NASA defers tech licensing fees for entrepreneurs
The Startup NASA initiative allows entrepreneurs to defer fees for the first three years on any of NASA’s 1,200 patented technologies – from materials and coatings to sensors, aeronautics technologies, instrumentation and more.
The initiative addresses two common problems start-ups face: raising capital and securing intellectual property rights.
Finding the technologies available for license is simply a click away. NASA created a streamlined, online patent portal covering 15 categories of its technologies. Once a desired technology is identified, an online application can be filled out and submitted through the website.
Although the license itself is free, the start-up companies must adhere to the following guidelines:
- The offer is open only to companies formed to commercialize the licensed NASA technology.
- "No up-front payment" means NASA waives the initial licensing fees, and there are no minimum fees for the first three years. Once the company starts selling a product, NASA will collect a standard net royalty fee.
- This announcement applies only to non-exclusive licenses, although NASA will consider exclusivity if the start-up wishes to negotiate.
- Companies entering into these licenses are bound by all requirements in federal licensing statutes and NASA policies, including development of a commercialization plan and reporting on efforts to achieve practical application.
"The Startup NASA initiative leverages the results of our cutting-edge research and development so entrepreneurs can take that research -- and some risks -- to create new products and new services," said David Miller, NASA's chief technologist.
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