Founder & CEO, Space Coast Valley Earthport | NewMan’s Business Accelerator
Irena helps space and dual-use founders turn technical capability into commercial traction and mission-ready execution. Over 12+ years, she has supported 600+ startup teams across Europe and the United States, with deep experience in founder readiness, commercialisation, market positioning and decision-making under uncertainty. She also connects founders with relevant mentors, investors, corporate partners and public-sector and space-industry organisations.
She is Founder and CEO of Space Coast Valley Earthport on Florida’s Space Coast, building an execution-readiness platform for growth-stage space and dual-use companies. Her background includes a decade leading NASA International Space Apps Challenge editions in Europe and Silicon Valley, international space and innovation initiatives, Singularity University alumna status, guest speaking at Stanford University, and recognition as EU ICT Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2023.
She is completing a PhD in Applied Neuroscience at the University of York, focused on how founders make decisions under pressure and uncertainty. She mentors on commercialisation strategy, organisational and founder readiness, and navigating complex space, dual-use and technology markets.
