I managed it by turn 79, Beta 0.42, with the Altarians on a tiny map against the Terrans as beginner. Hey, you didn't specify map size or difficulty parameters, so I'm not sure if it's valid. Even if not, I got some good practice experience.

As you can see I only have my starting planets. I did a small amount of micro so-as not to waste too much research production.

ZOCs popping in the morning

@eviator:

I just had to beat you. And to demonstrate my superiority: i did it with a large margin.  

But seriously, very well done: with only a population of 35.65 and a minor debt of - i think it says - 63 finishing in turn 79 is not an easy feat.

I had to pull out all the stops. With a population of 109.17 i still ended up with a debt of 128 just to finish ahead of you. I had some bad luck: my survey ship did not find any research accelerators or artifacts. Moved a shipyard next to Altaria to minimize "move"-time, and made all the planets a supporter of it, just to be able to produce the "Cheap Transporter" in time.

Beta 1 [0.42], Iridium, 3 Godlike enemies, Tiny map size: Turn 78