The Accelerator concluded the second session of the #CASDA2 cohort last week, capping off an enriching week filled with valuable insights. We eagerly anticipate the return of the companies on May 14th for another round of programming!
A huge thank you to our Session 2 Sponsor, Maxar Technologies. Their generous support empowers our team to deliver exceptional programming for the #CASDA2 cohort!
We kicked off Monday morning with Mo Kanwischer, President of Momentum Business Consulting, who provided the companies with invaluable information on business development, marketing, QIP-B, and go-to-market strategies! Karri Palmetier, Government Contracts Adviser for Small Businesses at Palmetier Law, then followed up by discussing SBIR data rights with the companies.
On Tuesday, the cohort had the privilege of hearing from Matthew Ennis, Chief Product and Strategy Officer at RS21, and Kurt Kuntzelman, Chief Defense and Space Officer at RS21, who shared insights into RS21’s offerings. As Catalyst Accelerator alum, they not only showcased their product, but also explored potential partnership opportunities within the current cohort. The session also delved into the topic of how small businesses can see their offering like their prospective customers do. It is always so exciting to see our alumni engaging with current companies! Following this discussion, Dr. Terry Boult, Distinguished Professor of Innovation and Security at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), provided valuable insights on SBIRs. Next, Mike Fraizer, Program Division Director at GSA, briefed the companies on GSA, the General Services Administration, and how small businesses can leverage their services and expertise.
To conclude Tuesday’s activities, the UCCS Bachelor of Innovation team delivered their final Market Research Report to each Accelerator company individually. These reports contain a compilation of data gathered from market research trends in space domain awareness paired with insight obtained from meetings with each cohort company. The goal of these reports is to assist the companies in refining their business strategies.
On Wednesday, the Catalyst Accelerator enjoyed an exclusive tour of the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). The day began with the Accelerator team participating in an Innovation Capstone class led by Lt Col Thomas White, where they gained understanding on the projects underway and listened to startup pitches from cadets. Additionally, two Accelerator companies had the opportunity to showcase their capabilities to the class. Following this engaging session, the group was guided by Lt Col Nicholas Rayl at the Multi-Domain Laboratory, observing the cadets in action. The tour concluded with a visit to the USAFA Observatory, where Col Benjamin Roth provided fascinating insights into cadet education and the Observatory’s operations. Special thanks to Amy Berg, the Research Program Manager, Outreach at USAFA, for orchestrating the informative tour. Wrapping up the day, the team enjoyed a cohort lunch, fostering connections and reflecting on their experiences at the Academy.
Shae Thomas, Catalyst Accelerator Program Manager, shared her experience on the program this week, “The Accelerator had a blast at the Air Force Academy and feel privileged to have been able to learn about the cadet experience along with the research happening at the Academy.”
Thank you to each of the 10 subject matter experts who donated their time to speak with the #CASDA2 cohort and answer their questions throughout week 6. The Catalyst Accelerator team is looking forward to the next session with this phenomenal group of companies!
