South Australia’s space sector is tackling some of the most complex and often overlooked challenges here on Earth and beyond – from how to manage menstruation in space to improving climate risk decision-making.

Eight locally founded startups have been selected to take part in the 2026 Venture Catalyst Space (VCS) program, delivered by Adelaide University’s Innovation & Collaboration Centre with support from the South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC).

The six‑month accelerator program helps early-stage companies transform breakthrough ideas into globally competitive, space-enabled businesses through tailored support, connections, funding, access to university resources and a supportive community.

Among this year’s participants is THE RED PLAN-ET, a startup rethinking menstrual management in space – a challenge for female astronauts on long-duration missions – proposing a solution that would see menstrual fluid collected and processed as a plant fertiliser.

The VCS cohort also includes companies advancing AI-powered space data, enabling next generation pharmaceuticals research in microgravity and developing resilient materials for on Earth use – highlighting the breadth of innovation emerging from South Australia’s growing space ecosystem.

Nearly 40 per cent of the 2026 cohort is led by female founders, reflecting the diversity and strength of South Australia’s innovation community.

Since launching in 2018, the VCS program has supported 54 startups and 100 founders, helping them attract up to $135 million in further investment.

More than 90 per cent of alumni companies remain in operation and have generated over $24.6 million in revenue. The companies employ more than 300 people globally, including at least 120 in South Australia.

2026 Venture Catalyst Space cohort

  • AgMap – Mapping agricultural research to the farms that need it
  • ALTDATA Pty Ltd – Turning space data into AI-powered simulations for faster research in microgravity
  • EOI Space – Merging space and ground data to enable decisions for land, water and climate risks
  • HALO Aerotech – Enabling the future of logistics and air mobility with next-gen aerial platforms
  • OffDev – Providing software tools for secure offline and air-gapped systems
  • Rarity – Bringing space-grade engineering home to deliver materials resilience on Earth
  • THE RED PLAN-ET – Sustainable menstrual care – on Earth and in space
  • Tweaklogic – Edge AI solutions designed for space


Quotes attributable to SASIC Director Space Campbell Pegg

Programs like Venture Catalyst Space are giving South Australia’s next generation of space companies the support they need to commercialise ideas and compete on the global stage.

It’s exciting to see this year’s cohort made up entirely of South Australian-founded companies, highlighting the strength of our local innovation ecosystem.

These startups are advancing cutting-edge technologies while building sovereign capability, creating jobs and strengthening South Australia’s position in the global space economy.

Quotes attributable to Adelaide University Associate Director of Business Incubation Craig Jones

Building a world-class space economy takes more than ambition.

It’s the result of years of investment in the right infrastructure – the connections, the growth pathways, the industry partnerships – that make it possible for founders to build world-class companies without leaving the state.

Quotes attributable to Founder of THE RED PLAN-ET Mei He

I have a lot of admiration for some of the incredible companies that also started out with the Venture Catalyst Space program, and I hope to follow in their footsteps in turning an early-stage idea into making a real, tangible, positive impact on Earth.

Australia is one of the world’s leading places for medical research. Combined with Adelaide being the hub for space in Australia, SA just makes sense as the place to build a startup at the intersection of space and healthcare.

Quotes attributable to Founder of EOI Space Murali Krishna

We became aware of the Venture Catalyst Program through the South Australian innovation ecosystem and recognised it as an ideal platform to refine our solution, build partnerships and scale a globally relevant, space-enabled business from South Australia.

Media Contacts

Joanna Tsoukalas, SASIC, [email protected], 0487 704 284

Georgia Minarelli, Innovation & Collaboration Centre, [email protected], 8302 7620