KickSky Space Lab, a space-tech startup accelerator co-founded by Riceberg Ventures, E2MC Ventures, and Aniara Space, is preparing to launch its third cohort around September 2026. According to Ankit Anand, co-founder of KickSky and founding partner of Riceberg Ventures, the application process will open in a few weeks with final selections likely to be completed by August 2026. The accelerator plans to select five to six startups for this cohort, maintaining its selective approach despite receiving 30-40 applications per cohort.
Across its first two cohorts, KickSky has supported 11 startups with six companies successfully graduating the programme. The graduated companies include OrbitAid, Augsenselab, Vellon Space, AnduraX, Akashalabdhi, and Cligent Aerospace, all headquartered in India. As reported by Business Standard, seven startups from the first two cohorts have secured funding independently, while one company, Vellon Space, was acquired by Helogen. The accelerator's focus on early-stage support has yielded tangible results in the competitive space-tech sector.
To expand its reach, KickSky recently secured a strategic investment from Ideabaaz, a startup discovery and entrepreneurship platform. According to the report, both organizations aim to deploy around $10-15 million investment in promising space-tech startups globally as part of this partnership. Founded in 2022, KickSky was launched to bridge the funding gap in the nascent private space sector after its backers realized that promising founders were struggling to connect with institutional investors early in their journey.
Unlike traditional accelerator programmes, KickSky focuses exclusively on space technology ventures, working closely with founders for three to six months to refine their technologies, build strategic partnerships and prepare them for venture funding. As reported by Business Standard, selected startups receive a $10,000 grant funded by KickSky's backers to support travel, prototyping and early product development. The accelerator provides founders access to a broader global ecosystem through E2MC Ventures' Orbital Edge, a US-based space-tech accelerator run in partnership with NASA, offering access to international mentors, investors and industry experts.
