PITTSBURGH – Keystone Space Collaborative (KSC), Pennsylvania’s nonprofit organization dedicated to growing the state’s space economy, has been named a finalist for the Pittsburgh Technology Council’s 2026 Tech50 Awards, recognizing companies and organizations helping to shape the region’s technology economy. “Pennsylvania has the talent, technology, and manufacturing expertise to play a leading role in the future of the space industry,” said Justine Kasznica, KSC founder and board chair. “This recognition highlights the progress we’re making to connect those capabilities, create new opportunities for Pennsylvania businesses, and position the Commonwealth as a driving force in the national space economy.” Founded in 2021, KSC connects businesses, universities, government agencies, and economic development organizations to strengthen Pennsylvania’s commercial space industry. Through industry working groups, strategic partnerships, workforce development, and its annual Keystone Space Conference, the organization helps companies identify new markets, build supply chain relationships, and compete for opportunities in the growing space economy. Over the past year, KSC increased its organizational membership by more than 120 percent, expanding its network of companies, universities, nonprofits, and economic development organizations across Pennsylvania. KSC is also expanding its Space Ecosystem Map to provide a more comprehensive view of the state’s commercial space industry, including suppliers and manufacturers connected to major aerospace and defense contractors across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. The initiative will help companies identify potential partners, uncover new business opportunities, and demonstrate Pennsylvania’s and the region’s capabilities to customers and investors. The recently published Ecosystem Explorer tells a compelling Pennsylvania story – over 165 companies and entities across the state are currently engaged in core space projects, including space R&D, space systems, and spacecraft development. An additional 393 entities are actively participating in the Pennsylvania space economy via supporting industries (software design, advanced manufacturing, machining, etc.), bringing the total count to 558 Pennsylvania space ecosystem participants as of 2025 (compared to Ohio’s 520 participants, using the same data inputs and process). As commercial space activity accelerates, KSC is working to ensure Pennsylvania businesses can contribute to national priorities, including NASA’s Artemis campaign, while supporting innovation, advanced manufacturing, and high-skilled job growth throughout the Commonwealth. The Pittsburgh Technology Council’s Tech50 Awards recognize the companies and leaders driving innovation and helping transform Southwestern Pennsylvania into a global technology hub. The awards will be highlighted at the Tech 50 event on November 19 at The Event Center at Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh.For more information about Keystone Space Collaborative, visit www.keystonespace.org.