AWS has selected 67 startups from Australia, India, and Japan to participate in its AWS Space Accelerator: APJ 2025 program.

This initiative represents the largest cohort in the accelerator’s five-year history, nearly tripling the number of companies from the previous year. The accelerator aims to support startups addressing complex challenges in the space sector, such as sovereign launch systems, orbital surveillance, AI-driven satellite analytics, and blockchain-supported satellite coordination.

The selected startups were chosen from a pool of over 150 applicants, underlining increasing interest and activity in the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) space industry. The program commenced on 19 September and will run virtually for ten weeks, concluding with a Demo Day where participating companies will present their solutions to national space agencies, investors, AWS customers, and space industry stakeholders.

Participants will have access to a comprehensive range of resources, including up to USD $100,000 in AWS Activate credits, technical support from AWS experts, business coaching and mentorship, opportunities to connect with venture capital firms and prospective clients, and access to space industry leaders. The accelerator is organised in collaboration with AWS partners and space organisations such as T-Hub (Australian cohort), Minfy, Fusic, Ansys, the Australia Space Agency, IN-SPACe, iLaunch, and SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation.

Supporting space sector growth

Launched in 2020, the AWS Aerospace and Satellite business unit is focused on helping the global space industry utilise cloud technologies. The unit’s experience suggests that startups using cloud technology are better positioned to scale and sustain growth.

Clint Crosier, Director of the Aerospace and Satellite business at AWS, explained the significance of this year’s focus on India, Japan, and Australia, noting recent growth in the sector. In Australia, private investment in the space sector topped AUD $300 million in 2024, with Gilmour Space marking its first launch attempt in July 2025, an important step towards establishing sovereign launch capability.

“The space industry is experiencing unprecedented growth and innovation across APJ, with startups developing groundbreaking technologies that have the potential to transform how space organizations operate in space,” said Clint Crosier, director of the aerospace and satellite business at AWS. “Through the AWS Space Accelerator, we’re proud to support these visionary companies as they leverage cloud technologies to solve complex challenges in space and back on earth, from designing new launch systems to climate resilience, space sustainability, and data accessibility.”

Crosier emphasised the programme’s belief in the importance of cloud technology to space innovation, highlighting the collaborative approach with partner organisations.

“We believe the cloud is a powerful enabler for space innovation,” added Crosier. “By providing these startups with the technology, resources, and mentorship they need, and leveraging the strengths and expertise of our collaborating organizations, we’re building a community to advance and propel space technology innovation across the region. We can’t wait to see what this new cohort will accomplish.”

Programmeme content and focus areas

The AWS Space Accelerator: APJ 2025 cohort represents a diversity of operational focuses. Of those selected, 51 percent work in geospatial applications, 42 percent in launch and space infrastructure, and 7 percent in simulation. Startups are developing technologies and applications across the entire space value chain, including launch and propulsion systems, space domain awareness and debris management, earth observation, AI and edge computing in space, defence and dual-use systems, and in-orbit services.

The Australian startups include companies such as AFTdynamics, which is developing rocket engine clusters; Antares Aerospace, which focuses on orbital launch systems; Blue Dwarf Space, which automates regulatory compliance for missions; and Geoneon, which provides AI-powered satellite analytics for vegetation and wildfire intelligence. Other Australian participants are working on blockchain satellite coordination, modular launch vehicles, immersive VR simulations for aerospace, and autonomous orbital observatories.

The accelerator is structured to equip startups with not only technology and business guidance, but also access to industry experts and investors. The Demo Day set for 28 November will provide an opportunity for participating startups to present their advancements and solutions to significant industry audiences.