The drive to propel space exploration through innovative technology continues as NASA grants over 100 new funding contracts to small businesses. This initiative, part of NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, announced on Monday an investment of $93.5 million in Phase II contracts to advance 107 pioneering ideas contributed by 95 small U.S. companies. This selection highlights small businesses’ pivotal role in advancing aerospace technology while also generating tangible benefits on Earth.
The program’s latest round shows a strong emphasis on inclusivity and growth, with a significant portion of the awardees being modest-sized businesses of fewer than 50 employees. Additionally, gender and minority representation were noteworthy, with 21% being first-time Phase II awardees and businesses owned by underrepresented groups constituting 29% of recipients, of which 11% are women-owned.
“It is exhilarating to help a broad spectrum of businesses progress their technology solutions toward the marketplace,” commented Jenn Gustetic, the Early Stage Innovation and Partnerships director at NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD). Phase II funding aims to promote the evolution of Phase I innovations closer to deployment in practical settings. The 24-month period given to the selected companies emphasizes their potential commercialization outcomes.
One such recipient is nou Systems, Inc., a woman-owned enterprise in Huntsville, Alabama. The company is gaining attention for its device that simplifies the genetic sequencing process—an advancement conducive to both terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications. Another notable enterprise is PickNik Inc., which is developing software to enhance robotic systems utilized in lunar and Martian scientific activities, potentially assisting NASA’s Artemis program and other commercial space efforts.
Growth and commercialization of small business innovations are at the heart of NASA’s SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, as explained by Jason L. Kessler, the program executive. This joint venture aims at fostering achievements that would benefit NASA and humanity at large.
Open exclusively to U.S. small businesses, the NASA SBIR program is key to fostering innovation across the country’s business landscape. Functioning under the STMD and managed by the NASA Ames Research Center, the program is a significant source of entrepreneurship and commercial progress.
For further details on the NASA SBIR program, please visit:
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Jimi Russell
Headquarters, Washington
james.j.russell@nasa.gov
202-358-1600
FAQs About NASA’s SBIR Program Funding for Small Businesses
- What is the NASA SBIR program?
The NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is a government-funded program that provides financial support to small businesses in the United States to engage in research and development with the potential for commercialization. The program focuses on pioneering innovations and technologies that align with NASA’s mission of space exploration and scientific discovery.
- What does Phase II funding entail?
Phase II of the SBIR program involves further development and validation of technologies that have demonstrated success in Phase I. The funding, which can go up to $850,000 for each project, is provided over a 24-month period to help small businesses refine their innovations and develop a strategy for commercialization.
- How are companies selected for the SBIR program funding?
Companies are selected based on a rigorous peer review process that evaluates the scientific and technical merit of their ideas, as well as their potential impact on NASA’s mission and commercial potential. Special consideration is also given to firms from underrepresented groups and those with fewer than 50 employees.
- Can non-U.S. companies apply for SBIR funding?
No, the SBIR program is open solely to small businesses that are independently owned and operated in the United States.
Conclusion
NASA’s dedication to supporting innovation through the SBIR program exemplifies the agency’s commitment to nurturing small businesses and promoting the development of groundbreaking technologies. By investing in these ventures, NASA not only advances its own exploratory goals but also contributes to the growth of the U.S. economy and the global technology landscape. Through this infusion of funding and support, NASA ensures that small businesses are an integral part of the journey to explore the cosmos and beyond.