Due: February 5, 2026
Transforming Health and Biotech at the Edge of Space
TechConnect seeks breakthrough technologies that leverage space and microgravity to advance development and commercialization in biotechnology, human health, and advanced biomaterials. Share your innovation with leading investors and key stakeholders from government and industry.
Areas of Interest:
Microgravity for Drug Development
- Microgravity-enabled biomanufacturing platforms
- Protein crystallization techniques for high-resolution drug target structures
- Space-optimized cell culture and fermentation systems
Microgravity for Regenerative Medicine
- Organoid cultivation in low-gravity environments
- Stem cell growth and differentiation platforms
- Tissue constructs that reveal new biology under microgravity
Disease Modeling and Space Radiation
- Models for aging, cancer, neurodegeneration, and chronic disease
- Studies that leverage space radiation to uncover novel therapeutic mechanisms
- Predictive disease models accelerated by microgravity conditions
Advanced Biomaterials & Medical Devices
- Space-adapted 3D bioprinting for tissues and implants
- Thin–film deposition and novel materials fabricated in microgravity
- Medical device innovations informed by space operational constraints
Human Health in Space
- Understanding immune system changes during long-duration missions
- Mitigating radiation effects and physiological stressors
- Health monitoring tailored to astronauts and remote environments
Automation and AI Solutions
- Automated experimentation, sample handling, and data pipelines
- AI/ML platforms for predictive modeling and real-time decision support
- Autonomous robotics for space lab operations
Pitch to Win
- Finalists will pitch to an expert panel of judges in Raleigh
- Winners receive one of three prizes from a $50,000 pool
- No application fees
If selected, finalists receive one full registration, pitch slot, highlight on the Challenge page, and access to TechConnect networking opportunities.