About this Program

Calling all startups!

On the sidelines of Space Symposium, on April 8, showcase your expertise in AI-driven solutions for space at the AI Catalyst Event, hosted by BMNT in collaboration with NASA. This is a unique opportunity to demonstrate your thought leadership to NASA subject matter experts, investors, and stakeholders. This event is part of the general community building effort leading up to the NASA SBIR Ignite solicitation opening this summer 2025.

We’re inviting startups and small businesses to join an exclusive roundtable discussion alongside investors, NASA experts, and industry thought leaders as recognized authorities in their fields. This isn’t just a seat at the table—it’s a chance to shape the conversation on how AI is driving the future of space innovation. Selected participants will engage with a high-caliber audience, including NASA subject matter experts (SMEs) and forward-thinking investors, followed by a networking social designed to spark connections with founders, visionaries, and potential funders. This event is a springboard for the NASA SBIR Ignite Phase I solicitation opening in summer 2025—secure your spot at this pivotal gathering!
Applications are due March 19th at 5pm PT. Apply now to secure your spot!
What is a Catalyst?
A Catalyst is a dynamic program that ignites conversations and accelerates innovation in key market domains. Through the NASA SBIR Ignite Catalyst Program, we’re sourcing bold startups and small businesses to pitch their AI solutions for space—think autonomy, manufacturing, and beyond. This is NASA’s chance to meet you, assess the maturity of AI as a domain, and identify standout technologies for future SBIR Ignite topics. It’s your chance to shine in front of decision-makers who can potentially propel your company forward.
What is NASA SBIR Ignite?
Launched in 2022, NASA SBIR Ignite is an exciting initiative designed to fast-track small businesses with commercially viable ideas (TRL 4+) toward success. It offers continuous funding at key development milestones, with NASA as your partner on the path to market.
The SBIR Ignite Catalyst Program is the acceleration component that kicks things off—bringing founders like you face-to-face with NASA SMEs, venture investors, and government funders.
What’s in it for you
All Applicants: Access to the networking event.

Top 5 Selected Startups: Opportunity to have a seat at the table to shape the conversation on how AI is driving the future of space innovation; and pitch your solution during the networking social to follow.

Question Title

* 1. Email

Question Title

* 2. First name

Question Title

* 3. Last name

Question Title

* 4. Phone number

Question Title

* 5. Company name

Question Title

* 6. Company size

Question Title

* 7. Website URL

Question Title

* 8. LinkedIn company page

Question Title

* 9. Company Identification. This does not affect your ability to participate in the Catalyst.

Question Title

* 10. How did you hear about us?

Question Title

* 11. If marked other, please explain.

Question Title

* 12. Please provide a 1-2 page executive summary (if you have one)

Question Title

* 13. Please upload your company pitch deck in PDF/PPT format only.

Question Title

* 14. Additional Materials

Question Title

* 15. What technology gap are you solving?

Question Title

* 16. In no more than 2-3 sentences describe the primary problem that your company is aiming to address, as well as the type of customer that benefits from the solution (e.g. data analysts, maintenance personnel, UAV operator). Please don’t describe what you do, describe the problem you solve.

Question Title

* 17. What is the technology readiness level (TRL) of your primary product/service? Please refer to the following link while providing your answer: https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/scan/engineering/technology/technology_readiness_level/

Question Title

* 18. Company Traction: In no more than 4-5 sentences, describe noteworthy customer traction to date (if applicable). This may include demonstrations, pilot projects, and/or existing contracts. If you are unable to disclose the names of the customers/partner organizations, please provide a description of the same (e.g. Ongoing pilot with a major oil & gas company to improve product specifications). Can note "Provided in Executive Summary", if provided.

Question Title

* 19. Market Segmentation & Competitors: In no more than 4-5 sentences, list out the market segments in your field along with 1-2 primary competitors within each. (e.g. 'Enterprise Solutions (Microsoft, IBM); Custom Built Software (Startup X, Y); In-House Solutions. Can note "Provided in Executive Summary", if provided.

Question Title

* 20. What questions do you have of NASA?

T