Colorado Springs, Colorado, Sept. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Catalyst Accelerator, powered by the Air Force Research Laboratory/Space Warfare Directorate and The United States Space Force, is launching a new program designed to meet companies at the investment stage so they can scale within the space and defense ecosystem: the Fall 2026 Investment Readiness Boot Camp (CAIRB).
For eight years, the AFRL-powered Catalyst Accelerator has focused on business development and government customer discovery. This Boot Camp is built to help space-based and space-supporting technology companies prepare for investment, refine their strategy, and position themselves for growth.
"The Investment Readiness Boot Camp is a departure from our typical Accelerator programming," shared Allison Boothe, Program Manager of the Catalyst Accelerator.
"We wanted to build something specifically for small businesses that are ready to grow, meeting them at the investment stage and helping them prepare to scale. We couldn't be more excited to see what participating companies will do with the opportunity."
The Boot Camp will run October 12 to 23, 2026, in person only, at Catalyst Campus for Technology and Innovation (CCTI) in Colorado Springs, CO. Six to eight companies will be selected to participate.
Participation Requirements:
- Pre-Series A, no more than $5M in investment
- Space-based or space-supporting technology
- Ready for investment opportunities but with little to no investment traction
- A strategic plan
Programming will include:
- Investment readiness and strategy
- Financial planning
- Scaling strategies
- Pitch curation
- Art of the Possible: Founders Supporting Founders
Benefits for participating companies:
- Lodging provided for 11 nights at the Catalyst Accelerator's hotel of choice, one room per company. All other travel costs are the responsibility of the company.
- Continental breakfast and lunch provided at Catalyst Campus
- Presentations by, and 1:1s with, investment firms
- Public Happy Hour on Oct. 15
- Company Showcase event on Oct. 22
The Catalyst Accelerator will be hosting a virtual "Ask Me Anything" session on September 10, 2026, at 12:00PM MT to address inquiries related to the Boot Camp along with other general program questions that potential applicants may have. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/L2lvwGkKTW6v65jLv0t2fA
The application deadline for the Boot Camp is September 16, 2026, at 5:00PM MT. For more information and to apply, visit our website: https://catalystaccelerator.space/cohort-new/investment-readiness-boot-camp/
About Catalyst Accelerator
The Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate and United States Space Force's Catalyst Accelerator is a space-focused defense and national security industry accelerator, headquartered on the Catalyst Campus for Technology and Innovation (CCTI) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. CCTI is a collaborative ecosystem where industry, small business, entrepreneurs, startups, government, academia, and investors intersect with Colorado's aerospace and defense industry to create community, spark innovation, and stimulate business growth. The Catalyst Accelerator is a collaborative program hosted by Catalyst Campus for Technology and Innovation (CCTI, a Colorado 501(c)3) in partnership with the United States Space Force, and the Air Force Research Laboratory to provide a robust, mentor-driven curriculum for accelerator teams.
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