> WSBW Pitch-off

WSBW Pitch-off

Pitch. Connect. Grow.

Demonstrate your disruptive business model and technology and win a chance to increase your visibility and unlock unique growth opportunities for your business through:
  • Global Recognition: Raise your startup’s profile at WSBW with over 1,600 key industry leaders from more than 50 countries, representing the global space ecosystem.

  • Expand Your Network: Shortlisted candidates will receive a complimentary pass to attend the World Space Business Week and the Space Innovation Summit, along with access to networking and social events (full access badge value €3,600).
      • The first 3 nominees will receive a full WSBW entry and will pitch.
      • 4th to 6th place will receive a Space Innovation Summit-only entry and will pitch.

  • Take the Stage: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for live-pitching at the Space Innovation Summit stage, showcasing their business projects in front of the industry’s top leaders and investors

  • Sharpen Your Decision-Making: The two winners of the live-pitching will receive a Novaspace market intelligence product of their choice (valued at €6,000 each).

Challenge Timeline

  • Application deadline: End of May 2026

  • Shortlisted selection: Mid-June 2026

  • Live-pitching: 6 companies pitch on September 16, 2026

  • Award announcement: Winners are celebrated during the cocktail reception of the Space Innovation Summit and World Space Business Week on September 16

The Best Global Startup Innovation

Each year, hundreds of companies are reviewed and analyzed by Novaspace and partner organizations.

  • 6 startups earn the opportunity to attend and pitch on stage at the Space Innovation Summit.
  • The first 3 nominees get exclusive access to the 2026 edition of the World Space Business Week to take place from September 14th to 17th, 2026, both in Paris and online.

Live pitching at WSBW

The top-6 preselected startups pitch live at the Space Innovation Summit stage.

  • Pitches are scheduled between keynotes, panels, and chats. 
  • Entrepreneurs gain exposure to Summit delegates.
  • Two winners are announced during the live ceremony. 
  • A cocktail reception follows, open to all delegates. 

Eligibility & evaluation

Participating companies must be independently owned (not subsidiaries or government divisions).

Shortlisted companies are evaluated on:

  • Innovation
  • Customer base
  • Traction
  • Team
  • Market approach 

Categories

Applications are welcomed from the following sub-segments:

  • Satellite manufacturers
  • Subsystems and components
  • Ground segment solutions
  • Satellite operators
  • Value-added services
  • Access to space initiatives

All emerging startups within the satellite industry are encouraged to apply. 

Meet the Previous Winners

9th Edition, 2025

WSBW Startup Challenge Award

Space Business Catalyst Award

8th Edition, 2024

Finspace Award

Space Business Catalyst Award

7th Edition - 2023

Finspace Award

Space Business Catalyst Award

6th Edition - 2022

Satcom & Connectivity

Satellite Imagery & Analytics

5th Edition - 2021

Satcom & Connectivity

Satellite Imagery & Analytics

4th Edition, 2020

Satcom & Connectivity

Satellite Imagery & Analytics

3rd Edition - 2019

Satcom & Connectivity

Satellite Imagery & Analytics

2nd Edition - 2018

Best Newcomer

Best Pitch

Most Innovative Technology

Entrepreneur of the Year

Rafael Jordá Siquier
CEO of Open Cosmos

1st Edition - 2017