Israel Funds Space Tech Testing for Startups with $16 Million Program
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Israel's Innovation Authority and Space Agency are launching the Access 2 Space program with 60 million shekels to fund space technology testing for 15 Israeli companies. Participants will receive launch subsidies and support without relinquishing intellectual property. The initiative aims to overcome high costs and long delays, targeting diverse sectors beyond just space applications.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel Innovation Authority and Space Agency allocated 60 million shekels for the Access 2 Space program.
- The program will fund 15 Israeli startups, academic groups, and defense companies for space technology testing.
- Participants receive a 35% launch subsidy and support, without giving up equity or IP rights.
- The initiative targets technologies applicable both in space and on Earth, including medicine and cybersecurity.
- Creation Space is implementing the program, which aims to reduce barriers of cost and launch delays.
The Israel Innovation Authority and the Israel Space Agency have allocated 60 million shekels (approximately $16 million USD) to a new initiative called Access 2 Space. This program aims to provide Israeli startups, academic research groups, and large defense companies with the opportunity to test their technologies in the actual conditions of space.
The program will accept 15 participants, with applications opening soon and closing at the end of December. Selected participants will receive a subsidy covering 35% of launch costs, along with technical support and assistance with administrative and logistical coordination. Uniquely, participants will not be required to give up equity in their companies or intellectual property rights.
Access 2 Space is designed for developers of space-specific technologies as well as companies whose innovations have potential applications both in space and on Earth. Target sectors include medicine, robotics, energy, communications, cybersecurity, and new materials. For instance, a manufacturer of high-capacity batteries could gain access to the market for thousands of annual satellite launches by proving their product's functionality in extreme space environments.
High costs and launch delays, which can extend up to two years, have been significant barriers to such testing. The program, announced for late 2025, is being implemented by Creation Space, a company also involved in the "Space City" project in Mitzpe Ramon launched in early 2026 with Nvidia's participation.
As of late 2025, approximately 15,000 active satellites were orbiting Earth, with over 9,000 belonging to Starlink, according to the European Space Agency. The global market for space hardware production and launch was valued at 75 billion euros in 2025, a 20% increase, while the space services market, including navigation and data transmission, reached 489 billion euros, up 7%.
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