Deep Tech Connections (DTC) September 2025 Newsletter
Sharing updates, highlights, and opportunities from our deep tech community, where entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, corporate innovators, and government professionals come together.
✨ A note from DTC!
August’s Deep Tech Connections breakfast was a reminder of why we do this.
We gathered in Palo Alto to talk about what it takes to push the boundaries of space exploration, not in theory, but in practice. Three speakers, each coming from a different corner of the ecosystem, shared their insights on what it really means to make space more accessible, cost-effective, and commercially viable.
What I loved most about the sessions was how grounded the conversation was. Yes, we talked about Mars missions, autonomous systems, and next-generation materials, but every story came back to partnerships, perseverance, and finding the right people to build with. That’s what Deep Tech Connections is all about!
Thanks for continuing to show up, lean in, and make this community stronger each time.
If you couldn’t make it, I hope this newsletter gives you a feel for the energy in the room and maybe sparks a few new ideas of your own.
Looking forward to seeing you at the next one!
🎤 Highlights from Our August Breakfast
Jonathan Stock | Chief Scientist for Innovation, NASA Intelligent Systems Division
Jonathan opened the session by walking us through NASA’s evolving mission partnering across government, academia, and industry to solve real-world problems both on Earth and off. From early-warning landslide systems to autonomous in-orbit construction, Jonathan shared how NASA Ames is helping reimagine what’s possible in a cost-effective and scalable way.
Robert Lillis | Principal Investigator of NASA ESCAPADE Mars mission
Robert shared the bold story behind ESCAPADE, a dual-spacecraft Mars mission that’s rewriting how we think about cost, risk, and delivery. ESCAPADE will be the first NASA planetary mission using formation flying and a fixed-price contract with Rocket Lab, showing how lower-cost, faster-cycle space science is finally within reach.
Patrick Beatty | Space Tech Managing Director, Deep Tech Investor
Patrick brought the investor’s perspective, emphasizing how deep tech founders must break their big visions into commercially viable steps. He underscored the importance of early engagement with government and non-dilutive partners, while reminding us that deep tech is a long game—and it takes a whole village to win.
Don’t miss the next event!
Join us on September 26 for our next Deep Tech Connections breakfast in Palo Alto
🗓️ Join Us for Our September Networking Breakfast
Deep Tech Connections’ Networking Breakfast
Date: Friday, September 26th
Time: 8:30 - 10:30 AM PST
Make sure to register here! Come start your morning with coffee, conversation, and some of the brightest minds in deep tech. Whether you're a founder, investor, researcher, or just curious about what's next, this is a chance to connect in a relaxed setting and explore new ideas together.
We’d love to see you there!
🤝 Our Distinguished Partners
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Pillsbury is one of the world’s foremost law firms, advising Technology companies and their investors, as well as clients in the Energy & Infrastructure, Financial, Life Sciences & Digital Health, Real Estate & Construction, and other dynamic industries.
Five Star Bank - California
Five Star Bank is a reputable community bank that has helped businesses start up, grow, and succeed through relationship-based banking and best-in-class treasury solutions.
💫 For partnership questions, please email info@deeptechconnections.com.
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I really appreciate you supporting and gathering the deep tech community. It takes all parts of the ecosystem to make these startups successful. <3