Startups RedPoint Oncology and Fourier are the newest recipients of the Technology in Space Prize, funded by Boeing and the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space® (CASIS®), manager of the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory.
Selected through the MassChallenge (Boston) startup accelerator program, these two companies will utilize the unparalleled research environment available through the ISS National Lab to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and advance their research and technology development.
RedPoint Oncology will leverage the accelerated disease progression of cancers in microgravity to test a new class of therapeutics that can treat cancers resistant to conventional treatments. Fourier will test the performance of its new radiation-shielding material in protecting sensitive electronic devices from the harsh conditions in space. Through the Technology in Space Prize, CASIS and Boeing awarded RedPoint Oncology and Fourier more than $650,000 in total funding.
Boeing and CASIS have partnered on the Technology in Space Prize for 11 years, collaborating with MassChallenge to identify early-stage companies that can utilize the unique environment of the International Space Station for R&D that is not possible on Earth, ultimately benefiting humanity,” said Scott Copeland, director of ISS research integration for Boeing.
The startups join a growing community of researchers using the final frontier to explore new possibilities and demonstrate the potential of space-based research. Since the prize’s inception, more than $20 million has been awarded for more than 30 projects.
Engaging the startup community is a strategic priority for the ISS National Lab. Having access to the unique space environment allows entrepreneurs to further their science and technology, develop novel products, and build new businesses. The impact of conducting research through the ISS National Lab is notable, as startups awarded a flight project have cumulatively raised nearly $2.4 billion in funding postflight, demonstrating the value of space-based R&D in accelerating commercialization.
The ISS National Lab congratulates Fourier and RedPoint Oncology as the latest awardees of the Technology in Space Prize,” said Phillip Irace, science program director for the ISS National Lab. “This prize, in collaboration with our partners at Boeing and MassChallenge, focuses on giving startups the opportunity to conduct R&D in low Earth orbit, and it continues to yield innovators who are pushing the limits of this new era of research. We look forward to working with both of these startups.“
Funding awarded to this year’s recipients will provide seed money and assist with hardware costs for flight projects using ISS National Lab flight and crew time allocation.
With support from Boeing and CASIS through the Technology in Space Prize, innovative startups such as RedPoint Oncology and Fourier have the opportunity to use the unique conditions in LEO to advance their R&D and improve life on Earth. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, including current solicitations seeking projects to leverage the orbiting platform, please visit this website.
To learn more about applying for the Technology in Space Prize, go to the MassChallenge webpage.