register
September 9-11, 2025
Amazon HQ2 | Arlington, VA
NEXPLORE 2040 unites NASA and xFoundry to inspire the next generation of innovators in deep space exploration. This pivotal event tackles critical technology shortfalls, propelling humanity toward a sustained presence on the Moon by 2040 and the ultimate destination of Mars.
Drawing on the vision of Dr. Christyl Johnson from NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, and powered by the collaboration of xFoundry's University Alliance and Spacecom's network, NEXPLORE 2040 brings together a curated mix of innovators, entrepreneurs, scientists, policymakers, investors, and pioneering students to confront humanity's biggest challenges.
Unlike a traditional conference, NEXPLORE 2040 focuses on identifying the most urgent problems, not just finding solutions. The 2025 summit will focus on four pivotal domains:
These themes, drawn from NASA’s critical technology gaps, demand multidisciplinary collaboration across technology, arts, marketing, and entrepreneurship to bridge Earth’s needs with tomorrow’s lunar and Martian realities.
NEXPLORE 2040 ignites action: Attendees define high-impact problem spaces and create plans for future research and development, while top student teams from the Horizons Challenge compete to turn those insights into ventures through the 2027 $2M Xperience Competition. By uniting academia, industry, and government, NEXPLORE 2040 cultivates a new generation of leaders equipped to solve the impossible, today and for the future.
The xFoundry Alliance of universities is a transformative innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem that empowers students to tackle humanity’s most pressing challenges through bold, multidisciplinary collaboration.
xFoundry offers a deeply immersive entrepreneurial experience, equipping students with the vision and practical skills to tackle real-world challenges through venture creation, all while getting their degree. Built on the TEAMS (Technology, Entrepreneurship, Arts & Athletics, Marketing, and Science) framework, xFoundry reshapes elements of higher education into a dynamic solution engine in the age of AI.
xFoundry was proudly launched at the University of Maryland.
xfoundry.orgThrough a Space Act Agreement, NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate is collaborating with the University of Maryland and XFoundry on NEXPLORE 2040—an initiative designed to convene the next generation of innovators to explore solutions for future deep space exploration. As humanity aspires to establish a sustained presence on the Moon and beyond by 2040, addressing critical technological gaps is essential. NEXPLORE 2040 provides a venue for engaging thought leaders across sectors to help tackle the 187 technology shortfalls identified on NASA’s website.
By inviting university student teams to propose solutions to specific technology challenges, this collaborative framework provides real-world experience while generating fresh, forward-thinking approaches that may inform future exploration missions.
nasa.gov
SpaceCom is a premier platform for advancing space innovation, connecting industry leaders, government agencies, and academic institutions to accelerate the commercialization of space.
Through dynamic conferences, exhibitions, and content, SpaceCom empowers stakeholders to explore new frontiers, foster strategic partnerships, and shape the future of the space economy. By convening key voices across aerospace, defense, and emerging tech, SpaceCom serves as a catalyst for collaboration and breakthrough thinking.
As a co-organizer of NEXPLORE 2040, SpaceCom brings its convening power and commitment to cross-sector impact to help launch the next generation of space leaders.
spacecomexpo.com
Amazon is hosting the summit at its state-of-the-art HQ2 campus in Arlington, Virginia. Amazon’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology aligns with the summit’s mission to shape the future of space and humanity. Their collaboration provides a dynamic setting to foster bold thinking and cross-sector engagement.
aws.amazon.com
A national leader in research and innovation, the University of Maryland is ranked among the top 5 public universities for entrepreneurship. UMD empowers the next generation of pioneers in science, technology, and venture creation. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and academic excellence, UMD supports visionary thinking that bridges campus and industry.
xFoundry was proudly launched at the University of Maryland.
umd.edu
The E. A. Fernandez IDEA Factory is a cutting-edge innovation hub at the University of Maryland designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and bold experimentation. Home to state-of-the-art labs, maker spaces, and immersive learning environments, the IDEA Factory empowers students, faculty, and partners to transform ideas into real-world solutions.
As a proud collaborator of NEXPLORE 2040, the IDEA Factory helps catalyze forward-thinking innovation at the intersection of technology, design, and entrepreneurship.
E. A. Fernandez IDEA Factory
One of the top-ranked engineering schools in the nation, the A. James Clark School of Engineering fosters groundbreaking research across aerospace, robotics, energy, and beyond. As a special collaborator, the Clark School brings technical leadership and student innovation to the NEXPLORE 2040 experience.
eng.umd.edu