Novel Photobioreactor Development for Space Applications, Year 2

We propose to develop a low-water photobioreactor (SABR ? Surface Adhering Bio-Reactor) for H2 fuel production, O2 generation, CO2 scrubbing and nutrient recycling by utilizing highly efficient and versatile microbial biofilms. We will use a bioreactor design developed by Dr. Halil Berberoglu at the University of Texas that minimizes water demand, and reduces system weight relative to a standard bioreactor.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.