← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 2)
We have designed a fungal platform for Cu acquisition and separation on and off planet. We propose to test the utility of our platform by focusing on binding and separating metals key to green energy and are on the USGS list: Li, Ni, Co,Cr, Mn. This will be accomplished by the 5 steps outlined under technical approach. If additional funding is available, we can extend to relevant rare earth elements (REE).
Green energy and NASA’s missions require metals that are on the USGS critical minerals list. Inadequate SOA and geopolitics makes development of low mass, renewable methods key.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.