The space economy is taking off, and 果冻传媒 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 鈥 along with Arizona State University, Blue Origin, University of Florida, Space Foundation and Vanderbilt 鈥 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.
鈥淎t the heart of Central Florida and its booming space economy, SpaceU 鈥 UCF 鈥 is relentlessly growing its research and educational efforts to support our vision of available and accessible space technologies for humankind,鈥 says Julie Brisset, interim director of UCF鈥檚 Florida Space Institute. 鈥淲e 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鈥檚] strategic plan.鈥
鈥淲e 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,鈥 she continues.
UCF Is a Leader in Space Research, Partnerships
Founded in 1963 to fuel the burgeoning space industry, 果冻传媒 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聽medicine curriculum for students across the university.
UCF鈥檚 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 果冻传媒 has held strong research and academic partnerships with NASA and the space agency鈥檚 Kennedy Space Center 鈥 where 29% of employees are UCF alums.
Earlier this month, the university hosted the qualifying round of NASA鈥檚 Lunabotics competition in UCF Exolith Lab鈥檚 new Regolith Bin, which is the world鈥檚 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. 聽