NASA pays out $51 million to small businesses with big ideas – TechCrunch

Perusing the lists I was struck by the number of neuromorphic computing efforts, from radiation-hardened chips to software methods. I take these to be chips and methods that use and accelerate device learning approaches, rather than efforts at computer systems that truly utilize the spikes and plasticity of actual neuronal networks.

The 2020 Phase II announcements will not come for a while– NASA simply launched 2019s last month.

Theres even one award for a company making “a compact sterilizer for usage on spacecraft materials” that could also be utilized by health employees.

This years selections, as constantly, cover lots of disciplines and use to a wide variety of industries. Among NASAs own highlights in a press release are high-power solar varieties, a wise air traffic control system for city flight, a water filtration system for use on the moon and enhanced lithium-ion batteries.

The Small Business Innovation Research/Technology Transfer programs assist creators and entrepreneurs shift their work from lab to business accessibility. The cash is like a grant, not a financial investment, and Phase I recipients are eligible for larger Phase II grants if theyre necessitated.

The SBIR program is among the federal governments inadvertently best-kept secrets, with billions allocated to a lots agencies to disperse to little companies. You can discover more at SBIR.gov.

NASA has revealed its newest batch of small company grants, offering more than 300 services a total of $51 million in essential early-stage financing. These “phase I” jobs receive up to $125,000 to help bring new technologies to market.