NASA iTech: Initiative to Find Innovative Ideas

INNOVATORS WANTED.
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Join us March 9, 2021, at 3-5 p.m. EST

Submit an Idea by 1/29 | View Focus Areas

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Ignite the Night Aeronautics, a virtual event
Join us April 13, 2021, at 3-5 p.m. EST

Submit an Idea by 2/26 | View Focus Areas

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Together, we can go further.
NASA iTech searches for and identifies advancements in technologies, NOT already funded by NASA, that are solving problems on Earth and have the potential to address existing challenges to enable NASA missions.

Innovators
Join an elite group of inventors and entrepreneurs who have participated in this program. We're now looking for innovations ranging from AI, VR, robotics, medical breakthroughs, flexible materials, and any technology you feel NASA must know about.
GET STARTED
Investors
Investors are a key part of the NASA iTech program. From being involved in evaluations and events, to getting some of the best deal-flow you'd ever imagine, if you are an investor we invite you to connect with us to learn how to get involved.
GET STARTED
Industry
From aerospace to biotech, electronics manufacturers and more, we invite industry leaders to work with us. You will meet the most promising innovators out there. Our industry participants have sourced new partnerships and investments via NASA iTech.
GET STARTED
Collaboration is our strength.
NASA leads the way in scientific discovery of Earth, other worlds and the cosmos. Advancing new technologies in aeronautics and space systems, NASA's missions expand the frontiers of human experience and allow American industry to cultivate a growing space marketplace.

Through NASA iTech, we reach beyond traditional partnerships into early, independent innovation. NASA iTech helps us identify the innovations we will need in the future (and the people behind them). We connect innovators with investors who can help propel them forward, and industry leaders who can partner or invest in the technologies.

1
Innovators Apply
Innovators from around the world apply to participate in one of two cycles each year. Each cycle has specific focus areas such as artificial intelligence, medical innovations and more.
2
NASA iTech Forum
Ten are selected to participate in a four-day NASA iTech forum. At the forums, innovators learn, practice, present, and spend time with NASA's Center Chief Technologists, investors and industry leaders.
3
Top 3 Announced
At the completion of the NASA iTech forum, three companies are selected as winners. These companies receive ongoing feedback, guidance and introductions to help propel them forward in their journey.
"Although public space agencies like NASA and major aerospace companies worldwide continue to be the driving forces behind humanity’s journey to Mars, an increasing number of startups…are jumping in to provide critical supporting technologies.

When we do finally put a person on Mars, don’t be surprised if many of the machines and devices that make it possible are stamped with company names and logos you’ve never heard of. Just as it takes hundreds of companies of all sizes to create and maintain our physical infrastructure here on Earth, so too will it take many ideas and many voices to build infrastructure on Mars that supports exploration and, ultimately, habitation."

FORBES Magazine
September 2018
Meet Our Alumni
NASA iTech provides a platform for NASA’s Center Chief Technologists to vet the start-up companies’ technologies for their space application, and volunteer investors and external Subject Matter Experts to vet the technologies for their commercial market viability. The first 90 finalist companies that have participated in the NASA iTech Forums have been able to raise 600+ million in private investment dollars in 4 years. Two examples of companies that are “spinning in” their technology in support of NASA missions are Aequor Inc., and FGC Plasma Solutions.

Meet our recent winners below, and more of our alumni.

Amalgamated Vision
Brentwood, TN

A laser-based virtual retinal display, with technology that could allow for the emergence of extended reality and spatial computing
AutonomIQ
San Jose, CA

A computer coding solution that leverages modern technologies to generate automation code without human intervention
HyPoint Inc.
Menlo Park, CA

A next-generation hydrogen fuel cell system featuring zero carbon dioxide emissions and improved energy performance for the aerospace industry
Mojo Vision
Saratoga, CA

Augmented reality contact lenses that could overlay images, symbols, and text on the wearer’s natural field of vision without restricting mobility or obstructing their view
Otolith Labs
Washington, DC

Wearable biotechnology to reduce motion sickness and mitigate vertigo both in space and on Earth
Rapair Medical Devices
Bagotville, Australia

A wound dressing that aims to nano-engineer molecules in damaged skin to rapidly repair cuts and lacerations
Ultraviolet Light-Based Sanitizer
With passenger numbers globally projected to grow by more than 6 billion by 2030, the threat from human-borne illness will likewise increase. The GermFalcon: a sanitizing robotic device will instantly kill pathogens on airplane surfaces and in the surrounding air by using ultraviolet-C (UVC) light.
Read More about GermFalcon
Non-Toxic Molecules Battle Biofilms
Bacteria adhere to surfaces in aqueous environments by excreting a slimy, glue-like substance – a biofilm – anchoring them to materials such as metals, plastics and inert, nano and organic surfaces. Inside the human body, biofilms threaten medical implants and a variety of healthy tissues.
Read More About Aequor Inc.
Ubiquitous Wireless Charging
Wireless charging pads buried just under roadway pavement could provide as much as 10% battery boost while vehicles are idling in traffic or waiting at stoplights. Eventually, the charging pads could also convey charge even during routine travel.
Read More About Stanford University
Genomic Shielding from Space Radiation
Among the most significant hazards confronting space explorers is ionizing radiation that wreaks havoc on human cells and tissues. Liberty BioSecurity LLC has devised compounds that enable the human body to resist damage and, where necessary, effect repair.
Read More About Liberty Bio Security LLC
Be Part of NASA iTech
Be the first to know about new NASA iTech challenges, events and other updates.
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INNOVATORS WANTED.

Ignite the Night Tampa, a virtual event

Join us March 9, 2021, at 3-5 p.m. EST

Ignite the Night Aeronautics, a virtual event

Join us April 13, 2021, at 3-5 p.m. EST

Together, we can go further.

NASA iTech searches for and identifies advancements in technologies, NOT already funded by NASA, that are solving problems on Earth and have the potential to address existing challenges to enable NASA missions.

Innovators

Join an elite group of inventors and entrepreneurs who have participated in this program. We're now looking for innovations ranging from AI, VR, robotics, medical breakthroughs, flexible materials, and any technology you feel NASA must know about.

Investors

Investors are a key part of the NASA iTech program. From being involved in evaluations and events, to getting some of the best deal-flow you'd ever imagine, if you are an investor we invite you to connect with us to learn how to get involved.

Industry

From aerospace to biotech, electronics manufacturers and more, we invite industry leaders to work with us. You will meet the most promising innovators out there.​ Our industry participants have sourced new partnerships and investments via NASA iTech.

Collaboration is our strength.

Innovators Apply

NASA iTech Forum

Top 3 Announced

FORBES Magazine

Meet Our Alumni

Amalgamated Vision

Brentwood, TN

AutonomIQ

San Jose, CA

HyPoint Inc.

Menlo Park, CA

Mojo Vision

Saratoga, CA

Otolith Labs

Washington, DC

Rapair Medical Devices

Bagotville, Australia

Ultraviolet Light-Based Sanitizer

With passenger numbers globally projected to grow by more than 6 billion by 2030, the threat from human-borne illness will likewise increase. The GermFalcon: a sanitizing robotic device will instantly kill pathogens on airplane surfaces and in the surrounding air by using ultraviolet-C (UVC) light.

Non-Toxic Molecules Battle Biofilms

Bacteria adhere to surfaces in aqueous environments by excreting a slimy, glue-like substance – a biofilm – anchoring them to materials such as metals, plastics and inert, nano and organic surfaces. Inside the human body, biofilms threaten medical implants and a variety of healthy tissues.

Ubiquitous Wireless Charging

Wireless charging pads buried just under roadway pavement could provide as much as 10% battery boost while vehicles are idling in traffic or waiting at stoplights. Eventually, the charging pads could also convey charge even during routine travel.

Genomic Shielding from Space Radiation

Among the most significant hazards confronting space explorers is ionizing radiation that wreaks havoc on human cells and tissues. Liberty BioSecurity LLC has devised compounds that enable the human body to resist damage and, where necessary, effect repair.

Be Part of NASA iTech

Be the first to know about new NASA iTech challenges, events and other updates.

From aerospace to biotech, electronics manufacturers and more, we invite industry leaders to work with us. You will meet the most promising innovators out there. Our industry participants have sourced new partnerships and investments via NASA iTech.