A Global Call for Innovation and Research: Humans In Space Challenge Seeks Startups and Researchers to Pioneer Human Life Beyond Earth

Applications for this exceptional competition are open until July 28 (11:59 PM US ET). Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a part of the Humans In Space (HIS) Challenge, initiated by Boryung Corp., a South Korean healthcare investment company, and co-hosted by Axiom Space and Aurelia Institute. The HIS Challenge aims to discover groundbreaking early-stage startups and researchers who are dedicated to transforming human life in space.

The Humans In Space Challenge offers a wide range of benefits, building upon the success of last year's inaugural event, the "Care In Space Challenge." Participants can look forward to enhanced funding opportunities, increased access to valuable resources, and expanded networking possibilities. Selected startups will each receive $100,000 in equity investments, while researchers will each be granted $30,000 in awards. In addition, Axiom Space will provide startup credits totaling half a million dollars for eligible startups to send their experiments in future Axiom missions. Moreover, selected teams will have access to $15,000 credits from Amazon Web Services.

One of the unique aspects of this challenge is the opportunity for participants to engage with prominent figures in the space industry. Esteemed figures from organizations such as NASA, ESA, Harvard, and MIT will actively guide and support the selected teams through workshops and a tailored mentorship program. Accelerator programs, supported by space agencies, research institutions, and investment groups, will expedite access to valuable resources and assist in research, business model development, and investment attractions. Furthermore, consulting support will be available to aid teams in securing government grants, while ample networking opportunities with leading global space development companies will facilitate valuable connections and collaborations.

2023 Humans In Space emblem. (Image credit: Boryung)

The Humans In Space collaborative network encompasses a notable consortium of 33 acclaimed institutions and a panel of 30 esteemed judges from various sectors, such as government space agencies, medical research and development, renowned universities, and prominent investment groups. This expanded network ensures a comprehensive evaluation process, bringing together a diverse range of expertise.

Boryung Corp., Axiom Space, and Aurelia Institute will leverage their profound knowledge and extensive expertise to broaden the scope of the challenge beyond last year’s Care In Space Challenge. The initiatives will focus on two critical domains: "Space Exploration" and "Space Utilization." Aurelia Institute will spearhead the pillar of human lifestyle in space, exploring solutions that improve the quality of life for astronauts. Axiom Space, known for developing the world's foremost commercial space station, will fortify the pillar of human platform in space, seeking innovative discoveries that advance space habitats and harness the potential of space environment to solve Earth-based life science and healthcare challenges.

The 2023 HIS Challenge, which opened in late May, is now approaching its application deadline on July 28th (11:59 US ET). Interested participants are encouraged to act promptly and submit their visionary ideas as soon as possible to avoid technical difficulties caused by a high volume of submissions towards the end of the application period. In August, a select group of semi-finalists will be chosen to present their proposals at a virtual pitch event in September.

Attendees at the 2022 Care In Space Challenge Demo Day. (Image credit: Boryung)

Following the previous stages, the finalists will be given the opportunity to participate in the “Space Expansion Program” – a series of mentorships and workshops led by leaders and pioneers in Space. They will also have the privilege of presenting once more at the prestigious Humans In Space Symposium, held in late October. This symposium will provide a platform for the finalists to showcase their ideas in front of prominent figures in the space industry. The winners of the challenge will be announced during this momentous occasion, marking a significant milestone in their journey toward shaping the future of space exploration.

If you are a researcher or startup aligned with Boryung's vision for interplanetary humanity, seize this opportunity to pitch your solution and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of humanity in space. Now is the time to contribute to the transformative journey that lies ahead.

For more details and to apply, visit the official website: http://www.careinspace.com

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Josh Dinner
Writer, Content Manager

Josh Dinner is Space.com's Content Manager. He is a writer and photographer with a passion for science and space exploration, and has been working the space beat since 2016. Josh has covered the evolution of NASA's commercial spaceflight partnerships, from early Dragon and Cygnus cargo missions to the ongoing development and launches of crewed missions from the Space Coast, as well as NASA science missions and more. He also enjoys building 1:144 scale models of rockets and human-flown spacecraft. Find some of Josh's launch photography on Instagram and his website, and follow him on Twitter, where he mostly posts in haiku.