited to announce that this year we'll be running a pitch competition as part of the event: “The Space Challenge, powered by Aerospace.”
The full agenda for Disrupt 2024's space stage
As the space industry accelerates, new opportunities for founders, investors and customers are proliferating. Not only are the once-astronomical costs of doing business in orbit falling, but so are the technological barriers to entry.
The growing number of space stakeholders creates a vibrant, diverse and competitive environment across private and public markets, including the rapidly growing dual-use sector. Discover the challenges and possibilities that await in orbit at Disrupt's Space Stage, where you'll hear from industry leaders.
See the final agenda below. See you there!
Dual-use startups
John Gedmark (Astranis), Even Rogers (True Anomaly), Melanie Stricklan (Space Workforce 2030), Tim Solms (Slingshot Aerospace)
Government and defense are becoming increasingly reliant on commercial services, but startups face significant challenges in breaking into this highly regulated and red tape industry. How can young, lean companies compete for contracts and attention with larger, more established organizations? And how can investors help?
Future of Space Operations Startup Challenge
Courtesy of Aerospace Corporation
With Cody Bronkar (SpaceWERX), Debra Emmons (The Aerospace Corporation), and Justin Krauss (JP Morgan)
TechCrunch and Aerospace Corporation are joining forces again for the Space Challenge pitch competition, which aims to foster the growth and development of innovative startups poised to transform commercial space business. By engaging the founder and innovator community, venture capitalists and the commercial industry, the session will build a wide network and attract startups from both the space and non-space sectors. Applications are closed, but this is an event not to be missed.
Peter Beck takes control of the space industry
Peter Beck (Rocket Lab)
Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck is a familiar face to anyone in the space industry. But the company's ambitions extend far beyond its popular Electron launch vehicle. Beck believes that for space companies to thrive, and even survive, they need to become a fully integrated, one-stop shop. Learn how Rocket Lab is pursuing this ambitious goal.
The future of launch
Kelly Henning (Stoke Space) and Muhammad “Mo” Shazad (Relativity Space)
Launch has already been reinvented over the past decade, so why stop there? The demand for space is growing as fast as the pace of launches will allow, but there are opportunities beyond building rockets and vehicles. Startups will define the future of launch-related software, automation, and operations. If these founders have anything to say about it.
Bridgit Mendler, Disney star turned startup founder
Bridgit Mendler (Northwood Space)
Former Disney Channel star Bridgit Mendler wants to transform one of the space industry's least glamorous sectors: ground stations. In this fireside chat, learn more about how Northwood Space is building a data highway between Earth and orbit.
Riding the Wave: The Future of Space Investment
Lewis Alan Jones (Seraphim Space), Caitlin Holloway (Seven Seven Six), Jordan Noone (Embedded Ventures)
Investment in private space companies has exploded over the past few years, but rising interest rates, volatile performance of space stocks, and geopolitical uncertainty have recently dampened investor enthusiasm. In this talk, we discuss the future of space tech investment, which areas are saturated or undervalued, and whether this will be a make-or-break year for space startups.
Exploring the future of space innovation at Disrupt
TechCrunch Disrupt is where you'll find innovation at 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 provides unparalleled resources, connections, and expert insights to drive your venture forward. More than 10,000 startup and venture capital leaders will attend this year's event, taking place October 28-30 at Moscone West in San Francisco.
Fly with us as top space leaders take to the stage at Disrupt 2024! Secure your tickets now and join the journey of exploration.