From Satellites to Solutions: Fixing Supply Chain “Blind Spots” from Space

Summary thesis: Supply chain disruptions can cost industries billions annually. We’re looking for visionary startups leveraging space-based data and analytics to proactively identify and solve global supply chain challenges – from semiconductor shortages to perishable goods logistics. 

Problem statement: Natural disasters are threatening food supply chains, geopolitical events are causing disruptions, rapidly shifting demand creates congestion and confusion…commercial entities are in a constant state of reaction. Satellite-driven insights can change that paradigm by providing the missing intelligence to optimize operations.

Challenge overview: We are seeking novel and disruptive capabilities that integrate Space-based data with (Artificial Intelligence) AI-powered analytics to ‘see’ upstream movements and downstream usage, identify objects/damage, anticipate bottlenecks and disasters.

Capabilities of interest include:

• AI-intuitive, satellite-based sensors that trace global semiconductor supply chains…mitigating shortages that cost at least $500B in lost revenue from 2020-2022
• Hyperspectral insights on crop yields and anticipatory notice of shipping delays that are vital to consumer goods companies relying on just-in-time inventory
• Interactive dashboards that show every factory shutdown, extreme weather event and bottleneck before it impacts their bottom line

Potential outcomes: Collaborate with Deloitte to develop/commercialize new assets, capabilities, insights that can harness the power of Space data and make it valuable to Fortune 500 companies now.

Out of this World: Creating Earth’s Next Generation Innovations – From Orbit

Summary thesis: We’re searching for ambitious startups pioneering manufacturing technologies that leverage space’s unique environment to produce materials and solutions superior to their Earth-made counterparts.

Problem statement: Traditional manufacturing is constrained by Earth’s gravity, limiting the purity and performance of critical materials.  Microgravity offers a breakthrough – yet commercialization remains uncertain.  High costs, infrastructure gaps, and undefined supply chains are major barriers to scale.  As private space stations and reusable launch systems emerge, the focus must shift from scientific feasibility to commercial viability.  The challenge is to develop scalable business models, investment frameworks, and supply chain strategies that integrate off-world production into global markets, turning Space-based manufacturing into a competitive advantage.

Challenge overview: We are seeking future-focused capabilities that assess the feasibility/value of orbital operations, and the development of operational strategies and demonstrate ‘art of the possible’ via digital and/or physical capabilities.

Capabilities of interest include:

• Detailed investment frameworks and go/no-go decision models that assess market conditions and guide progressive investment in orbital production
• AI-enabled, immersive digital twins and simulation capabilities that test the feasibility of specific value-added activities in microgravity
• Physical assets (e.g., reusable ferrying, orbital destinations, micro-gravity operations) that provide the infrastructure to activate the orbital market

Potential outcomes: Collaborate with Deloitte to develop and commercialize new offerings, resources or market entry strategies that can catalyze and open up the future world of Commercial Space.