Are you an enterprising inventor? An inspired innovator? An established industry leader? Your idea belongs in space.
Fueled by investment from both public and private sectors, human space exploration is on track to become a $1.1 trillion industry by 2040. But it’s no longer just about getting there. The future depends on making all the things we need on Earth available in space.
The MBDA InVision Tour connects you to unlimited opportunities in the rapidly expanding world of space.
What is the MBDA InVision Tour?
The MBDA InVision Tour is a series of virtual events and conversations designed to empower minority innovators, entrepreneurs, and business owners to adapt current products for use in the space industrial base and bring new products and technologies to the commercial marketplace.
Your Product: Adapted for Space
During the MBDA InVision Tour, you’ll hear from space industry experts and learn about the diverse product and service needs of the space industry. From foods that can be eaten in anti-gravity environments to technical equipment that can survive extreme temperatures, everything we need to sustain life on Earth will also be needed in space. We need your help to modify the products that your company currently makes for use in the space industrial base.
Why Attend?
Discover
pathways to transition your business to the space industrial base.
Access
an established network of public and private stakeholders alongside innovators, industry experts, and leading institutions.
Accelerate
innovative ideas toward commercialization, resulting in new products and business growth using federal government resources.
Research and Resources to Help Grow Your Business
The MBDA InVision Tour provides limitless opportunities for you to take advantage of federally funded research and technology originally designed for use in space. Among other opportunities, you’ll be able to license technology and use it in your business processes through technology transfer programs. The research and the patents are waiting for you!
The materials in hundreds of items you use every day were developed by scientists for space travel. Innovative entrepreneurs and business owners like you have taken advantage of existing technology and are using it for a commercial purpose here on Earth. Here are three examples of items that were originally developed for use in space.
Astronauts and other future travelers on extended space travel need healthy and appetizing foods. Through its Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) program, NASA developed a hydroponic system for growing plants that don’t need soil.
The Refabricator, a new machine at the International Space Station, is aptly named. It is both a 3D printer and a recycle machine. This invention allows astronauts to make tools to exact specs so that they can make replacement parts in space, rather than wait months for what they need.
Clear, concise procedures are critical to helping astronauts avoid errors. TRACLabs, Inc. developed its Procedure Integrated Development Environment (PRIDE) software through NASA SBIR contracts. Astronauts use the paperless system to help them accomplish tasks in space – and on Earth.
MBDA InVision Tour is for YOU.
Hospitality & Tourism
Agriculture & Food Science
Science & Lab Technology
Cybersecurity
Mechanics & Engineering
Architecture & Design
Medicine & Health
About MBDA
The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is the only federal agency solely dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises. MBDA offers customized business development and industry-focused services to provide greater access to capital, contracts, and markets.
Visit mbda.gov to learn more.
Vision
Economic prosperity for all American business enterprises.
Mission
The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is the only federal agency solely dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises.
Passion
Winning The Future, Now! MBDA programs, services, and initiatives focus on helping MBEs grow today, while preparing them to meet the industry needs of tomorrow.