VT NASA EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Development (RID) - Phase VI

This document details the proposed activities, along with corresponding priorities, targets, and metrics, for the Phase VI installment of the NASA EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Development (RID) project for Vermont. The Vermont NASA EPSCoR Program operates at the intersection of both NASA priorities and the State’s vision for technology and economic development. According, all activities are part of a coordinated strategy to develop research infrastructure in areas of importance to NASA’s mission while creating ties between Vermont’s academic researchers, its technology-based companies, and NASA centers. A multi-faceted approach will be taken to foster NASA-relevant research among faculty, graduate students, and the industrial sector while also strengthening collaborative ties with NASA personnel. The main project elements proposed for Vermont's Research Infrastructure Development Project include: Faculty Research Pilot Grants for initiating new projects; Faculty Research Small-Scale Grants for more mature projects; and NASA Center Travel Grants for exploring new, or strengthening existing, research collaborations. In addition, the Industrial Partners Initiative (IPI), based on an SBIR Phase ‘0’ concept, will foster links between Vermont’s knowledge/technology-based private sector companies, academia, and NASA. Finally, significant efforts will be made in all activities to encourage the participation of underrepresented minorities and female students. While the non-diverse population of the State of Vermont will continue to pose challenges in this regard, we are confident that we will meet or exceed our target metrics.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.