A collaborative new accelerator that brings local, state and federal partners together to fund, mentor and accelerate the growth of next-generation geospatial-intelligence technologies, announced today it is taking applications for its first cohort, NGA announced December 15.
The program, sponsored by Capital Innovators, Missouri Technology Corporation and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, will accept applications through 11:59 p.m. Jan. 17.
The collaboration, the first of its kind sponsored by a U.S. intelligence agency, aims to engage with the greater St. Louis region and beyond to develop innovations in geospatial technology through collaboration and a transfer of technology and subject matter expertise.
The program will source technology from startups that serve four core areas: data management; advanced analytics and modeling; data integrity and security; and Artificial Intelligence. Startups from across the U.S. are invited to participate and will temporarily relocate during the term of the accelerator.
“Geospatial-intelligence is a rapidly growing industry and the NGA Accelerator will be the epicenter for next-generation technologies,” said Brian Dixon, managing director of Capital Innovators. “We think our combination of expert mentorship, a burgeoning startup community in St. Louis, and a range of support services will form the perfect foundation for any early-stage company looking to build a reputation among the government sector and beyond.”
Entrepreneurs chosen in this first cohort will have access to incentives including a $100,000 grant, access to a state-of-the-art co-working space, direct engagement with the NGA, over $1 million in perks and benefits, investor connections and access to the greater Capital Innovators network, and participation in a demo day.
“This project is part of our larger effort to grow the world’s best geospatial ecosystem in St. Louis,” said Vice Adm. Sharp, director of NGA. “Our strategy is to work closely with talented teams in the region to form a whole that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Our tactics include close collaboration and technology transfer. The growing ecosystem is central to our efforts to maximize game-changing innovation.”
“The NGA Accelerator emphasizes St. Louis’ burgeoning reputation as a GEOINT hub. In attracting promising startups to the region, this partnership will bolster those startups’ ability to leverage new relationships with NGA and grow their businesses in both the St. Louis region and the state of Missouri,” said Jack Scatizzi, executive director of MTC. “With the upcoming opening of the Next NGA West in 2025, we anticipate cohorts seeing demonstrated value in becoming a permanent part of the St. Louis geospatial ecosystem.”
Qualified entrepreneurs can learn more and apply directly at: https://capitalinnovators.com/nga-accelerator-program.
Source: NGA
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