Connected DMV Launches Space Capital Innovation Center to Advance Greater Washington’s Leadership as a Global Launchpad for the Space Commercialization Economy
Connected DMV today unveiled the Space Capital Innovation Center (connecteddmv.org/space), a next-generation growth initiative built to strengthen the Greater Washington region’s position as a global leader in the rapidly expanding space commercialization sector. Building on the proven success of Connected DMV’s Potomac Quantum Innovation Center model, the Space Capital Innovation Center will serve as a dedicated nexus for collaboration, investment, acceleration, entrepreneurship and policy development. It will accelerate the growth of commercialization activities by leveraging the region’s unique ecosystem, which encompasses federal and state space agencies, premier aerospace and adjacent industry corporations, international space organizations, extensive aviation and space assets, specialized technical expertise and leading academic and research institutions.
“The space economy is experiencing unprecedented transformation and expansion, positioning Greater Washington with distinct advantages to spearhead this evolution,” said George Thomas, President & CEO of Connected DMV. “By bringing government expertise, industry ingenuity, and world-class research institutions with a shared mission, the Space Capital Innovation Center will act as the catalyst where visionary ideas are translated into substantial economic impact for our nation and the world.”
Greater Washington, with its rich foundation of talent, resources, assets, and stakeholders, is poised to lead our nation and the world into the era of space commercialization. The newly established Space Capital Innovation Center is setting out on an ambitious path to make the region a premier hub for the next generation of space leadership, innovation, and economic development.
A Region-Wide Collaboration
The Space Capital Innovation Center is built on the foundation of collaboration with key partners. The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development in the District of Columbia have played a crucial role in shaping this initiative, demonstrating their commitment to fostering economic growth and innovation in the region. Other vital founding regional partners include the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the Golden Triangle BID, and the PennWest Equity and Innovation District.
Six Strategic Pillars
The Space Capital Innovation Center operates through six strategic work streams designed to address critical needs across the value chain: (1) Commercialization Engine: Seeding and Scaling Innovation (2) International Collaboration: Accelerating Strategic Global Partnerships (3) Talent Development & Workforce: Advancing a Dynamic, Scalable Expert Ecosystem (4) Space Policy Forum: Enabling Pragmatic, Responsible Global Dialog (5) Investment Fund & Accelerator Network: Strengthening Pathways to Commercial Success (6) Market Access & Supply Chain: Securing the Global Supply Chain.
Introducing SpaceNEXT: The Industry’s New Global Gathering
Connected DMV will also operate SpaceNEXT (spacenextglobal.com), a flagship annual conference debuting November 11–12, 2025, at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Va. SpaceNEXT will convene innovators, investors, and policy leaders for high-impact keynotes, workshops, bootcamps and roundtables to drive the commercialization agenda forward.
Like the highly successful Quantum World Congress, also operated by Connected DMV, SpaceNEXT is designed to foster international collaboration and accelerate space commercialization through strategic networking and knowledge sharing. Conference sessions will showcase the latest breakthroughs in space technology, examine emerging market trends, and address critical structural and policy challenges facing the industry.
“Fairfax County and the broader region already host a substantial concentration of space and aerospace expertise and investment,” added Victor Hoskins, President & CEO of Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. “This strategic initiative will amplify our existing strengths, catalyzing breakthrough innovations, new enterprises, careers opportunities, and cutting-edge commercializeable technologies that establish Greater Washington at the epicenter of the new space economy.”
Connected DMV welcomes all stakeholders committed to advancing the commercialization of space economy to participate with the Space Capital Innovation Center. For information and engagement opportunities, contact: space@connecteddmv.org.
About Connected DMV
Connected DMV is the engine of next for Greater Washington—a 501(c)(3) “do tank” that turns visionary ideas into shared action. We convene government, business, academia, and community to remove jurisdictional barriers, mobilize capital and talent, and stand-up initiatives that forge entirely new markets.
From quantum technology to the new space economy, our portfolio proves that big ideas don’t build themselves. The Potomac Quantum Innovation Center (PQIC) is anchoring the region as the nation’s quantum hub, while the Space Capital Innovation Center and SpaceNEXT conference are positioning Greater Washington to lead the commercialization of space. Through RISE, our cross-jurisdiction economic strategy, we scale workforce pipelines and unlock investment flows that keep the region globally competitive.
In a world full of think tanks, we act. We accelerate the breakthroughs and high-growth industries that will define the next economy—because the future isn’t something we wait for; it’s something we build together. Learn more at connecteddmv.org.