Announcing the agenda for the Space Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

We’re out-of-this-world excited to announce that we’ve added a dedicated Space Stage to TechCrunch Disrupt 2024. It joins Fintech, SaaS and AI as the other industry-focused stages — all under one big roof.

And we’re excited to share we’ll be hosting a pitch competition this year “The Space Challenge, powered by Aerospace” as part of the event. More details about how to submit your space startup coming soon!

The Space Stage agenda at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

As the space industry accelerates, new opportunities proliferate for founders, investors, and customers. Not only are the once-astronomical costs of doing business in orbit falling, but so, too, are the technical barriers to entry.

More stakeholders in space make for a lively, diverse, and highly competitive environment crossing private and public markets — not to mention the fast-growing dual-use segment. Discover the challenges and possibilities waiting in orbit at Disrupt’s Space Stage, where you’ll hear from leaders across the industry.

Check the prelim agenda below and keep checking back for updates — there’s plenty more to come!

Startups in Dual Use

with John Gedmark (Astranis), Melissa Quinn (Slingshot Aerospace) and Even Rogers (True Anomaly)

Government and defense are relying more and more on commercial services, but startups face a real challenge entering this highly regulated and formal side of the industry. How can young, lean businesses compete for contracts and attention with primes and more established organizations — and how can investors help?

Bridgit Mendler on Moving from Disney Star to Startup Founder

with Bridgit Mendler (Northwood Space)

Former Disney Channel star Bridgit Mendler wants to transform one of the least sexy segments of the space industry: ground stations. In this fireside, we’ll learn more about how Northwood Space will build out a data highway between Earth and orbit.

The Future of Launch

with Kelly Hennig (Stoke Space) and speakers to be announced

Launch has already been reinvented over the last decade, but why stop there? Demand for space is growing as fast as launch cadences permit, but there is opportunity beyond making rockets and vehicles. Startups will likely define the future of launch-related software, automation, and operations, if these founders have anything to say about it.

Future of Space Operations Startup Challenge

Presented by the Aerospace Corporation

Five finalists will have the exclusive opportunity to exhibit their startup and pitch in front of our judges on the Space Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 this October. One winner will get expert-led feedback sessions with leadership at the Aerospace Corporation, government and commercial businesses to move their projects forward and enhance partnership opportunities.

Peter Beck Takes the Space Industry by the Fins

with Peter Beck (Rocket Lab)

As the founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, Peter Beck is a familiar face to anyone in the space industry. But the company’s ambitions go far beyond its popular Electron launch vehicle: Beck believes that to thrive, perhaps even to survive, space businesses will have to become fully integrated one-stop shops. Hear how Rocket Lab is pursuing this ambitious goal.

Riding the Wave: the Future of Space Investing

with Maureen Haverty (Seraphim Space), Katelin Holloway (Seven Seven Six), Jordan Noone (Embedded Ventures)

Private investments in commercial space businesses has exploded over the past few years, but investor appetite has been tempered more recently by higher interest rates, turbulent space stock performance and geopolitical uncertainties. In this talk, we’ll discuss the future of space tech investing, which areas are oversaturated or undervalued, and whether this year will be make-it-or-break-it for space startups.

About TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

TechCrunch Disrupt is where you’ll find innovation for every stage of your startup journey. Whether you’re a budding founder with a revolutionary idea, a seasoned startup looking to scale or an investor seeking the next big thing, TechCrunch Disrupt offers unparalleled resources, connections and expert insights to propel your venture forward. Over 10,000 startup leaders will be attending this year’s event on October 28-30 in San Francisco.

We can’t wait to hear from these space leaders at this year’s show. Purchase your tickets here.