Through NASA’s iTech initiative, the agency discovers and quickly assesses technologies that could help it accomplish future missions. NASA iTech connects innovators with experts who provide valuable technical feedback and with investors who could provide resources to help propel the technologies forward.

Nine entrepreneurs from four different countries and all corners of the U.S. showcased their technologies to chief technologists from various NASA centers during the 2020 NASA iTech Cycle I Forum, held virtually on Oct. 1-2. Experts from industry, academia, professional organizations, and potential investors joined the finalists online for presentations and collaborative sessions during the forum. Technology areas covered included artificial intelligence and machine learning, biotechnology, system autonomy, and advanced manufacturing. Each finalist showcased how their entries may solve problems here on Earth while also addressing the challenges facing exploration of the Moon and Mars.

"The entrepreneurs and technology experts had many in-depth conversations during the two days of this virtual forum," remarked the acting NASA iTech Program Executive Maxwell Briggs. "NASA iTech judges evaluated the nine innovations and considered how they might help solve some of the toughest challenges of space exploration."

NASA officials recognized three winning teams during an awards ceremony at the end of the forum. The winners ranked highest in the judging criteria that include technical viability, likely impact on future space exploration, benefits to humanity, and commercialization potential.

In alphabetical order, the 2020 NASA iTech Cycle I winners are:

Amalgamated Vision – Brentwood, Tennessee

An ultra near-to-eye, laser-based virtual retinal display, with technology that allows for the long-anticipated emergence of extended reality and spatial computing.

Mojo Vision – Saratoga, California

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

Otolith Labs – Washington, D.C.

Wearable biotechnology to reduce motion sickness and mitigate vertigo both in space and on Earth.

NASA iTech is an initiative within NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate and is managed by the National Institute of Aerospace in Hampton, Virginia. For information about NASA iTech, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/itech

For information about NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/spacetech