NASA iTech Selects LVX System’s Integrated Photonics Service Selected as Winner of Pitch Competition
Eight companies participated in a virtual pitch competition presenting technical solutions that address challenges on Earth with potential space applications at NASA iTech’s Ignite the Night AUSTIN. Each company had three minutes to explain their solutions to a panel of NASA’s Center Chief Technologists, investors, and industry members. On April 1, 2020, the NASA iTech panel of judges selected LVX System as the winner of Ignite the Night AUSTIN.
David Sexton, CEO of LVX System, pitched patented Visible Light Communications, also known as Light-Fidelity (Li-Fi), a wireless communications technology. Li-Fi uses LED lights and photodiodes to send and receive data wirelessly, with photons, from electronic devices. It’s like fiber optics without the fiber. Using visible light instead of radio waves provides users a faster, more secure wireless network. LVX System already provides commercial Li-Fi as a utility-like service in buildings by replacing fluorescent lights with LVX Lights. They look to further develop their service to provide a limitless communication platform.
LVX System worked with NASA through a Space Act Agreement to validate Li-Fi and add network capabilities such as video, audio and spatial location. This work confirmed practical uses from schools and public buildings to aerospace, defense applications and life in space.
“NASA iTech continues to be a catalyst for government, small businesses, and industry investors by finding ways, even if it’s virtual, to connect some of the most innovative entrepreneurs developing technologies that are impacting everyday lives,” said Kira Blackwell, NASA iTech program executive in the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. “During this challenging time, it’s encouraging to see that entrepreneurs are continuing to provide cutting-edge solutions all across the world.”
LVX System, as the winner of Ignite the Night Austin, becomes a 2020 NASA iTech Cycle II semifinalist. Cycle II culminates in a forum which will be held in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. Innovators who cannot attend an Ignite the Night event can also apply directly to the Cycle II Forum.
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Kristen Eichamer
Headquarters, Washington
202-603-3940
kristen.m.eichamer@nasa.gov