Humans in Space Challenge Launched by Boryung, Axiom Space
The Humans In Space Challenge, a global competition for researchers and innovators from relevant fields, has been launched by South Korean Health Care investment company Boryung and Axiom Space.
"Together with our partners, we will be exploring diverse avenues to nurture and advance groundbreaking ideas that safeguard and elevate human existence both in space and on our precious Earth."
Jack Dongjoo Lim, Boryung
The Humans In Space Challenge aims to foster an ecosystem of innovative minds working to advance human activities in space. Based on the three carefully selected themes — "Human Healthcare," "Human Lifestyle" and "Human Place" — participants will identify various challenges faced by humanity in space and propose solutions to address them. The Challenge winners will be awarded investments and research awards alongside opportunities to participate in tailored mentorship programs led by space experts and engage with an expansive network of prominent venture capitals, space agencies, national research institutions and industries. Renowned space figures from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the European Space Agency (ESA), Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Stanford University will actively engage in the evaluation process and mentorship programs to support the growth of Challenge applicants.
"Together with our partners, we will be exploring diverse avenues to nurture and advance groundbreaking ideas that safeguard and elevate human existence both in space and on our precious Earth," said Jack Dongjoo Lim, Head of Boryung's New Portfolio Investment (NPI) Group. "In synergy with our esteemed partners, Boryung remains steadfast in realizing its profound vision of becoming an indispensable force in interplanetary civilization," added Lim.
"At this particularly exciting moment in humanity's evolution into a spacefaring species, it's more important than ever that we foster a global community of interdisciplinary leaders and visionaries for space health," said Ariel Ekblaw, CEO of Aurelia Institute. "We are proud to partner with Boryung and Axiom in this endeavor, and eager to see the new ideas the applicants will bring to the Humans In Space Challenge."
Humans in Space Challenge will Conclude with Major Symposium
The program kicked off with the Challenge launch in May, and will conclude at the Humans In Space Symposium where awardees will be selected by a panel of esteemed judges. The Symposium will also bring together innovators, experts, investors and government agencies, and will facilitate discussions and networking opportunities to advance the global space ecosystem.
"We believe it's important to engage people around the world to help us develop innovative solutions for the challenges in space and how space affects the human body", said Dr. Lucie Low, Axiom Space Chief Scientist for Microgravity Research. "Together Boryung, Aurelia Institute and Axiom Space are working to conduct meaningful science in space for the benefit of all and through the Humans In Space Challenge we aim to contribute to our growing knowledge of ourselves and our place in the universe."
Boryung has been actively pioneering advancements in space healthcare since 2022. Through the inaugural Care In Space Challenge, Boryung invested in six startups focused on space healthcare. Building upon the previous year's success, this year's program aims to amplify the scale and broaden the themes of the Care In Space Challenge. Continuing from last year, Boryung will lead the "Healthcare" aspect, seeking to discover transformative space health technologies and research. Aurelia Institute will explore various solutions under the theme "Lifestyle," building upon years of internal research on making humanity a space-faring species. Axiom Space, a pioneering company expanding access to space and enabling more nations, individuals, researchers, and organizations to work in microgravity for the betterment of humanity, will lead the "Platform" agenda. This partnership signifies a deepened bond between Axiom Space and Boryung, following their agreement to form a joint venture last month.
Applications for the 2023 Humans In Space Challenge are being accepted now through July 28. After a series of evaluations, the semi-finalists who will be presenting at the Virtual Pitch event will be announced early August. Finalists who will be presenting at the Symposium will be selected during the Virtual Pitch event, which will be held early September. These finalists will be mentored by esteemed industry leaders prior to their live pitch in the Symposium, where the final awardees will be selected. The Humans In Space Symposium is scheduled to take place in late October in the U.S.
(Source: Boryung news release. Images from file)