NASA iTech Challenge kicks off in Las Cruces, New Mexico

Ten companies have presented cutting-edge technology ideas that could be used in space to NASA's iTech program in Las Cruces this week. The New Mexico Partnership is proud to support this iTech event to bring entrepreneurs together with NASA researchers, industry executives and investors.

An initiative by NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, iTech aims to find innovative ideas that have the potential to overcome critical technology hurdles facing future exploration of the Moon and Mars, even though many were originally meant to solve important problems here on Earth. The three winners will receive ongoing feedback, guidance, and introductions to help propel their ideas.

"We're excited to help bring NASA and iTech to Las Cruces, one of the state's most vibrant communities and gateway to New Mexico's Spaceport America, where Virgin Galactic will soon commence commercial space launch operations, and the White Sands Test Facility. This event goes hand-in-hand with New Mexico's commitment to cutting edge technology, pioneering scientific work, and commercial innovation," said Tim Nitti, President and CEO of the New Mexico Partnership, New Mexico's economic development organization charged with helping recruit companies to the state.

"Las Cruces, with its entrepreneurial spirit, economic development activities, universities, and NASA's White Sands Test Facility, is a perfect location for our event," said Kira Blackwell, the NASA iTech program executive for the Space Technology Mission Directorate.

NASA iTech searches for and identifies advancements in technologies that are solving problems on Earth and have the potential to address existing challenges to enable NASA missions. These ideas may come from independent innovators as well as small or large businesses, giving entrepreneurs an unique opportunity to present their solutions to NASA leadership or industry.

Ten innovators, selected from submissions received from around the world, will present their technologies to an audience of industry, universities, investors, professional societies, public, and NASA leadership, including chief technologists from various NASA centers. The 2019 NASA iTech Cycle II winners will be announced on Tuesday, Oct. 8.

Related Links
NASA iTech Challenge
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