VIT and NewSpace Nexus Pitch Event

Veteran and military spouse founders in space and defense tech pitch to investors in Albuquerque. Free to attend. Pitch your company to investors in New Mexico's space and defense tech ecosystem. VetsinTech and NewSpace Nexus are joining forces for the ShowSpace Summit, bringing founders, investors, and New Mexico’s economic development community together for an afternoon of pitches, feedback, and introductions. Ten early-stage companies will pitch for five minutes each, followed by direct feedback from a panel of investors. This is not a contest - there are no scores and no prize money. The point is useful feedback and real introductions, without the pressure of a competition. The afternoon closes with introduction of the 2027 NewSpace Ignitor cohort, facilitated networking and a VetsinTech New Mexico Chapter reception, so there is time to follow up on conversations that start during the pitches. WHO SHOULD COME Founders who want to pitch early-stage space and defense tech companies, including dual-use businesses such as drones, GPS, and satellite communications. Priority goes to veteran and military spouse founders, and the application is open to the wider space startup community. A clear picture of the resources available to New Mexico founders, including the NewSpace Nexus Ignitor, Launchpad, and Alliance program and VetsinTech programs. Founders who are not ready to pitch yet: come watch, hear what investors respond to, and meet the people funding and supporting companies in this space. Investors, partners, and supporters: venture and angel investors, economic development leaders, university and lab partners, and anyone building New Mexico's space and defense tech ecosystem. WHAT PITCHING FOUNDERS GET Five minutes in front of an investor panel, followed by five minutes of direct feedback on your pitch and your investor readiness. A pitch preparation guide sent in advance, plus a virtual prep session before the event. Introductions to investors, the New Mexico Economic Development Department, and industry and government partners. A clear picture of the resources available to New Mexico founders, including the NewSpace Nexus Ignitor program, the New Mexico Startup Alliance, and VetsinTech programs. AGENDA 1:00 PM - Check-in, light refreshments, and networking 1:30 PM - Welcome from VetsinTech and NewSpace Nexus 1:40 PM - Opening remarks: New Mexico's space and defense tech opportunity 1:50 PM - Pitch session one: five companies 2:50 PM - Pitch session two: five companies 3:40 PM - Feedback panel reflections 4:05 PM - Investor and partner networking 5:00 PM - VetsinTech New Mexico Chapter reception HOW TO PITCH Register for the event and select the "Pitch Application-Founder" option when you sign up and complete the form found here. Applications close Monday, October 22. Selected companies are notified the week of October 26 and receive the pitch guide and an invitation to the virtual prep session. ABOUT THE HOSTS VetsinTech is a national nonprofit connecting veterans and military spouses to the tech industry through education, employment, and entrepreneurship programs. NewSpace Nexus unites and ignites the new space industry, accelerating companies from concept to product to sales through its Ignitor program, Launchpad co-innovation facility in Albuquerque, and ShowSpace events. The organization connects companies with resources, customers, and collaborators to grow the space industry from New Mexico for the nation.