AWS launches Space Accelerator program to support startups in Australia, India, Japan

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced the launch of AWS Space Accelerator: APJ 2025, a program designed to support startups across Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) that are focused on space technology, catalyzing innovation and propelling the growing space economy in the Asia Pacific region.

The 10-week accelerator will provide up to 40 selected startups with dedicated business resources, expertise, and guidance around technology and business capabilities, to help them leverage AWS to build, grow, and scale their missions. 

The accelerator is open to space-sector startups at all stages that are based in Australia, New Zealand, India, or Japan. Participants can leverage the program to build their technology platforms, scale their operations, and pursue investment opportunities. 

Applications for the AWS Space Accelerator: APJ will be open from July 8, 2025 to September 5, 2025. 

The AWS Space Accelerator: APJ will be delivered in collaboration with AWS partners T-Hub, Minfy, Fusic, and Ansys along with leading space organizations including the Australia Space Agency, IN-SPACe, iLAuNCH, and SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation. 

The accelerator builds upon the successful AWS Space Accelerator: India in 2024, which supported 24 space tech startups. Through the 2024 program, these companies enhanced their solutions across multiple domains, including spacecraft propulsion, orbital and launch vehicles, satellite imagery, geospatial applications, and space tourism. Graduates achieved significant milestones: several secured customer contracts for their innovative geospatial solutions, while others secured investment and made notable advancements in propulsion technology and quantum key distribution. 

Supporting a growing space economy 

The expansion comes at a time when the space sector is experiencing significant growth across the Asia Pacific region: 

1. In Japan, the space economy is valued at approximately $26 billion, with the Japanese government aiming to double this to $52 billion by the early 2030s. 

2. India’s space industry is projected to grow from $8 billion in 2022 to $44 billion by 2033. 

Space tech startups face significant challenges, including high capital requirements for technology development and testing, plus the need for specialised talent. The AWS Space Accelerator helps these startups reduce risks by enabling them to build and test solutions using a wide range of AWS technologies and services before making major capital investments.

This approach, according to the company, allows participants to experiment rapidly and cost-effectively, validating and refining their innovations before moving to full-scale launch and deployment. 

The AWS Space Accelerator: APJ seeks startups innovating in the following areas: 

1. Earth observation and remote sensing: Startups that are harnessing satellite imagery and sensor data to support various sectors, including agriculture, climate monitoring, disaster response, and infrastructure planning. Their innovations make space-derived data more actionable and accessible for a wide range of applications. 

2. Manufacturing, launch and operations for space infrastructure: Startups that focus on cost-effective satellite manufacturing, propulsion, and launch innovations that enable flexible, sustainable, and scalable access to space. 

3. Drone technology: Startups that are building advanced drones and high-altitude operational systems that complement satellites, enhancing data coverage, environmental monitoring, and communication in remote areas. 

These focus areas align with the rapidly expanding space economy while addressing urgent global challenges such as climate resilience, space sustainability, and data accessibility. By leveraging AWS cloud technologies, startups in these fields are developing scalable, cost-effective solutions to real-world problems through innovative space-based applications. 

The 10-week accelerator program will be delivered virtually and in-person starting in September 2025, culminating in a demo day in December 2025, where selected startups will present and showcase their innovative solutions.

Selected startups will receive: 

1. Up to $100,000 in AWS credits as part of AWS Activate 

2. Technical guidance from AWS experts and partners to build solutions on AWS 

3. Business coaching and mentorship from experienced industry leaders 

4. Connections to venture capital firms and potential customers 

5. Access to space industry leaders 

Accelerating innovation through partnerships 

The AWS Space Accelerator: APJ 2025 will be delivered in collaboration with leading organisations, including India's T-Hub, Minfy Technologies, Japan's Fusic, Ansys, Australian Space Agency, India's IN-SPACe, and Japan's SKY Perfect JSAT.

“The collaboration with Australian Space Agency, IN-SPACe, iLAuNCH, and Sky Perfect JSAT underscores our commitment to working with local space agencies and industry leaders to support the growth of the space economy in their respective countries,” said Clint Crosier, director of the Aerospace and Satellite business at AWS.

“Through this accelerator program, we’re not just supporting individual startups, we’re helping to build a robust community that can drive economic growth and technological advancement throughout the region.”