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Why space glue is interesting for business: the technology has been tested on the ISS, and demand for lightweight adhesive materials for satellites, drones, and industry is growing rapidly.
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What happened
This week, TechCrunch Startups' Build Mode program featured an interview with Kallela Kersh, founder and CEO of geCKo Materials. The startup presented an innovative adhesive material capable of working in weightless conditions on the International Space Station. The company's name plays on geckos' ability to cling firmly to any surface — it was this biological feature that formed the basis of the development.
The geCKo Materials team managed to adapt the principles of natural adhesion for use in outer space, where traditional glues and fastening systems work completely differently due to the absence of gravity. The product has already passed testing and is ready for practical use in orbit.
How this is useful for business
The emergence of a reliable adhesive material for space conditions solves several critical problems at once faced by companies working in the aerospace industry. First, the process of mounting equipment inside and outside spacecraft is significantly simplified — engineers can now secure components without using complex mechanical fasteners.
Second, the overall mass of space structures is reduced, which directly affects the cost of launching cargo into orbit. Every kilogram saved means tens of thousands of dollars saved on launch. Third, the technology opens up opportunities for rapid repair and modification of equipment directly in orbit, without requiring complex evacuation procedures.
For ground-based applications, the material is also valuable — it can be used in conditions of extreme temperatures, high humidity, and other aggressive environments where ordinary glues quickly lose their properties.
How to make money from this
geCKo Materials' monetization model is built on several levels. The main revenue comes from selling licenses to space agencies and aerospace corporations that use the material in their projects. Additional streams are formed from supplies of ready-made adhesive tapes and plates for the needs of stations and spacecraft.
In parallel, the company is developing the area of ground-based applications — the technology is in demand in construction, industry, and even the consumer segment. Contracts with large aerospace contractors provide stable cash flow, while patent protection creates high barriers for competitors.
Business ideas
- Creating a service for developing specialized adhesive solutions for specific client tasks — from spacecraft to industrial equipment, with payment for each project.
- Production and sale of household versions of the material for repairs in difficult conditions: high humidity, temperature fluctuations, vibrations — the market is huge.
- A franchise model for regional distributors of space materials with royalties from sales and inventory requirements.
- A consulting company helping startups and large companies adapt adhesion technologies for specific operating conditions.
- A marketplace platform where engineers and inventors can propose new applications for the technology, receiving a percentage from the commercialization of ideas.
Risks and limitations
The main risk is associated with high dependence on the space industry, which is characterized by long decision-making cycles and bureaucratic procedures. Contracts with government agencies take a lot of time to approve, and political factors can significantly affect procurement volumes.
Competition from large chemical conglomerates represents another threat — they have the resources to develop similar products. There is also a technical risk: during prolonged stays in space, the material may behave unpredictably, which will require additional research and investment.
Regulatory barriers should also not be underestimated — space materials are subject to strict certification, a process that can take years and require significant costs.
7-day action plan
Day 1: Analyze the market for glues and adhesive materials in global markets, identify niches with high demand and low competition. Study feedback from potential customers about existing fastening problems in challenging conditions.
Day 2: Compile a list of 20-30 companies in construction, industry, and aerospace that may be interested in the technology. Start preparing a commercial proposal with specific use cases.
Day 3: Contact 10 potential customers through professional networks and industry events, offer free samples for testing to the most interested partners.
Day 4: Launch a landing page with a product description and a feedback form, set up basic advertising in specialized publications and on industry portals to attract leads.
Day 5: Analyze the responses received, adjust the product positioning, prepare a savings calculator for customers — how much they can save on weight and installation time.
Day 6: Hold negotiations with the first interested companies, discuss the terms of pilot projects and possible partnerships. Prepare a presentation for investors.
Day 7: Systematize the results of the first week, create a development plan for the next month with specific metrics and people responsible for each stage.
Original news: TechCrunch Startups · See other news in the news section.
