The final Space Stage program for Disrupt 2024

We’re incredibly excited to announce that we’ve finalized our dedicated Space Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024. It will join Fintech, SaaS, and AI as other industry-focused stages — all under one big roof. On top of that, we’re excited to announce that this year we’ll be hosting a pitch competition called “The Space Challenge, powered by Aerospace” as part of the event.

Full Space Stage Program at Disrupt 2024

As the space industry accelerates, new opportunities are multiplying for founders, investors, and customers. Not only are the once astronomical costs of doing business in orbit falling, but so are the technical barriers to entry.

More stakeholders in space are creating a vibrant, diverse, and highly competitive environment that connects private and public markets—not to mention the rapidly growing dual-use segment. Discover the challenges and opportunities waiting in orbit on the Disrupt space stage, where you’ll hear from leaders across the industry.

Check out the final meeting schedule below – see you there!

Dual purpose startups

with John Gedmark (Astranis), Even Rogers (True Anomaly), Melanie Stricklan (Space Workforce 2030), Tim Solms (Slingshot Aerospace)

Government and defense are increasingly relying on commercial services, but startups face a real challenge as they enter this highly regulated and regulatory side of the industry. How can young, lean companies compete for contracts and attention with incumbents and more established organizations—and how can investors help?

The Future of Space Operations – A Challenge for Startups

Presented by Aerospace Corporation

with Cody Bronkar (SpaceWERX), Debra Emmons (The Aerospace Corporation) and Justin Krauss (JP Morgan)

TechCrunch and Aerospace Corporation are teaming up again for the Space Challenge. The challenge is designed to support the growth and development of innovative startups poised to transform commercial space operations. By engaging the community of founders and innovators, venture capitalists, and the commercial industry, this session will have a broad reach, attracting startups from both the space and non-space sectors. Applications are now closed, but this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Peter Beck Takes the Space Industry by the Flippers

with Peter Beck (Rocket Lab)

As the founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, Peter Beck is a familiar face to anyone in the space industry. But the company’s ambitions go far beyond its popular Electron launch vehicle: Beck believes that to thrive, and perhaps even survive, space companies will need to become fully integrated one-stop shops. Hear how Rocket Lab is achieving this ambitious goal.

The future of takeoff

with Kelly Hennig (Stoke Space) and Muhammad “Mo” Shahzad (Relativity Space)

Launch has already been reinvented in the past decade, but why stop there? Demand for space is growing as fast as launch cadences allow, but there’s opportunity beyond rocket and vehicle manufacturing. Startups are likely to define the future of launch software, automation, and operations, if these founders have anything to say about it.

Bridgit Mendler on Going from Disney Star to Startup Founder

with Bridgit Mendler (Northwood Space)

Former Disney Channel star Bridgit Mendler wants to transform one of the least sexy parts of the space industry: ground stations. In this fireside chat, learn more about how Northwood Space will build a data highway between Earth and orbit.

Riding the Wave: The Future of Space Investment

with Lewis Alun Jones (Seraphim Space), Katelin Holloway (Seven Seven Six), Jordan Noone (Embedded Ventures)

Private investment in commercial space companies has exploded over the past few years, but investor appetite has recently been dampened by higher interest rates, a turbulent performance in space stocks, and geopolitical uncertainty. In this talk, we’ll discuss the future of space tech investing, which areas are oversaturated or undervalued, and whether this year will be a defining year for space startups.

Discover the Future of Space Innovation at Disrupt

TechCrunch Disrupt is the place to find innovation at every stage of your startup journey. Whether you’re a first-time founder with a revolutionary idea, a seasoned startup looking to scale, or an investor looking for the next big thing, TechCrunch Disrupt offers unparalleled resources, connections, and expert insights to help your venture thrive. This year’s event, which will take place October 28–30 at Moscone West in San Francisco, will feature more than 10,000 startup and VC leaders.

Join us as the space industry’s top leaders take the stage at Disrupt 2024! Book your tickets now and take part in this journey of exploration.