BCIC announces launch of a Space Accelerator Program

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) has announced the launch of a Space Accelerator Program.

BCIC, an economic development corporation, is collaborating with the Space Foundation, a nonprofit advocate organization, to initiate a program in support of local businesses and startups in the space industry. The program will begin in August and last eight weeks. 

The BCIC has another accelerator program called StartUp Texas, founded in 2019, meant to serve emerging businesses. Nathan Burkhart, vice president of entrepreneurship and innovation at BCIC, said their accelerator programs have been successful in securing funding in the past.

“Brownsville is uniquely positioned to become a leader in space innovation,” Burkhart said. “We have always believed in the incredible talent within our community, and with the momentum building in Brownsville—alongside the strong partnerships and resources at the eBridge Center—we are excited to expand into this field. Programs like Startup Texas have already demonstrated our region’s ability to cultivate high-impact ventures, with local founders securing hundreds of thousands in early-stage funding.”

The upcoming Space Accelerator Program will also be a partnership between Cameron County, the Space Foundation and the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC). The program will include eight to ten companies. The resources provided to members would include one-on-one mentorship opportunities, virtual workshops and guidance on how to apply for federal funding such as America’s Seed Fund grants. The program plans to explore topics including commercialization strategies, market segmentation, government contracting and creating a space economy roadmap. 

“Bringing space opportunities to regions is not just about rockets–it is about unlocking economic potential,” said Kelli Kedis Ogborn, vice president of space commerce and entrepreneurship at the Space Foundation. “When companies see how their capabilities connect to the growing space industry, they realize they are not on the outside looking in–they are already part of the future.” 

Applications for the program opened June 20 and will close July 25. Participants will be notified if they are selected by August 1.

Cori Peña, president and chief executive officer at BCIC, said that with Brownsville ranked as a top U.S. metro for economic growth and an emerging tech hub, the Space Accelerator Program represents a major step forward in building a sustainable space economy in the Rio Grande Valley.

 “Brownsville has the potential to be a key player in a global space economy projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2040,” Peña said. “Through the Space Accelerator, we are turning that potential into action. We are supporting local entrepreneurs by connecting them to new markets, unlocking access to larger funding sources, and creating jobs that keep people and talent rooted in our community.”

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