FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the NASA Science Mission Directorate Entrepreneurs Challenge?
The Entrepreneurs Challenge seeks to invite fresh ideas and new participants in supporting development of instruments and technologies with the potential to advance the agency's science mission goals. In Round One, of the challenge, participants will submit a brief white paper outlining their concepts for review by a panel of NASA experts. Up to 20 winners from Round One will receive an invitation to participate in Round Two, along with $10,000 in prize funding. Round Two participants will submit a more detailed white paper and will also participate in a two-day virtual live event on November 3-4, 2021 to present their ideas to the panel of judges for review. Up to 10 Round Two winners will receive an additional $80,000 in prize funding from NASA.
Who can l contact for further questions regarding application submissions and/or general questions?
For all questions regarding application requirements or just general inquires please reach out to the Entrepreneurs Challenge team via this form here. Please be sure to include a link to your company's website, a brief description of the technology you are working on, and any other information that may enable us to assist you.
Is the Entrepreneurs Challenge open to international based applicants?
Unfortunately, the Entrepreneurs Challenge is only open to applicants based in the United States.
Do proposed technology concepts need to have reached a certain technology readiness level (TRL)?
Participants may propose technology concepts at any TRL as long as they meet the evaluation criteria of the challenge.
Are there strict limits to the 5 page maximum on the white paper proposal?
Yes, reviewers will not read material that exceeds the 5-page limit.
Are there any rules regarding IP assignment?
NASA does not claim any intellectual property (IP) rights from the participant’s submissions. All trade secrets, copyrights, patent rights, and software rights will remain with each respective participant. Do not include any proprietary information in your white paper.
Can applicants submit more than one proposal?
Yes; participants should submit a separate Round One white paper for each concept proposed.
Is participation in this challenge prohibited if a company is concurrently submitting proposals to SBIR or JAIC?
Applicants are encouraged to apply to this challenge and SMD will determine the best course of action.
Can applicants still apply if they've received a prior SBIR award?
Yes, applicants who have received previous SBIR awards can apply.
Is participation in the challenge restricted to startup companies?
The description of Round Two in the challenge overview mentions winners “may choose to submit a proposal to one of SMD’s 15 established technology programs." Is there a link to access information about these technology programs?
Here is a link to all of the elements of our Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES).The specific technology solicitations are:
Do participants need to be US citizens?
To be selected for any prize, participants must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder).
Where can NASA science questions and priorities be found?
NASA science priorities and questions can be found in the National Academies’ Decadal Surveys. Decadal surveys supporting the Earth Science, Planetary Science, Heliophysics, and Astrophysics Divisions are located here. The Biological and Physical Science Decadal Survey is located here.
How does NASA define a SmallSat?
NASA defines a SmallSat as a spacecraft that is interface compatible with an ESPA Ring, a dedicated small or medium-lift launch vehicle, or a containerized dispenser, and with an upper mass limit of approximately 500 kg.