About this programme
MEDB BusinessSPACE is a free accelerator for Hawaii-based space and defense companies, run by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB). It draws on the network built around the Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies (AMOS) Conference and a team of consultants with backgrounds in space domain awareness, geospatial technology, federal contracting, and workforce development.
The program's goal is to help technical founders turn early-stage ideas into real outcomes: connecting them with government customers, clarifying a path to commercialization, and building a strategy to scale.
How it works
Track 1 is a 7-month program for early-stage founders starting from scratch, beginning in June.
Track 2 is a 6-month program for established businesses that are ready to scale, beginning in July.
The program is free to participants, funded by a mix of federal, state, county, and private money, and MEDB takes no equity.
Benefits include one-on-one advising for technical founders, guidance on federal contracting and SBIR/STTR grants, introductions to customers and partners, up to five free interns through MEDB's STEMworks program, a $3,000 business assistance allowance per company, funded access to conferences like AMOS and Space Industry Days, workspace access at MEDB Nexus, and an ongoing alumni network.
Who can apply
The company must be based in Hawaii, or committed to long-term operations there.
The company must work in space, defense, dual-use, or a space-adjacent sector.
Founders should have real technical capability and be pursuing actual customers, with a serious entrepreneurial mindset. A fully formed business, a perfect pitch deck, venture capital backing, or a large team are not required.
How to apply
- Contact the program (currently via Katie Taladay, katie@medb.org) with questions before applying.
- Watch for the next application window to open; Cohort 4 applications are currently closed.
Frequently asked
Does the program cost anything?
No. It's completely free, funded by federal, state, county, and private money, and MEDB takes no equity.
What's the difference between Track 1 and Track 2?
Track 1 is a 7-month program for early-stage founders starting from scratch, beginning in June. Track 2 is a 6-month program for established businesses ready to scale, beginning in July.
Do I need a fully built company to apply?
No. The program does not require a fully formed business, a polished pitch deck, venture capital, or a large team, just real technical capability and a serious entrepreneurial mindset.
What kind of support do companies get?
One-on-one advising, help with federal contracting and SBIR/STTR grants, customer and partner introductions, up to five free interns, a $3,000 assistance allowance, conference access, and workspace at MEDB Nexus.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.