A special Ignite the Night TAMPA, a NASA iTech event, is slated for Tuesday,
Feb. 11, 5:30-8:30 p.m. This fast-paced live event is designed to find and foster new technologies that might otherwise fly “under the radar” of NASA, potential investors, business leaders and technology experts who could help bring the innovations to market.

The idea of NASA iTech is to increase interest in and awareness of winning innovations that can improve the future of space exploration and life on Earth.

NASA iTech will select and invite 10 innovators from the applications received to present their ideas to an expert panel of judges at the Ignite the Night TAMPA event. The winner in Tampa will earn a semifinalist slot in the current NASA iTech cycle, increasing their chances to qualify as a finalist for the 2020 NASA iTech Cycle I Forum in Kansas City, Missouri, May 20-21.

For Ignite the Night TAMPA, NASA iTech is searching for technologies that address key focus areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, Biotechnology, System Autonomy, and Advanced Manufacturing. An X-Factor category also makes room for ideas that may not neatly fit into one of the defined focus areas. An X-Factor technology is one that entrants think will wow the judges by the profound impact their innovation will have toward improving the future of space exploration and life on Earth. Video from the event will be streamed online during the event. The program will conclude with an award ceremony announcing the top innovator.

Innovators wishing to present at Ignite the Night TAMPA will need to  by Jan. 17, 2020. Additional information and a link to attend the event as an audience member can be found on the NASA iTech website.

Harla Sherwood
National Institute of Aerospace, Hampton, Va.
757-636-6300
sherwood@nianet.org