Space Vandenberg Innovation Fund

Space Vandenberg Innovation Fund is sponsored by REACH, Cal Poly, and UC Santa Barbara (Administered by Space Vandenberg). A new competitive funding program to bolster the growing space and aerospace industry on California's Central Coast, with awards for innovators working on aerospace, space, dual-use, and space-adjacent technologies.

Launching Space Vandenberg Innovation Fund - Applications Now Open! Launching a new era of space and opportunity The future of space is taking off on the Central Coast. Fueled by a $9.

5 million state investment, REACH and a broad coalition of partners are launching Space Vandenberg — a far-reaching initiative to transform Vandenberg Space Force Base into the nation’s premier spaceport and innovation hub, creating thousands of good jobs and opening new doors for students and workers across the region.

With Vandenberg already the world’s second-busiest spaceport, Space Vandenberg positions the Central Coast at the heart of California’s space strategy — driving job creation, fueling entrepreneurship, and unlocking billions in investment.

As a nimble, public-private entity, Space Vandenberg will: Expand space career pathways through new aerospace education and training programs through university-industry collaboration, space tech entrepreneurship, and applied R&D Accelerate infrastructure development to support spaceport growth and help deploy over $800 million in planned federal investment for the Spaceport of the Future at Vandenberg Fueling Jobs. Building the Future.

Space Vandenberg is powering a new era of growth and opportunity on California’s Central Coast. With over $800 million in federal investment in motion, more than 20 new companies and technologies, and 2,000+ jobs on the horizon, this initiative is building the infrastructure, talent, and innovation to fuel the future of space.

By equipping hundreds of newly skilled workers and expanding opportunity across the region, Space Vandenberg is driving lasting economic impact — right here at home, and far beyond our atmosphere.

new companies and technologies A powerful cross-sector coalition MOU, Grant + Launch partners The three pillars of Space Vandenberg Inclusive workforce pathways Open doors for Central Coast residents to space careers through inclusive workforce pathways, including career exposure, training, and credential programs in partnership with Allan Hancock College and the Santa Barbara County Education Office.

Space tech innovation ecosystem Transform the region into a hub for space tech innovation and problem-solving via university-industry-VSFB collaboration, entrepreneurship, and R&D with with UC Santa Barbara and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Shovel-ready infrastructure + investment playbook Drive the development of critical infrastructure for spaceport growth through pre-development, permitting, innovative financing strategies and development. “With the launch of Space Vandenberg, the Central Coast will remain at the forefront of the fast-growing space economy.

This investment will bolster our region’s ability to lead in space innovation, create promising career opportunities for Central Coast residents, and strengthen local spaceport infrastructure. ” 24th Congressional District “California continues to lead the way in space infrastructure development and innovation.

The establishment of Space Vandenberg will cement our state’s global standing as a spaceport leader while making meaningful investments in the Central Coast’s economy.

By investing in state-of-the-art space infrastructure, collaborating directly with local universities to train the next generation of California aerospace leaders, and creating high-quality jobs, Space Vandenberg will have lasting impacts on America’s economic and national security. ” “We’re not just talking about creating jobs and growing our economy — we’re putting real dollars to work right now in communities across California.

These investments will build momentum and deliver measurable progress in the months and years ahead, providing regions in every corner of the state with new tools to create good-paying jobs and strengthen local industries from the ground up. ” California Gov. Gavin Newsom “We are approaching a point where humankind is going to access space like we have never done in our history as a race.

It’s an incredibly important time for us to partner together to enable that. ” Commander, Space Launch Delta 30 “We are committed to building pathways for students so that they can get the good jobs that they need on the Central Coast and can be successful.

” Superintendent/President, Allan Hancock College “At Cal Poly, we believe that discovery isn’t just about science, it’s about building the ventures and talent that turn the unknown into opportunity. We’re committed to: a steady stream of talent, students who are ready to contribute from day one, an entrepreneurial engine to power new ventures, and a long-standing commitment to aerospace that supports California’s leadership in space.

We’re proud to contribute to Space Vandenberg, making the Central Coast a true launch pad for innovation and opportunity. ” President, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo “Space Vandenberg is an opportunity for us to unite, not only from different areas, but from different ideologies, to be united around a common commitment to the efforts of REACH, our government, education and industry partners.

Space Vandenberg will take that opportunity for high paying jobs, head of household jobs, and make it a reality. As much as this is about national defense or the global economy… this is really about us, and it’s really about Central Coast families.

” Santa Barbara County (District 4) “Space Vandenberg’s growth will ripple across the Central Coast, creating jobs, supporting innovation, helping families, and diversifying our regional economy.

” Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg San Luis Obispo County (District 3) “We are thrilled to be part of this collaborative to bring our research excellence, innovation ecosystem and collaborative spirit to Space Vandenberg and to ensure California leads in both talent and in technology for decades to come. ” Vice Chancellor for Research at UC Santa Barbara Space Vandenberg launches with $9.

5 million state grant View the full press release to learn all about Space Vandenberg… A New Space Age at Vandenberg SFB Learn all about Vandenberg and the Space Master Plan… California Governor's announcement Hear it right from the Governor: "We’re putting real dollars to work right now in communities across California,"… Our mission is to increase economic prosperity through big thinking, bold action, and regional collaboration.