NASA has selected 107 projects from 95 small businesses, awarding $93.5 million to advance space technology through its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This initiative supports early-stage funding and development, with many recipients being businesses with fewer than 50 employees. This is the second phase of funding, and a significant portion of the awardees are advancing to this stage for the first time.
The selected businesses will have 24 months to develop their technologies, focusing on the commercialization path. Projects include a genetic testing instrument by nou Systems, Inc., which aims to automate DNA analysis, making it feasible in various environments, including space. This innovation exemplifies the potential impact of these projects on both NASA’s missions and broader commercial applications.
NASA emphasizes the importance of inclusive innovation, noting that 29% of the awardees are from underrepresented groups, including 11% women-owned businesses. The agency’s commitment to diversity is reflected in the variety of projects funded, which aim to address challenges in space exploration and other scientific endeavors. These projects are expected to enhance astronaut efficiency and advance robotic capabilities on the Moon and Mars.
For instance, PickNick Inc. from Boulder, Colorado, is developing a hardware-agnostic platform for supervised autonomy, allowing humans to command remote robots with minimal input. This technology could support NASA’s Artemis program and attract interest from commercial space ventures. Additionally, the software may have terrestrial applications, such as in warehouse management and deep-sea exploration, showcasing the broad potential of the SBIR-funded projects.
