Tuesday, November 17, 2026; 9:00 AM - to - 6:30 PM
USC University Park Campus, Ginsburg Hall, Los Angeles, CA
New Space Economy Forum
For the people building Southern California’s space economy.
Southern California is home to a dense concentration of space companies, technical talent, investment, and research capabilities. The New Space Economy Forum will bring together founders, operators, investors, public-sector partners, technical experts, and university partners working across this ecosystem.
Join for focused conversations on the technologies, infrastructure, commercialization pathways, funding, and partnerships shaping what comes next. The Forum is designed to create useful connections across the ecosystem and encourage a candid exchange about the opportunities and challenges facing the region.
Discussions will span the technologies, operations, and funding shaping the next phase of the space economy.
Throughout the day, participants will have dedicated time to meet others working across the ecosystem, compare perspectives, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Attendees may also engage with USC faculty, researchers, and selected student groups whose work is relevant to the space sector.
By convening people across industry, capital, government, and academia, USC aims to strengthen the relationships that will shape the next phase of Southern California’s space economy.
The New Space Economy Forum is hosted by the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, the USC Stevens School of Computing & AI, and the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
Program Agenda
9:00am - 9:25am - Arrival, Check-in, Continental Breakfast
9:30am - 9:35am – Welcome and Introduction, Dean Gaurav Sukhatme
9:35am - 9:40am – Opening Remarks
9:45am - 10:40am – Panel 1: Propulsion and Launch Technology
10:45am - 11:40am – Panel 2: Remote Sensing and Geospatial Intelligence
11:45am - 12:55pm – Lunch, Networking, and PhD Poster Session
1:00pm - 1:35pm - Keynote Speaker
1:40pm - 2:35pm – Panel 3: Spacecraft, Autonomy, and Operations
2:40pm - 3:35pm - Panel 4: Human Permanence in Space
3:35pm - 3:50pm - Break
3:55pm - 4:15pm - Spotlight Talk: Microelectronics & Computing Technology for Space
4:20pm - 5:15pm - Panel 5: Funding The New Space Economy
5:20pm - 5:30pm - Closing Remarks
5:30pm - 6:30pm – Networking Reception with USC Faculty and Selected Student Design Teams and Organizations (Location: Korean Air Convergence Plaza)
Thanks to USC Viterbi School of Engineering for sharing the graphics and details with our LA Startup Events members and #startupfriends across Southern California.
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