Space

For founders pursuing commercial opportunities that exploit the recent drop in the cost of accessing space and enable humanity to benefit from space-based technologies. 

The Space Stream at CDL-Toronto brings together astronauts, entrepreneurs, investors, and scientists from fields related to space exploration and transportation, satellite communications, Earth observation, automation, and robotics. CDL startups work with these mentors to sharpen objectives, prioritize time and resources, raise capital, build networks and engage with experts working on the frontiers of research.

The startups attend five objective-setting sessions between October and June. CDL is a non-profit organization. There are no fees for participation and CDL does not take any equity. Learn more about the CDL program.

Who Should Apply?

The Space Stream is particularly suited to coachable startup companies who are applying artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies to exploit commercial opportunities related to space and space-based services. This Stream is tailored towards early-stage companies (early venture or growth) or even projects (pre-incorporation); however, startups at all levels of maturity will be considered. Companies from more than 15 countries have participated in the program.

Example Innovation Areas:

  • Satellite communications
  • Earth observation
  • Positioning, navigation, and timing
  • Software and AI systems
  • Robotics and automation
  • Computing and data processing
  • Materials and energy solutions
  • Space logistics and manufacturing
  • Satellite hardware (i.e. sensors, antennas, chips, propulsion)
  • Planetary exploration and interplanetary transportation

The list above is not exhaustive. Contact space@creativedestructionlab.com to discuss the program and your venture with someone from the Space Stream.

All Space Alumni Companies ▶︎

Our Mentors

CDL mentors include accomplished entrepreneurs, experienced operators, and active angel and venture investors. Mentors meet every eight weeks in Toronto to help founders set objectives over the program’s nine-month duration.

See all Space mentors ▶︎

The Space Stream operates one annual cohort at CDL-Toronto in Toronto, Canada. For more information or to schedule an introduction meeting with the CDL team, email space@creativedestructionlab.com.

CDL-Toronto

Toronto

“By assembling a community of world-class experts and founders, we will push the boundaries of the commercial space industry. We are at the frontier of a new space economy. Now is the time to place a bet on the next generation of space entrepreneurs.”

Chris Hadfield

First Canadian Commander of the International Space Station

“We came out of CDL with a much clearer vision towards commercialization and frankly gained a lot in skills and analytical thinking in terms of how we really make this work.”

David Malott

CEO, AI SpaceFactory

“A whole slew of investment meetings that we had over the last few months were a direct result of the connections that we made at CDL.”

Ewan Reid

CEO, Mission Control Space Services

“The heart of what [CDL does] is encourage you to focus. We’ve gone from the group of really excited, talented founders with ideas to now having minimum viable product.”

Dr. Allyson Hindle

Co-founder, Leap Biosystems

“We are explorers and it is inevitable for humans to travel beyond our planet and build civilizations elsewhere. This is a challenge that is important for continuity of life for our species. CDL Space is the first coordinated effort by an entrepreneurship program to support the formation and scaling of next-generation space ventures that will help us realize this future.”

 

Anousheh Ansari

Co-Founder, Ansari X Prize | Co-Founder, Prodea Systems

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