NASA Entrepreneurial Opportunity Program

NASA faced the challenge of maximizing the commercial potential of inventions developed by its researchers. The existing processes did not effectively bridge the gap between research and market readiness, leading to innovations that often failed to reach their full potential. Researchers needed guidance on how to identify and engage with potential stakeholders, conduct meaningful customer discovery, and understand the commercial landscape to better guide their research and development efforts.

FedTech addressed this challenge by creating the NASA Entrepreneurial Opportunity Program (EOP). This custom program provided NASA researchers with the tools and knowledge needed to interact with stakeholders, conduct customer discovery interviews, and analyze the results. FedTech’s training included comprehensive sessions on the business aspects of commercialization, such as seed-funding, venture capital, and licensing. This holistic approach ensured that researchers not only developed their inventions but also positioned them for successful market entry.

The impact of the EOP was profound. NASA researchers became adept at stakeholder engagement and customer discovery, leading to more market-ready innovations. The program enhanced researchers' understanding of the commercial landscape, enabling them to secure funding and navigate the complexities of bringing an invention to market. As a result, NASA saw an increase in the successful commercialization of its inventions, ultimately expanding the reach and impact of its technological advancements.

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