National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Goddard Space Flight CenterGoddard Space Flight Center

Working With SPO

Gear IconThe Strategic Partnerships Office (SPO) at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center connects the internal world of NASA science and research with the external environment of private industry and academia. SPO bridges these two realms to facilitate collaboration and advance Goddard’s missions. SPO’s three program areas each offer unique opportunities for researchers to find solutions to their technology-related problems and approach these issues from new angles.

Program Benefits to Inventors
Technology Transfer
  • Although invention disclosure is required by NASA policy, SPO staff can help complete forms and save time for the inventor.
  • Inventors share in royalties from licensed inventions.
  • Inventors can earn awards related to technology transfer.
  • Technology transfer confers great societal benefit – see our success stories for examples.
SBIR / STTR
  • The SBIR/STTR program enables small businesses (alone or partnering with universities) to solve some of NASA’s R&D challenges.
  • SBIR/STTR funds come from the Agency level (i.e., represent “extra resources” to help advance your technologies)
Partnerships
  • Collaborations with industry can bring in research funding and/or in-kind support to advance your technologies.