Awarepreneurs - #1030: Space Valley Founation with Bryce Kennedy

🔖 Titles

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1. Exploring Space for Good with Bryce Kennedy and the Space Valley Foundation 2. How New Mexico Became a Hub for Space Innovation and Equity 3. Space Valley Foundation’s Inclusive Vision for the Future of Space Access 4. From Law to Space Advocate: Bryce Kennedy on Making Space Accessible for All 5. Building an Inclusive Space Economy with the Space Valley Foundation 6. Why Space Is New Mexico’s Next Big Frontier for Social Impact 7. Unlocking Opportunities: Space for Good and the New Mexico Space Ecosystem 8. Innovative Misfits: How New Mexico Is Shaping the Space for Good Movement 9. The Role of Space Valley Foundation in Making Space a Domain for Everyone 10. Expanding Horizons: Economic Development, Culture, and Diversity in New Mexico’s Space Valley

💬 Keywords

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Space for Good, space industry, New Mexico, Space Valley Foundation, economic development, inclusivity, space access, International Telecommunication Union, United Nations, space advocacy, space startups, Spaceport America, AI for Good, satellite technology, STEM, space economy, space commerce, innovation, entrepreneurship, NASA, Los Alamos, Sandia Labs, Air Force Research Labs, climate and advanced energy, advanced manufacturing, startup ecosystem, diversity in space, space technology commercialization, Orion interlink, venture capital in New Mexico

💡 Speaker bios

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Bryce Kennedy grew up in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, where some of his fondest childhood memories were spent gazing at the stars through a telescope with his father. The night sky became his refuge—a place of solace, mystery, creation, and limitless possibility. Years later, a simple but profound question sparked his curiosity: "Who’s protecting space?" Driven by his love for the cosmos and captivated by its countless mysteries, Bryce set out on a four-year adventure beginning in 2021 to explore the answer. His journey has been fueled by a lifelong passion for the stars and a desire to ensure that the wonders above are safeguarded for generations to come.

ℹ️ Introduction

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In this episode of Awarepreneurs, host Paul Zelizer sits down with Bryce Kennedy, the executive director of Space Valley Foundation and a passionate advocate for making space accessible to all. Titled "Space Valley Foundation with Bryce Kennedy," this conversation explores how space can be a force for good, far beyond rockets and satellites. Bryce, a former attorney turned space evangelist, shares his personal journey from gazing at the stars in rural Pennsylvania to working with the United Nations and spearheading initiatives that connect rural and under-resourced communities to the rapidly expanding space industry. Together, Paul and Bryce dive into the unique role New Mexico plays in the space sector, discuss the importance of inclusivity and culture in space initiatives, and reveal how the Space Valley Foundation is bringing together universities, government labs, and even UFO researchers to create a thriving, creative ecosystem. From the economic opportunities of a trillion-dollar industry to the spiritual and cultural connections to the stars, this episode is a fascinating look at how "space for good" is becoming a tangible, accessible movement. Whether you’re a social entrepreneur, dreamer, or simply curious about the future of space, you’ll find inspiration and practical insights on how this new frontier could impact our lives—and why now is the time to get involved. Welcome to an episode that blends innovation, heritage, and sky-high dreams right here on Awarepreneurs.

❇️ Key topics and bullets

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Absolutely! Here’s a comprehensive sequence of topics covered in this episode of the Awarepreneurs podcast, "Space Valley Foundation with Bryce Kennedy," broken down with relevant sub-topics under each primary heading: --- ### 1. Introduction to the Episode and Guest - Overview of Awarepreneurs podcast and mission - Introduction of Bryce Kennedy: - Former attorney turned space advocate - Executive Director of Space Valley Foundation - Space Connectivity Officer, International Telecommunication Union and UN --- ### 2. Bryce Kennedy’s Journey into “Space for Good” - Personal background and pivot during COVID-19 - Experiences traveling and exposure to the night sky - Childhood memories with astronomy - The key question: “Who is protecting space?” - Pathway to working with space advocacy --- ### 3. New Mexico as a Space Hub - Physical and cultural landscape of New Mexico - Unexpected depth of New Mexico’s space industry: - NASA sites, Apollo legacy, Los Alamos, Sandia, Air Force Research Labs, Space Force - First commercial spaceport and restricted airspace - Influence of New Mexico’s unique environment on Bryce’s thinking --- ### 4. The Concept of “Space for Good” - Evolution from economic development focus to inclusivity - Importance of connecting space to the broader population - Beyond just STEM and aerospace - Ties to Native and local creation stories and art - Experiences with the UN and ITU - Preaching “space for good” to developing nations with minimal infrastructure - The “AI for Good” initiative and its parallel for “Space for Good” - Projected economic potential of the space economy ($1.8 trillion by 2035) - The imperative: Everyone should see themselves as part of the space economy --- ### 5. The Challenge of Inclusivity and Starting “Space for Good” - Enormity and complexity of space as a domain for positive impact - Concept of the “overview effect” and its insights from astronauts and cosmonauts - Shift in consciousness, unity, and global perspective - Need for a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to space, including arts and diverse narratives --- ### 6. The Space Valley Foundation: Origin and Structure - Foundation’s evolution from “Space Valley Coalition” to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit - Inclusive vision: “Space for Earth, Space for All” - Recognizing New Mexico’s unique and longstanding relationship with the sky - Geographic focus: Rio Grande Corridor as Space Valley - Hub for integration and innovation - Branding effort: Emulating the “Silicon Valley” approach for space --- ### 7. Stakeholders and Early Collaboration - Original coalition members and partners: - Universities (UNM, NMSU, NM Tech, Navajo Tech), NewSpace Nexus, Spaceport America, Air Force Research Labs, STEM Arts Lab, etc. - Broadening participation as more organizations express interest - Shift from board-based coalition to an ecosystem amplifier/aggregator - Creation of the Space Valley “Trail” map --- ### 8. Data, Technology, and Access Initiatives - Development of an extensive database of 415+ organizations - Launch of the Orion Interlink large language model/database for accessibility and matchmaking within the space sector - Move toward more tech-enabled, less in-person community building --- ### 9. Events and Community Engagement - Introduction of Atomic Sixty Six (“mini South by Southwest” for space and tech industries) - Tech talks - Space Fiesta: blending tech with culture (e.g., Meow Wolf meets NASA) - The importance of online and in-person events for building connections --- ### 10. Current Ecosystem: Initiatives and Opportunities - Range of accelerators, incubators, and resources in New Mexico: - Catalyst Campus, NewSpace Nexus Ignitor, Q Station, Hyperspace Challenge, LEAP at Los Alamos, NMSU resources, etc. - Highlighting New Mexico’s unique launch and testing advantages (e.g., Spaceport America’s rapid launch capability) - The interconnectedness of different stakeholders (military, academic, cultural, entrepreneurial) --- ### 11. Engaging Diverse New Mexicans and Entrepreneurs - Encouraging multi-generational New Mexicans to see themselves in space through personal/cultural connections - Space as a “birthright” and critical to future economic opportunities - The state’s role in shaping the future of space due to its creative, resourceful, and diverse population - The importance of impact-driven entrepreneurship in space --- ### 12. Attracting Outside Talent and Investment - The distinctive nature of New Mexico as a startup and innovation hub - Advice for those considering moving or investing in New Mexico: - Experience the culture firsthand - Leverage the state’s openness to innovation and unconventional ideas - The community’s welcoming attitude and the mystery/allure of the place --- ### 13. Emerging Economic Impact and Investor Interest - Increased VC and international (e.g., India, Italy) interest in New Mexico’s space sector - Examples of upcoming major developments and investments - Infrastructure growth (e.g., NM Innovation Hub at Albuquerque Airport) - The area’s competitive advantages for testing and commercialization --- ### 14. How Entrepreneurs Can Engage with Space for Good - Suggestion to approach space with dual (terrestrial/space) use models - Explore existing technology/IP from labs and research centers for commercialization - Leverage accessibility to major stakeholders and technical resources - Focus on community, helpfulness, and open mindset --- ### 15. Seasoned Reflections on New Mexico’s Culture and Approach - The humility and authenticity required to thrive in New Mexico - Community vs. individualistic (ego-driven) approaches - The state as a place where sincerity and community impact win over bravado --- ### 16. Closing Reflections and Opportunities - “This is your Microsoft/Amazon/Bitcoin moment” for space - Power of individuals to influence space for centuries to come - The interconnected, symbiotic relationship of space and Earth - Practical ways to get involved: Space Valley Foundation website, LinkedIn, etc. --- That covers the key topics and subtopics discussed in detail during the episode! If you need more granular breakdowns on any portion, feel free to ask.

📚 Timestamped overview

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00:00 "Who's Protecting Space?"

05:28 Bridging Space and Infrastructure Gaps

06:58 "Future of Space Commerce"

09:57 Space Innovation and Diverse Thinking

14:35 "Formation of the Space Trail"

16:57 Developing Orion: New LLM Database

22:48 "Space Initiatives & Economic Development"

26:24 "Rapid Testing at Spaceport America"

28:00 "New Mexico's Space Valley Vision"

32:24 New Mexico: Emerging Clean Tech Hub

34:23 Desert Creativity and Innovation Hub

38:41 International Interest in New Mexico's Opportunities

43:42 Entrepreneurial Space Opportunities Explored

46:50 Collaborative Innovation at Sandia

48:18 Desert Reflection: Embracing Humility

51:14 "Space: Our New Open Frontier"

🎞️ Clipfinder: Quotes, Hooks, & Timestamps

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Bryce Kennedy 00:06:04 00:06:12

Viral Topic: The Irony of Space Advancements in Rural Areas: "And it's so funny to talk about a billionaire excuse me, a billion dollar satellite regime where they don't even have the infrastructure on the ground to receive that."

Bryce Kennedy 00:10:07 00:10:18

Viral Topic: The New Space Race and Cultural Shifts: "Like him or hate him, Elon Musk, the Bezos, you know, the Apollo era, all these things, they have pushed us forward in space faster than anyone on Earth."

Bryce Kennedy 00:17:32 00:17:59

Building a New LLM for Space Data: "And that's that's actually, our our first version is gonna be done here March or no. That's jeez. April. And that is going to be a accessible database to anyone that wants to look up any space, quote, unquote, entity in New Mexico as well as we're trying to dial in to pair different organizations to job placements to what what the economy what what the real economy is in that type little area."

Bryce Kennedy 00:29:18 00:29:19

Viral Topic: Space, Identity, and Heritage
"This is your birthright."

Bryce Kennedy 00:30:12 00:30:33

Viral Topic: The Inclusivity of Space
Quote: "If we do space right, it will be the most inclusive, most accessible domain of commerce in the history of humankind, and it will take everyone from every lineage, from every cultural, from every intelligence, from every socioeconomic, every aspect of humankind to be able to make this work."

Bryce Kennedy 00:32:00 00:32:04

Viral Topic: Why New Mexico is Shaping the Future
Quote: "there's no other state, in my opinion, that can shape the future like New Mexico."

Bryce Kennedy 00:38:54 00:39:03

Viral Topic: New Mexico's Surprising Appeal to Global Innovators: "So I am seeing a massive and massive amount of global entities that are looking into Mexico that I I was really, really surprised about."

Bryce Kennedy 00:42:09 00:42:38

Viral Topic: How Entrepreneurs Should Approach the Space Industry:
"I think what I would start to do is really have people start to think about space differently and have kind of a dual use approach where you have you have your tech on earth, You know? Because if you focus solely on space, that is that is just that's a that is a lift. That is a real, real lift. And you have to love space to be able to do that. So if you're if you're in that entrepreneurial space where you wanna create something really cool, have an impact, and then bow out, awesome. Space isn't quite there yet."

Bryce Kennedy 00:44:29 00:44:42

Space Diversity and Public Perception: "Now a lot of people feel this is tone deaf. And at this at this moment in time, which is funny because if this were five years and maybe a different administration, everyone would be celebrating and now and I'm not saying either is right or wrong."

Bryce Kennedy 00:45:18 00:45:36

Viral Topic: Untapped Innovation in Government Projects: "what I learned from NASA is, you know, they'll they'll have projects completed 90% and the funding gets cut. And all of that IP and whatever just gets thrown into the public and never used. 10% more, you most likely have one of the most viable products that, you know, you could take to market."

🎬 Reel script

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Today on Awarepreneurs, we explored the future of "Space for Good" with Bryce Kennedy from Space Valley Foundation. Bryce shared how New Mexico’s rich heritage and innovative spirit are positioning it as a global hub for inclusive space industry growth. From next-gen startups to cultural initiatives and global partnerships, Space Valley is opening new doors for entrepreneurs, creators, and dreamers to shape the future beyond our planet. If you’re curious about how you—or your business—can play a part in the booming space economy, now’s the time to get involved. The opportunity is here, and space truly is for all.

👩‍💻 LinkedIn post

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🚀 Exciting News from the Frontier of Space for Good! 🚀 Just wrapped up an inspiring listen to the latest episode of the Awarepreneurs podcast, featuring Bryce Kennedy, Executive Director of Space Valley Foundation. The conversation dove deep into how “Space for Good” can drive inclusive economic development, creativity, and impact here in New Mexico and beyond. Here are 3 key takeaways for anyone interested in the intersection of space, innovation, and social good: 🌍 Space is for Everyone Bryce advocates that space should be accessible to all – regardless of economic status, education, or background. New Mexico’s unique cultural and scientific heritage makes it a natural hub for inclusive space initiatives. 🛰️ Innovation Needs Both Tech & Story It's not just about STEM. Space Valley Foundation blends New Mexico’s rich cultural stories, creativity, and art with traditional space-sector opportunities. Inclusion of diverse narratives (from anime to indigenous sky-gazing traditions) helps shape a holistic vision for the space industry. 🔗 Collaboration Is Key Space Valley Foundation shifted from an exclusive coalition to an open, community-centered model. By mapping the “Space Valley Trail” and launching initiatives like the Orion Interlink database, they’re connecting government, academia, entrepreneurs, and the broader public to amplify positive impact. The bottom line: We’re at the ground floor of a trillion-dollar industry AND a chance to set the tone for inclusivity and innovation in the final frontier. Curious about how you or your organization might get involved? Connect with Space Valley Foundation (spacevalley.org) or reach out to Bryce Kennedy on LinkedIn. #SpaceForGood #SocialImpact #Innovation #NewMexico #Awarepreneurs #SpaceValley #InclusiveEconomy

🗞️ Newsletter

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**Subject:** Space for Good: How New Mexico is Shaping a More Inclusive Space Economy 🚀 --- Hi Awarepreneurs Family, We’re thrilled to bring you highlights from one of our most unique episodes yet—**“Space Valley Foundation with Bryce Kennedy”**. If you’ve ever wondered how space, social good, and mission-driven innovation intersect, this conversation is a must-listen. **Meet Our Guest:** This week, Paul sits down with Bryce Kennedy, a former attorney turned space advocate, now the Executive Director of the Space Valley Foundation and Space Connectivity Officer with the International Telecommunication Union and the UN. Bryce’s mission? To ensure *everyone* has a seat at the galactic table—starting right here in New Mexico. --- ### What’s Inside This Episode? **The Journey to Space for Good** Bryce recounts how his love for space was rekindled during COVID, under western skies, and how one question—*“Who’s protecting space?”*—sent him on a four-year adventure towards building more inclusive space ecosystems. **Space Roots in New Mexico** Discover why New Mexico, with its sprawling skies and deep cultural ties to the cosmos, is a “space state” in more ways than one. With NASA, Los Alamos, Sandia Labs, and even the world’s first commercial spaceport, New Mexico is a hotbed for innovation, but—Bryce argues—it’s the state’s *heart* and heritage that truly set it apart. **Bridging Access and Opportunity** Bryce challenges the old narrative: Space isn’t just for rocket scientists and billionaires. It’s for artists, storytellers, rural youth, and everyone in between. The Space Valley Foundation, born from a Build Back Better grant, now serves as a hub and amplifier for the vast, diverse ecosystem growing along the Rio Grande corridor. **Tech Meets Community** Find out how projects like the *Orion Interlink* database and the Space Valley Trail map are connecting local entrepreneurs, labs, educators, and even UFO enthusiasts—making it easier for anyone to find their place in the space economy. **From Vision to Reality** There’s a surge of venture capital, international partnerships, and new infrastructure on the horizon—from advanced manufacturing hubs to collaborative events like **Atomic 66**. Bryce shares why now is the moment to get involved, and why New Mexico’s unique blend of innovation and creative misfits is exactly what the future of space (and Earth) needs. --- ### *Listener Takeaway: Space Is Your Birthright* Bryce’s powerful message: “Space is your birthright.” Whether you’re a teacher, artist, startup founder, or just someone who loves looking up at the night sky, *space for good* involves you. The next wave of the space economy will not just be about technology—it’s about culture, community, and the stories we bring to the stars. --- **Ready to learn more or get involved?** - Visit [spacevalley.org](https://spacevalley.org) - Connect with Bryce on LinkedIn - Check out upcoming events like [Atomic 66](https://atomic66.com) (free tickets available!) - Dive into the new initiatives and resources for startups, educators, and innovators If you found this episode inspiring, share it with a friend, and don’t forget to leave us a review on your favorite podcast app. Your support helps us keep amplifying the wisdom and impact of entrepreneurs like Bryce. To brighter futures (on Earth and beyond), — The Awarepreneurs Team --- *Stay tuned for more stories from the edge of what’s possible! If you have questions or want more resources from this episode, just hit reply—we love hearing from you.* ---

🧵 Tweet thread

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🚀 THREAD: How “Space for Good” is Unlocking the Next Trillion-Dollar Opportunity—With New Mexico at the Center 🛰️✨ 1/ Ever wonder who’s *really* protecting and shaping the future of SPACE? Meet Bryce Kennedy—former attorney, now a leading “space for good” advocate. In a recent Awarepreneurs podcast, he breaks down how space is for ALL, not just billionaires. 👇 2/ During the pandemic, Bryce found himself asking: “Who’s protecting space?” Traveling across the US, he rediscovered his childhood sense of wonder under New Mexico’s star-filled skies—and realized: This isn't just NASA and SpaceX’s playground. It’s part of human heritage. 3/ New Mexico—a state known for open skies, deep cultural roots, and… LEGACY space innovation. From the Very Large Array to the Apollo legacy, Space Force, the first commercial spaceport, and a centuries-old star-gazing tradition, NM’s role is massive (literally & figuratively!) 🌌 4/ The kicker? Space is about WAY more than rockets and satellites. Bryce: “If this is a real space state, it’s gotta touch the entire population. And it's not just STEM. It's the heart, the culture, the stories—space IS art, spirit, and commerce.” 🎨🕯️💡 5/ Space for Good isn’t just about sending tech up—it’s collaborating across ALL backgrounds. As Bryce saw while working with the UN, it’s about equity: “Why push billion-dollar satellite tech to villages without water?” We need inclusivity AND innovation. 6/ Why the urgency? By 2035, the space industry is projected to hit $1.8 TRILLION. Whoever claims their “place in space” EARLY will ripple out impact for generations. Infinite opportunity—open to all creative, heritage-rich, misfit thinkers. 7/ Enter Space Valley Foundation—Bryce is now Executive Director. Mission: Make New Mexico (and the Rio Grande corridor) the Silicon Valley of Space, but inclusive of artists, startups, Indigenous wisdom, climate scientists, you name it. Anyone can join. 8/ Don’t code or build rockets? Doesn’t matter! Maybe you stargaze, paint the Milky Way, invent new battery tech, or write sci-fi. If you connect to the sky, you have a role in the space future. 9/ Bryce sums it up: “Space is your birthright. If we do it right, it’ll be the most accessible domain of commerce ever. We need *everyone*’s intelligence, culture, and creativity to thrive up there—and back here on Earth.” 10/ Action Steps: - Entrepreneurs: Tap into NM’s ecosystem—IP from labs, inclusive accelerators, deep VC interest, raw space (literally!) - Creatives & educators: Use our sky-centric stories. - Anyone: Get curious! Start with: “What’s my relationship to the sky?” 11/ All this and more at the upcoming Atomic 66 “mini South by Southwest” in NM. Come see what “space for good” looks like on the ground. TL;DR: Don’t watch the trillion-dollar future from the sidelines. Space for Good is *your* story, too. 👇 What’s your space dream? #SpaceForGood #SpaceValley #NewMexico #SocialImpact #EquityInSpace

❓ Questions

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Absolutely! Here are 10 thoughtful discussion questions based on the Space Valley Foundation episode of the Awarepreneurs podcast with Bryce Kennedy: 1. **What does the phrase "Space for Good" mean to you after listening to Bryce Kennedy's perspective, and how does it differ from traditional conversations around the space industry?** 2. **Bryce Kennedy emphasized the importance of New Mexico’s unique relationship to the sky and space, both culturally and historically. How might this influence the way space initiatives are structured in the state compared to elsewhere?** 3. **The episode highlights the intersection between economic development and inclusivity. What challenges or opportunities do you see in making space-related industries accessible to people from diverse backgrounds?** 4. **Bryce mentioned the “overview effect” experienced by astronauts. How can this shift in perspective be translated to people who may never go to space, and why might this be valuable?** 5. **The Space Valley Foundation transitioned from a coalition focused on economic development to a broader foundation that seeks to involve everyone. How effective do you think this strategy can be in mobilizing widespread engagement?** 6. **In the episode, the need to move beyond merely pushing STEM initiatives in rural or underserved areas was discussed. What alternative approaches could successfully connect these communities to the space sector?** 7. **Bryce described New Mexicans as “innovative misfits” with a deep sense of heritage and resilience. How might these character traits shape the direction and impact of Space Valley initiatives?** 8. **International interest in Space Valley is growing, especially from countries like India and Italy. What factors make New Mexico an appealing hub for global space collaborations?** 9. **Bryce argues that space is our collective “birthright” and suggests the actions we take now have generational ripple effects. How can individuals or small organizations participate in shaping the space economy at this formative stage?** 10. **After listening to the episode, are you more or less convinced that the space economy can create meaningful opportunities for ordinary people? What role do values and community play in making this possible?** Feel free to use these in a classroom, book club, or professional setting to encourage deep and engaging conversation!

🪡 Threads by Instagram

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1. Space for Good means making sure everyone has a place in the stars—artists, storytellers, and scientists alike. Bryce Kennedy and Space Valley Foundation are opening doors for all to shape space’s future, not just elite experts. 2. New Mexico's relationship to the sky stretches back 2,000 years, blending heritage, innovation, and creativity. Space Valley Foundation honors this by making space accessible to diverse communities, from locals to global partners. 3. Space isn’t just for STEM pros. It’s a canvas for culture, spirituality, and imagination. Space Valley Foundation asks, “What’s your relationship to the sky?” and roots economic impact in local stories and creativity. 4. Real inclusivity in the space sector means inviting anime creators, spiritual leaders, and heritage storytellers alongside rocket builders. Space for Good thrives with every perspective at the table. 5. New Mexico’s “innovative misfits” fuel a unique startup culture that attracts global attention. Here, collaboration, humility, and a strong sense of place are driving a more accessible and diverse future in space for everyone.

SEO Description Summary

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In this Awarepreneurs episode, Bryce Kennedy of Space Valley Foundation discusses “space for good,” making space accessible and inclusive for all. He shares insights on New Mexico’s unique role in the space industry, economic development opportunities, collaboration, and how everyone—from entrepreneurs to creatives—can find their place in the expanding space economy.

LinkedIn Thought Leader post

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Certainly! Here are two LinkedIn posts featuring Paul Zelizer as a thought leader, matching the style, tone, and structure of your examples: --- 1. What does it mean to build a values-based business in today’s world? How do you balance positive social impact with profitability? Is it possible to attract top talent and investors with your mission? These were front and center in our recent “Space for Good” conversation on the Awarepreneurs podcast. As host, Paul Zelizer brought his signature clarity to the intersection of social entrepreneurship, innovation, and the emerging space economy. Paul shared a critical insight: “Balancing profit and purpose isn’t optional. It’s a strategic advantage.” He’s seen the pattern over 18+ years—mission-driven business models can set you apart in investment, marketing, and attracting impact-focused collaborators. One core takeaway: When you lead with values and clear impact, you build trust that opens doors—whether you’re in climate tech, space, or community development. Curious how mission and market can align for your venture? Drop your thoughts below and catch the full episode to hear more of Paul’s frameworks for impact-driven growth. --- 2. How do regions like New Mexico turn deep expertise into thriving startup ecosystems? What if your next breakthrough technology is sitting undiscovered in a national lab? On a recent Awarepreneurs episode, host Paul Zelizer facilitated a powerful discussion with Bryce Kennedy of Space Valley Foundation, diving into New Mexico’s unique innovation landscape. Paul noted: “We have one of the highest or maybe the highest per capita levels of PhDs in the world… and increasingly, our commercialization offices at Sandia, Los Alamos, UNM, and New Mexico Tech are much more engaged with entrepreneurs.” His advice: “Show up, connect, and tell people what you’re passionate about. If you roll up your sleeves and get to work, all kinds of opportunities open up, especially in collaborative cultures like New Mexico’s.” Key strategy from the pod: Leverage public research and build relationships across disciplines—science, technology, culture, and entrepreneurship. How are you tapping untapped innovation resources in your region? Share your experience below and listen to the full episode for actionable tips on bridging research and business. ---

Key takeaways

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1. Space for Good Means Expanding Access and Impact The vision of "Space for Good" is rooted in democratizing access to the space industry—making it a platform for economic development, creativity, and inclusion, beyond just STEM or traditional space careers. "If this is a real space state, it's gotta touch the entire population. And it's not just STEM. It's not just, you know, work for the labs. It's just not, you know, do aerospace...I realized the things that I love about New Mexico are actually the precursors today to today's modern space. And it has nothing to do with being the richest state or the most educated. It's actually the heart of the state, and that is New Mexico." 2. Collaboration and Ecosystem Amplification Space Valley Foundation’s unique approach centers on amplifying and aggregating the existing ecosystem rather than duplicating efforts—bridging universities, industry, arts, indigenous voices, and even unconventional partners like UFO researchers, into one inclusive movement. "Our real mantra right now is to be amplifier of the ecosystem and then the aggregator of the ecosystem. We don’t want to do anything that anyone else is doing. We find that redundant and kind of a silly mindset. So the idea is to pull together and to point people into it." 3. New Mexico as a Global Hub and Testbed With its unique airspace, diverse culture, and collaborative spirit, New Mexico is emerging as a sought-after global hub for space innovation—offering unparalleled access to people, resources, infrastructure, and opportunities for both local and international entrepreneurs. "I have never seen more VCs interested in New Mexico in my life. Like, it is wild to start to see the VC community outside of New Mexico pour in as well as the global community...India...Italy...they want to start bringing stuff over to do this. So I am seeing a massive and massive amount of global entities that are looking into New Mexico that I was really, really surprised about."

Leading question

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