The Ion will launch its Aerospace Innovation Accelerator for Minority Business Enterprises this week, aimed at building up minority-owned businesses tackling aerospace-related challenges.

The accelerator will take four businesses through a 12-week program designed to further develop their innovations and strengthen their relationships with a range of mentors, corporate partners and stakeholder networks, The Ion announced April 19.

“Aerospace contains a myriad of dimensions, and by demystifying the industry in the form of the AIA for MBEs, we are able to build a more inclusive innovation ecosystem,” said Christine Galib, senior director of programs at The Ion, in the announcement. “It’s our goal to not only support participants to be successful, but to open the playing field for other minority business enterprises hoping to enter the space.”

Axialnics Systems Inc., Boozed Beverages LLC, NANCo Aero and Stratos Perception LLC will participate in the accelerator, which serves as part of The Ion’s Aerospace Innovation Hub, which focuses on aerospace innovation through networking and outreach events and education and training.

The accelerator will have a physical presence in The Ion when the building opens later this year, joining over 25 startups across three other programs at The Ion’s Accelerator Hub, which includes The Ion Smart and Resilient Cities Accelerator, The Rice Alliance Clean Energy Accelerator and DivInc Houston’s Accelerator.


Programming for the program is made possible through financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency with support from NASA’s Johnson Space Center.