---
title: New year, new space game-changers
description: New year, new space game-changers. Meet the new space residents that will be supercharging their growth through Space Fast Start.
---

[Cicada Innovations Blog](https://info.cicadainnovations.com/blog)

# [New year, new space game-changers](https://info.cicadainnovations.com/blog/faststartcohort)

 Written by [Cristina Ferrer](https://info.cicadainnovations.com/blog/author/cristina-ferrer) | 22 February 2023

New year, new space game-changers. 

Over the next six months, 6 teams led by coach Tim Parsons will be pushing the boundaries of space technology and supercharging their growth through [Space Fast Start.](https://www.cicadainnovations.com/programs/spacehub-faststart) As they work to reach their individual goals, they will be receiving 1-1 coaching, mentorship, and invaluable connections with key players and investors in the space industry.

We are excited to welcome the newest cohort of the Fast Start program! 

 

**ANT61**

**Autonomous robots to empower sustainable development in space**

<https://www.ant61.com/>

ANT61 is setting a new standard for space exploration by developing and training autonomous robots to perform high-level tasks in space. They use AI-based control systems that enable them to perform various installation tasks and build infrastructures in unpredictable environments where remote control is impossible.  

Founder: [Mikhail Asavkin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/limenutt/)

**FuturifAI**

**Trusted AI capabilities to simplify space mission operations**

<https://www.linkedin.com/company/futurifai/about/>

FuturifAI uses lean, trusted AI to simplify space mission operations, enabling satellite operators to handle more complex missions, make space more sustainable, and deliver more to customers on the ground

Founder: [Rasit Abay](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rasitabay/)

 

**DENEB Space **

**Rendezvous solutions for space exploration**

<https://www.denebspace.com.au/>

A space mobility company advancing satellite agility by developing revolutionary systems that ensure mission success by leveraging aerospace expertise and a commitment to reliability and accessibility. Deneb Space is developing responsive autonomous rendezvous solutions for multi-domain space exploration.

Founders: [Anne Bettens](https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-bettens-812ab9bb/) , [Zihao Wang,](https://www.linkedin.com/in/zihao-wang-9002751bb/) [Xueliang Bai](https://www.linkedin.com/in/xueliang-bai-0756a1a7/)

**Apogee Shield**

**Empowering the safety of satellites in space **

Apogee Shield seeks to protect satellites from nefarious activity and contribute to space domain awareness.

Founder: [Glen Little](https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-little/) 

**VXB Aerospace **

**Bespoke, efficient and reliable propulsion systems for small satellite platforms**

<https://www.vxbaerospace.com/>

VXB Aerospace is producing leading-edge electric propulsion systems using novel AI powered inverse design methods, state-of-the art simulation, and in-house manufacturing.

Founder: [Alexander Ryan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-ryan-vxb/)

**Luminere Systems**

**Impenetrable quantum enabled technology for space security**

Luminere systems is integrating game-changing quantum technology based on room temperature single-photons, safeguarding the privacy of Australian space technology. 

Founders: Helen Zeng and Dr. Minh Nguyen

#### Interested to learn more insights in space tech? [Read our other space related blogs.](https://info.cicadainnovations.com/blog/tag/space)

 

[View full post](https://info.cicadainnovations.com/blog/faststartcohort)

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