Turn Space Technology Ideas into Real-World Capabilities

NYCST’s competitive funding program supports projects that strengthen New York’s space technology ecosystem and advance the capabilities needed for the U.S. defense space industrial base.

Through funding, access to facilities, and technical resources, NYCST helps member organizations develop innovative solutions, address industry needs, and build partnerships across New York’s space technology community.

Are you developing a technology, improving a capability, or building the workforce needed for the future of space? Explore opportunities to work with NYCST.

What Does NYCST Support?

NYCST funding opportunities are designed to advance projects that strengthen defense space technology manufacturing, research and development, infrastructure, and workforce capabilities.

  • Research & Development

    • Advance space-related technologies, develop innovative solutions, and mature capabilities that support defense and commercial space applications.

  • Facility & Infrastructure Innovation

    • Develop or enhance capabilities for space technology prototyping, integration, testing, and demonstration. Projects may address gaps in the facilities and technical resources available to the space industry.

  • Workforce Development

    • Create training programs, educational experiences, and other initiatives that develop the technical skills needed by New York’s growing space technology workforce.

  • Supply Chain & Small Business Innovation

    • Strengthen the space technology industrial base by supporting innovation, addressing capability gaps, and helping businesses develop the resources and expertise needed to participate in the space sector.

What Can an NYCST Award Provide?

Depending on the applicable solicitation, selected projects may receive a combination of direct project funding and access to NYCST facilities, staff, and technical resources.

  • Direct Project Funding

    • Up to $100,000 per project

  • Access to Technical Resources

    • Up to $100,000 in estimated NYCST facility and staff resources per project, depending on project needs and resource availability.

  • Technical Collaboration

    • Projects may benefit from connections to research, testing, and other technical resources within the NYCST network.

  • A Defined Project Period

    • Anticipated project periods of performance ranging from three to nine months.

    • Award amounts, available resources, project duration, and the number of awards vary by solicitation. Refer to the current funding announcement for the applicable terms.

Who Can Apply?

NYCST competitive funding opportunities are intended for eligible NYCST members seeking to advance space technology capabilities and contribute to the Consortium’s mission.

Not yet an NYCST member? Membership is free, learn more on our membership page.

How the Selection Process Works

NYCST’s uses a two-step evaluation process designed to identify promising projects before requesting more detailed proposals.

  • Step 1: Initial Proposal Screening

    1. Eligible members submit a concise proposal using the format specified in the solicitation. In 2025, this initial submission took the form of a quad chart.

    • Proposals are screened for alignment with NYCST’s mission and the objectives of the funding opportunity.

  • Step 2: Full Proposal and Project Pitch

    • Applicants selected through the initial screening are invited to submit a more detailed white paper and deliver a concise project pitch to the selection committee.

    • This stage provides an opportunity to explain the project’s technical approach, anticipated outcomes, and contribution to NYCST priorities.

Award Selection and Agreement

Selected applicants complete the required award documentation and agreements before beginning their projects, in accordance with the applicable solicitation and award terms.

Please note: Submission formats, evaluation procedures, dates, and award requirements are established by each funding announcement. The current solicitation takes precedence over this general overview.

Examples of Previously Supported Projects

NYCST has supported projects spanning technology development, testing infrastructure, cybersecurity, business innovation, and workforce development.

Space Systems Cybersecurity Standard Testing
Development of a hardware-in-the-loop testing environment and standardized cybersecurity tests for space systems.

Spacecraft Motion Simulation
Development of a cable-driven, six-degree-of-freedom spacecraft motion simulator for hardware-in-the-loop testing.

Small Satellite Payload Calibration
Development of electro-optical/infrared calibration capabilities to support small satellite payload testing.

Space Technology Accelerator
A pilot program designed to help companies strengthen research and development, manufacturing, and workforce capabilities.

Space Exploration & Career Discovery
Hands-on learning and career exploration activities designed to strengthen the future space technology workforce.

These examples illustrate the range of activities NYCST has supported; they do not guarantee that the same project types will be eligible in future competitions.

Ready to Get Started?

Review the current solicitation to understand the available funding, eligibility requirements, technology focus, application instructions, and submission deadlines.

New Funding Opportunity Opening Soon!

Questions About Eligibility or Project Fit?
Contact NYCST to discuss membership and learn more about available opportunities.