Space technology entrepreneurs wanted for “shark tank” event

As a technology entrepreneur, this could be the break you’ve been hoping for—to pitch your idea to NASA. On Feb. 1 in Chicago, 10 tech startup companies will have the opportunity to “fast pitch” their innovations to an audience and a panel of judges.

“Ignite the Night is a fun, high-energy event that looks to connect brands and organizations to the movers and shakers of our space industry,” said Michael Lembeck, aerospace engineering professor at the University of Illinois, which is co-promoting the event.

According to Lembeck, the top presenter, selected by a panel of NASA and industry judges, will earn a position among 25 top ideas gathered from around the nation. These companies will be further evaluated by NASA’s chief technologists and will have a chance to be matched with interested investors to move the innovation forward to commercial markets.

Students are encouraged to prepare their innovative ideas and submit them for consideration on the event website. Submission is free, but must be completed by Jan. 18, 2019, to be considered.

U of I students will have an opportunity to meet and talk directly with the NASA Centers’ Chief Technologists immediately prior to the event in Chicago. The evening will also give students the opportunity to interact with aerospace and technology industry leaders who are serving as judges for Ignite the Night.

Ignite the Night will be held at TechNexus, 20 N. Upper Wacker Dr. #1200, in Chicago from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.

NASA iTech is a program within NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate that works in collaboration with The National Institute of Aerospace (NIA) in support of the Agency’s Mission. This collaborative effort identifies and fosters innovative solutions that aim to solve challenges on Earth and also have the potential to solve some of NASA’s challenges agency-wide. 

Registration to attend the event is available on line. Early registration is encouraged, as the venue will have limited capacity for the evening.

For those who cannot attend, the event will be live-streamed . NASA iTech is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only and is subject to all current International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) guidelines.

For more information, visit NASAitech.com or contact U of I Professor Michael Lembeck (mlembeck@illinois.edu; 217-300-8009).