NGEN Spacetech Conference
APPLICATIONS EXTENDED! We've extended the application deadline, so there's still time to apply. Spots are limited and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply soon to hold your seat.
The NGEN Spacetech Conference is a one-day gathering in New York City for the next generation of space innovators. Meet like-minded peers, hear from industry leaders, network with investors, and watch emerging teams compete for $150K in funding and support.
NGEN is the Inter-Ivy League entrepreneurship network that works with over 20,000 founders across the Ivy Leagues.
WHEN AND WHERE
Friday, November 6, 2026
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET
Midtown Manhattan, New York, NY
The exact address is shared with attendees once your application is approved.
WHO IT IS FOR
This is an application-only event for about 150 hand-selected student founders, student researchers, and operators working in space. Whether you are into space engineering, business, policy, entrepreneurship, science or something in between, you will find your people here. Come curious, whether you are just getting started or already building.
AGENDA
9:00 to 10:00 AM: Registration and Breakfast
10:00 to 10:15 AM: Opening Words
10:15 to 11:00 AM: The Trajectory of Aerospace Panel
11:10 to 11:50 AM: Keynote by Matt Desch, CEO of Iridium
12:00 to 12:45 PM: Interactive Session: Build Your Own Space Colony, a team challenge where you work with a group to solve real-world problems facing the future of space
12:45 to 1:45 PM: Networking Lunch
1:45 to 2:30 PM: Frontier Tech Panel
2:30 to 3:30 PM: $150K Pitch Competition
3:30 to 3:45 PM: Break
3:45 to 4:30 PM: Investors and Startups Panel
4:30 to 5:00 PM: Closing Words
5:30 to 7:00 PM: Evening networking event nearby (details shared with attendees)
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Matthew J. Desch, CEO, Iridium
Andrew Hanna, Stoke Space
Kristin Houston, CEO, Rocketdyne
Brandon Kortokrax, Principal, E2MC Ventures
David Rose, Angel Investor, Space Capital
Vincent J. Bilardo Jr., Executive Director for Nuclear Space Programs, Intuitive Machines
More speakers will be announced soon.
THE $150K SPACE SOFTWARE PITCH COMPETITION
Our flagship competition: a stage, a room of investors, and a single defining round. Teams compete for up to $150,000 in funding and support.
Who can apply:
- Incorporated space startups with a software component
- At least one founder who is a current student, a recent graduate (within 12 months), a postdoc or faculty
How it works:
- Finalists pitch live on stage at the conference
- Other teams can pitch virtually
What pitching teams get:
- A chance to present to a stage of investors and operators
- Direct access to capital allocators actively funding spacetech
- Up to $150,000 to accelerate your earliest stage
- A place in the spacetech community from day one
Apply to pitch on F6S: https://www.f6s.com/space-tech-150k-pitch-competition
If you mark yes on the pitch question in your conference application, we will also send you the pitch application.
WHAT YOU WILL GET
- Keynotes from leaders shaping the future of space
- Panels on policy, technology, entrepreneurship and innovation
- A hands-on team challenge, not just sitting and listening
- A front row seat to a live $150K startup pitch competition
- Time to meet students, founders, researchers, investors and professionals across the space industry, including over a networking lunch
HOW TO APPLY
1. Click "Request to Join" on this page to open the application form.
2. Answer the application questions.
3. Enter your payment details. Your card is only charged if your application is approved.
4. Click "Request to Join" at the bottom of the form to submit.
Tickets: Early Bird $25, Standard $50. Seats are limited and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
GOOD TO KNOW
- Out of respect for our speakers, we ask that phones and laptops stay in bags during sessions; pen and paper encouraged.
- Refunds: full refunds for cancellations made at least one week before the conference. Please email us at least seven days ahead. Cancellations within one week of the event are non-refundable.
- Media: photos and video may be captured for event coverage. By attending, you agree to our media consent terms: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tp1Icko5zl2GZbxIoCZtyFmwfhML0VUW/view?usp=sharing
Learn more at https://space.ngennetwork.org/
We cannot wait to see you in New York.