Q: What is the 8th Continent?
A: We help people turn space-derived technologies into jobs and companies. Our approach is to help accelerate the emergence of what we call Space 2.0 entrepreneurs with our programs such as the chamber of commerce, business incubator, career center, internship program and social networking.
Space 1.0 was what space meant until a few years ago — NASA, astronauts and government projects focused on exploration and discovery.
Space 2.0 is standing on the shoulders of that work. There is now a commercial community growing out of that knowledge that can impact day-to-day lives such as creating jobs for everyday people.
The 8th Continent Project’s name refers to space as the next frontier. There are seven continents on Earth, and space is the next “continent” to be explored.
Q: How and when did you get involved?
A: About three years ago, the Colorado School of Mines was informed that a NASA-funded space resources program was ending, not because of its merits, but because NASA was pulling in available dollars.
I really liked this program, and I wanted to try to find some way to continue it. At the time, I was at the University of Texas at Austin and I was invited to convene workshops at the Colorado School of Mines with technology and business leaders. That’s where we came up with a road map for the 8th Continent.
Q: Why here in Colorado, and how does the future look to turn this new technology into reality?
A: Our impression is that even during this recession, Colorado is a perfect location for this program. It has the creative talent, know-how and entrepreneurial energy. We’re starting to see hiring and new- job creation. We’re seeing some signs of recovery in the tech world. If we can get banks to address short-term cash-flow needs, that will be the final piece. Colorado is in great shape.
Edited for length and clarity by Ann Schrader
