Hyperspace Challenge

Positioning a new government accelerator as a premier partner for space sector startups.

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Messaging I Thought Leadership I Media Relations I Social Media I Email Marketing

Mission

Extend the reach and influence of new business accelerator Hyperspace Challenge, launched in 2018 by the Air Force Research Lab to foster innovation in the U.S. Space Force.

Strategy

Position Hyperspace Challenge as the premier accelerator for startups partnering with the government for the first time, emphasizing the acceleration of government-commercial relationships, the unique methodology employed to achieve this, and the strong foundation this offers for long-term government-commercial connections.

Tactics

Develop messaging that highlights and underscores the accelerator’s core differentiators; identify and translate government-commercial collaboration case histories into compelling stories of partnership and progress; create thought leadership campaigns to promote the accelerator's subject matter experts; and promote content consistently through media, social media, and email marketing.

Results (2020 / 2021)

Media coverage skyrocketed 75%
Media impressions rose 192%
Total social shares rose 15%
Social media audiences grew 127%

Outcome

Since it was launched in 2018, cohort applications to the program increased 50%, cohort participants increased 140%, and participating government scientists, representing a wide range of Department of Defense agencies, increased 50%. Meanwhile, almost 70% of total cohort participants over the life of the program have signed government contracts worth almost $380 million.