Catalyst Campus

Aerospace and Defense Innovation Ecosystem Servicescatalystcampus.org

Catalyst Campus for Technology & Innovation is a Colorado Springs-based nonprofit that operates a multi-state aerospace and defense innovation ecosystem across Colorado, Maryland, and Utah, providing accelerator programs, DoD-hosted partnerships, and physical and virtual tenancy to startups, government agencies, and defense contractors.

Company typePrivate
Founded2017
HeadquartersColorado Springs, United States
Headcount11–50
GTM typeB2B
OfferingServices

What Catalyst Campus does

Catalyst Campus for Technology & Innovation (CCTI), doing business as Catalyst Campus, is a Colorado-based nonprofit collaborative innovation ecosystem headquartered at 555 E Pikes Peak Ave in Colorado Springs. Founded around 2017 and operating across three locations in Colorado, Maryland, and Utah, with a regional presence in the Capital Region (D.C.), the organization functions as a neutral intermediary that connects industry, small business, workforce training, entrepreneurs, startups, venture capital, academia, and government stakeholders within the aerospace and defense sector. Its mission is to accelerate public-private partnerships and spin-in/spin-out product development in support of national security priorities.

The organization runs a portfolio of programs that combine physical infrastructure with structured programs. The flagship Catalyst Accelerator supports early-stage space and defense companies, while the SDA TAP Lab Mini Accelerator is a two-month hybrid program providing mentorship, technical workshops, and access to space-domain-awareness data and computational resources for cohorts of six to nine companies. Catalyst Campus also hosts Department of Defense programs directly on its campuses, including Air Force CyberWorx (operating under a Partnership Intermediary Agreement), Platform One, Orbital Labs, and The Forge (PEO IWS), alongside STTR & SBIR support services, Innovation Services, and workforce development initiatives connecting rural cybersecurity and IT professionals to aerospace and defense careers.

Revenue is generated through a mix of recurring and project-based streams: on-campus office and R&D laboratory tenancy (quote-based annual contracts across the three campuses), virtual memberships (monthly subscriptions providing digital access, customer-success coordination, and flex-desk priority), government workforce-development contracts, and accelerator/program fees. Some events, such as the SBIR & STTR 2-Day Workshop, are offered free with limited registration. The go-to-market motion is community-led and event-driven, relying on recurring networking events, workshops, and engagement series to build and sustain the ecosystem, with primary customer segments including early-stage defense technology companies, defense government agencies, large aerospace and defense contractors, rural skilled professionals, and small businesses pursuing SBIR/STTR pathways.

Catalyst Campus firmographics

Firmographics

Name: Catalyst Campus
Legal name: Catalyst Campus for Technology & Innovation
Website: https://catalystcampus.org
Company type: Private
Founded year: 2017
Operating status: Operating
Headcount range: 11–50 employees
Short description: Catalyst Campus for Technology & Innovation is a Colorado Springs-based nonprofit that operates a multi-state aerospace and defense innovation ecosystem across Colorado, Maryland, and Utah, providing accelerator programs, DoD-hosted partnerships, and physical and virtual tenancy to startups, government agencies, and defense contractors.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Catalyst Campus industry classification

Industry

Product category: Aerospace and Defense Innovation Ecosystem Services
NAICS: Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Computer Training (611420)
akta.pro primary industry: Corporate Accelerators & Startup Programs (FSANAHAD)
akta.pro secondary industries: Accelerator / Incubator-Backed ETA Programs (FSANALAD), Technical Universities with Strong Industry Partnerships (EDAHAEAG)

Keywords

Innovation ecosystem services
Aerospace defense programs
Startup accelerator services
Workforce development programs
Government contracting support

Where Catalyst Campus is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city: Colorado Springs
HQ country: United States
HQ region: North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

Catalyst Campus business model

Business model

GTM type: B2B
Offering type: Services
Cost components: Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

On-Campus Tenancy: Catalyst Campus generates revenue through leasing physical office and R&D laboratory space to tenants. Companies can apply for on-campus tenancy at their Colorado Springs, Capital Region (D.C.), or other locations.
Government Contracts: The organization holds workforce development contracts (such as the emergent campus programs contract in southern Colorado) to support participants and facilitate workforce connections in the aerospace and defense sector.
Virtual Membership Program: Revenue from virtual membership offerings that provide access to customer success coordinators, digital displays, 100 gigabit internet access on campus, priority for physical space, and flex-desk access.
Program Fees: Catalyst Campus hosts accelerator programs (SDA TAP Lab Mini Accelerator, Catalyst Accelerator) that may include program fees for participants, along with workshop fees for training events.

Pricing tiers

Model	Billing	Price
Other	Multi-year contract	SBIR & STTR 2-Day Workshop - Free admission with registration
Subscription	Monthly	Virtual Membership - Digital access and priority benefits
Quote-based/ custom	Annual	On-Campus Tenancy - Physical office and R&D laboratory space

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Catalyst Campus product offering

Product offering

Core offering

Catalyst Campus operates a multi-location collaborative innovation ecosystem that provides physical office and R&D laboratory space, virtual memberships, accelerator programs (Catalyst Accelerator and SDA TAP Lab Mini Accelerator), Innovation Services, and STTR & SBIR support to aerospace and defense startups, contractors, and government agencies. The organization serves as a neutral non-profit intermediary facilitating public-private partnerships, workforce development, and technology commercialization aligned with the U.S. National Defense Strategy.

Product overview

Catalyst Campus for Technology & Innovation (CCTI) is a collaborative ecosystem that serves as a neutral non-profit intermediary facilitating public-private partnerships between industry, small business, workforce training, entrepreneurs, startups, and venture capital with the aerospace and defense industry. The organization operates multiple programs including the Catalyst Accelerator (flagship accelerator), Mini Accelerator (two-month hybrid program for Space Domain Awareness), Innovation Services, STTR & SBIR support, Air Force CyberWorx, The Forge, Platform One, and Orbital Labs. The ecosystem spans three locations in Colorado, Maryland, and Utah, with the primary Colorado Springs campus hosting commercial, Department of Defense, and joint-partnership programs. The organization's mission is to accelerate innovation in support of national security through purposeful collaboration and technology development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

Catalyst Accelerator: Accelerator program for space and defense technology companies.
Mini Accelerator
CoLab Kitchen

Products and services

On-Campus Tenancy Physical office and R&D laboratory space leased to companies at Catalyst Campus locations, providing tenants with on-site amenities, 100 gigabit internet, and proximity to defense partner programs.
Virtual Membership Subscription-based digital membership providing companies with access to a Customer Success Coordinator, digital display exposure, priority for physical space, and flex-desk privileges without taking full on-campus tenancy.
Catalyst Accelerator Flagship accelerator program designed to help early-stage companies develop technologies for aerospace and defense applications, providing mentorship and ecosystem access.
SDA TAP Lab Mini Accelerator Two-month hybrid mini accelerator cohort program helping early-stage companies develop technologies for Space Domain Awareness, featuring mentorship, technical workshops, and access to SDA data and computational resources in partnership with the SDA TAP Lab.
Innovation Services Services supporting innovation development and spin-in/spin-out product development for defense and aerospace customers within the Catalyst Campus ecosystem.
STTR & SBIR Support Services Support services helping small businesses navigate Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) non-dilutive government funding and contracting pathways, delivered via workshops and consulting.
Workforce Development Programs Government-funded program connecting rural skilled professionals in cybersecurity and IT with employment opportunities in Colorado's aerospace and defense industries, delivered through a workforce development contract awarded in 2025.

Quantifiable outcome

9 companies selected for fourth cohort of SDA TAP Lab Mini Accelerator
+2 more outcomes

Companies that use Catalyst Campus

Customer profile

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Catalyst Campus technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API: No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Catalyst Campus partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

Southern Colorado Emergent Campus ProgramscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 October 2025Catalyst Campus was awarded a workforce development contract to support participants in Emergent Campus programs in southern Colorado, connecting rural skilled professionals in cybersecurity and IT with aerospace and defense employment opportunities.
U.S. Space CommandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerU.S. Space Command is a key government partner at Catalyst Campus, collaborating on space domain awareness initiatives and defense innovation programs.
Air Force CyberWorxcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAir Force CyberWorx is a program hosted at Catalyst Campus focused on cyber innovation and warfighter problem-solving. They conduct engagement series events and networking activities on campus.
Platform One (P1)coreTechnology or IntegrationPlatform One is a DoD software development platform program hosted at Catalyst Campus, enabling modern software delivery for defense applications.
Orbital LabscoreTechnology or IntegrationOrbital Labs (DSO) is a software development and DevSecOps platform program hosted at Catalyst Campus for defense applications.
The Forge (PEO IWS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Forge is a Program Executive Office for Innovation and Workforce Solutions program hosted at Catalyst Campus.
UDLminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUDL is a partner with Catalyst Campus, appearing in partner logos and ecosystem ecosystem.
Stratagem GroupminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStratagem Group is a partner with Catalyst Campus, appearing in partner logos and ecosystem.
StrategiminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStrategi is a partner with Catalyst Campus, appearing in partner logos and ecosystem.
Atlas FederalminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAtlas Federal is a partner with Catalyst Campus, appearing in partner logos and ecosystem.
American SystemsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Systems (founded 1975) is one of the largest 100% employee-owned companies in the United States. They specialize in supporting National Priority Programs in Defense, Intelligence, Federal Law Enforcement, and Federal Healthcare. Sponsor of CCTI x ISSA Industry Night Biergarten.
MetroStarcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMetroStar has officially joined the Catalyst Campus ecosystem, bringing over two decades of experience building products and solution accelerators for U.S. Federal Government missions. They deliver solutions to federal agencies and showcase technical capabilities through campus events.
Catalyst AcceleratorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCatalyst Accelerator is a flagship accelerator program hosted at Catalyst Campus focused on accelerating space and defense technology startups.
SDA TAP LabcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpace Development Agency (SDA) TAP Lab is a key program partner, hosting the TAP Lab Mini Accelerator at Catalyst Campus to help early-stage companies develop technologies for Space Domain Awareness and prepare them for integration with the SDA TAP Lab.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Catalyst Campus competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Regional players

NATO DIANA: NATO's Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic, running dual-use deep-tech accelerator cohorts across allied nations. Comparable as a defense-aligned multinational accelerator, though operating across NATO geographies rather than U.S. states.

Broad incumbents

gener8tor: Accelerator network running both general and sector-specific cohorts, including defense-related programs. Comparable as a cohort-driven accelerator model with public-private partnership structures, though not exclusively defense-focused.
Army Applications Laboratory (AAL): U.S. Army's innovation organization working with industry and academia to prototype emerging technologies. Comparable as a service-branch-led intermediary that pairs commercial startups with Army program offices.
Defense Innovation Unit (DIU): DoD organization that accelerates commercial technology adoption across the military, running solicitations and prototype contracts. Comparable as the federal-defense intermediary channeling commercial tech into DoD programs.
Techstars: Global accelerator network with multiple defense- and aerospace-themed programs (e.g., Techstars Industries of the Future). Comparable as a multi-cohort accelerator model, though broader in sector scope than Catalyst Campus's defense focus.

Direct peers

AFWERX: The U.S. Air Force's innovation arm, running accelerators, challenge programs, and Spark cells to bridge startups with Air Force and Space Force missions. Directly comparable as a defense-focused accelerator/ecosystem facilitator operating with Air Force program offices.
SpaceWERX: The U.S. Space Force's innovation arm, similar in mission to AFWERX but focused on space capabilities, working directly with space-related startups including SDA-adjacent vendors. Highly comparable given Catalyst Campus's SDA TAP Lab alignment.
National Security Innovation Network (NSIN): DoD program that connects startups with national security problems through accelerators, fellowships, and university programs. Closely comparable as a federal-defense intermediary running cohort-based programs analogous to Catalyst Campus's accelerator offerings.
MD5 (National Security Technology Accelerator): DoD-affiliated accelerator network supporting national-security hardware and software startups across multiple U.S. hubs. Comparable as a defense-focused multi-location accelerator operating with service branches and program offices.

Others

Bizzell US: Federal services and program management firm that supports DoD innovation, workforce development, and training programs. Adjacent comparison given Catalyst Campus's workforce development contract portfolio and defense-program management.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Catalyst Campus financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Catalyst Campus leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Catalyst Campus funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Catalyst Campus M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments9 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Catalyst Campus

What does Catalyst Campus do?

Is Catalyst Campus a public or private company?

Catalyst Campus is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.

When was Catalyst Campus founded?

Catalyst Campus was founded in 2017. It employs 11 to 50 people.

Where is Catalyst Campus based?

Catalyst Campus is headquartered in Colorado Springs, United States, in the North America region.

How does Catalyst Campus make money?

Four revenue lines are on record. On-Campus Tenancy is the primary driver. The others are government Contracts, virtual Membership Program and program Fees.

Who are Catalyst Campus's main competitors?

NATO DIANA is listed as a regional player. Broad incumbents are gener8tor, Army Applications Laboratory (AAL), Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and Techstars. Direct peers are AFWERX, SpaceWERX, National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) and MD5 (National Security Technology Accelerator). Bizzell US is listed as an others.

Does Catalyst Campus have an API?

No public API is recorded for Catalyst Campus.

What industry is Catalyst Campus in?

Catalyst Campus's product category is Aerospace and Defense Innovation Ecosystem Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSANAHAD, Corporate Accelerators & Startup Programs, with a secondary code of FSANALAD, Accelerator / Incubator-Backed ETA Programs. Its NAICS code is 6113.