From out-of-this-world technologies that help us research and explore space, to state-of-the-art innovations that improve life on Earth, small businesses make an impact through the NASA SBIR/STTR program. This blog features perspectives from program participants, including small businesses and research institutions, as well as other materials to help guide you on your SBIR/STTR journey.
We update regularly, so be on the lookout for new resources and insight to support you!
From NASA SBIR/STTR Award to Acquisition: Talking with Redwire SpacePosted 05/30/2023 Space infrastructure company Redwire Space has grown its capabilities through the acquisition of several small businesses, many of which are NASA SBIR/STTR awardees. What is the common thread that unites these acquisitions? How have these small businesses benefitted? We spoke to the team at Redwire to find out more. |  |
Leveraging NASA's Intellectual Property in your SBIR/STTR ProposalPosted 01/31/2023
Did you know that the NASA Technology Transfer program enables SBIR/STTR proposals to include the use of NASA patents and NASA software, with no cost to the company? While many companies propose their own in-house solutions, if you recognize a potential solution within NASA’s existing technology portfolio, you can submit an SBIR/STTR proposal and be funded to further develop that NASA technology to address the need described in the solicitation. |  |
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NASA All-Electric Airplane Rides on the Wings of US Small BusinessesPosted 12/7/2022
NASA’s X-57 “Maxwell,” the agency’s experimental all-electric aircraft, is working to provide industry and regulators with knowledge that will revolutionize sustainable aviation. Developing that knowledge involved more than a decade of close alignment between NASA and its private sector partners – and that started with support for a small business. |
NASA, ICON Advance Lunar Construction Technology for Moon MissionsPosted 11/29/2022
NASA has awarded ICON, located in Austin, a contract to develop construction technologies that could help build infrastructure such as landing pads, habitats, and roads on the lunar surface. The award is a continuation of ICON's work under a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) dual-use contract with the U.S. Air Force, partly funded by NASA. The new NASA SBIR Phase III award will support the development of ICON's Olympus construction system, which is designed to use local resources on the Moon and Mars as building materials. |  |
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NASA Helps Serve Yellowstone Fungi for BreakfastPosted 11/22/2022
A microbe found in Yellowstone National Park during NASA-funded research is now the basis of a fungal protein from which Chicago-based Nature’s Fynd produces meat-alternative breakfast patties and non-dairy cream cheese. The protein is also growing on the International Space Station as potential astronaut food, and the company believes it could one day help ensure sustainable nutrition globally. |
Partnerships that Prepare for Success: The Research Institution Perspective on the M-STTR InitiativePosted 10/27/2022
In 2022, Oakwood University, a Historically Black College based in Huntsville, Alabama, became a first-time research institution participant in NASA’s Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. Prior to this STTR award, Oakwood University and its small business partner prepared for the solicitation by participating in the pilot M-STTR opportunity. Dr. Darayas Patel, professor of mathematics and computer science at Oakwood University, shared the university perspective on how the M-STTR program helped the team form a partnership and prepare for the 2022 STTR solicitation. |  |
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The map is in your hands: Discover your path with the NASA SBIR/STTR programPosted 8/29/2022
Small businesses are pioneers whose journeys are shaped by their unique technologies and business goals. Take a look at our infographic to see some of the ways our small business teams have used the program to navigate to success. |
NASA SBIR/STTR Success Out WestPosted 8/25/2022
With ten centers spread out across the country, NASA is comprised of a dynamic group of innovators and engineers working together to solve some of the toughest challenges—and we don’t do it alone. The NASA SBIR/STTR program allows us to tap the minds of entrepreneurs across the country, with program awardees in all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Read about some of our small businesses in the western U.S. who are making an impact. |  |
For a complete list of blogs, visit the archive:
Explore more SBIR/STTR stories:
Read SBIR/STTR success stories
Visit the SBIR/STTR Spinoff page
