KickSky

Choosing the right track

• Check whether your startup is funded or unfunded. The site runs a 6-month programme for unfunded startups and a year-long support period for funded startups.
• Confirm you are an early-stage space technology startup. Every sector the site lists is space-focused.
• Note that the site says the programme is best suited for Indian companies as of now.

How to apply

• There is no online application form on the site. Get in touch with the team at launch@kicksky.space.
• Be ready to explain how your venture fits space technology and the sectors the site lists.

How selection works

• The site describes a selective application process.
• It says the process prioritises industry alignment, impact and market potential.

What the programme expects

• During the first phase, which the site expects to span 4 weeks, all founders are expected to be fully engaged.
• After that phase, founders can take different responsibilities. The site gives the example of a CEO focusing on customers and a CTO on prototyping and testing.

KickSky is an accelerator for early-stage space technology startups, with offices in Bangalore, Karnataka. It describes itself as India's first venture capital backed space technology startup accelerator, and it works with founders from the early stages of a space venture through to commercial success.

How the programme works

The programme has two categories. Funded startups receive a year-long support period. Unfunded startups follow a predetermined 6-month programme. Across both, the first half of the programme is a 3-month period of active engagement, and the latter half offers ongoing but passive support.

The first phase is anticipated to span 4 weeks, during which the site expects all founders of a startup to be fully engaged. After that phase, startups move into tracks. The site says every startup goes through a common programme component, along with a customised module for its own requirements. Those requirements can include advancing technology readiness levels, building commercial readiness, reaching global customers, or securing the right investment.

The programme is delivered remotely and needs no travelling. Events and conferences happen across the country, and taking part may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Who can apply

KickSky is aimed at early-stage space technology startups. The sectors it lists include satellite communications, positioning, navigation and timing, earth observation, remote sensing, launch vehicles, spacecraft hardware, in-orbit services and space resources.

As of now, the site says the programme is best suited for Indian companies. It also says future cohorts are likely to include more global participants. Applications go through a selective process that prioritises industry alignment, impact and market potential.

Support on offer

The homepage lists hands-on learning of the space sector, connections to a network of investors, mentors with experience in the ecosystem, and introductions to potential customers for sales and revenue generation. It also lists access to national and global resources for each stage of business development.

The site says KickSky maintains connections with governments, space agencies, strategic entities, investors, regulators and universities. It describes its network as reaching across North America, Europe, the Middle East, India, Singapore, Australia, Japan, Israel and Latin America.

Cost and equity

At present, KickSky does not require an equity stake and does not charge fees for joining its accelerator. The site states this as a current position, so check it before you apply.

Who runs it

The site names Sree Lakshmi as Head of Accelerator and D.S Govindrajan as Director. Its founding team members are listed as partners at Riceberg Ventures and E2MC Ventures, and its founding partners are Aniara Communications, Riceberg Ventures and E2MC Ventures.

Locations

KickSky's offices are in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. The site also says its operational bases span the United States, Switzerland and India.

What the site does not say

The homepage does not publish intake dates, a deadline, a cohort count, a founding year, or a list of startups it has supported. It also has no application form. Founders who want to apply are asked to get in touch at the contact address.