The Program That Turns Big Ideas into Real-World Solutions
Imagine a future where we can manufacture tools on Mars from greenhouse gases or protect spacecraft with self-healing solar coatings. These aren't scenes from science fiction—they're real innovations being developed today through NASA's Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program.
This unique initiative bridges the gap between revolutionary ideas and practical space technology by pairing the innovation of small businesses with the research power of universities.
For decades, NASA has recognized that the most groundbreaking technologies often emerge from small teams with big ideas. The STTR program, with its proven track record of funding thousands of innovative projects since its inception, serves as a critical catalyst for advancing space exploration while simultaneously benefiting life on Earth 1 .
Grants Awarded Since 1982
Firms Supported
Total Investment
The Small Business Technology Transfer program represents a unique partnership model designed to move cutting-edge research from laboratories to practical applications. Unlike its close cousin SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research), STTR requires formal collaboration between small businesses and research institutions like universities or non-profit labs 3 .
This partnership structure is deliberate—it combines the agility and entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses with the extensive research capabilities and fundamental science expertise of academic institutions. While SBIR allows partnering with research institutions, STTR mandates it, ensuring that both entities have significant stakes in the development process 3 .
| Feature | SBIR | STTR |
|---|---|---|
| Partnering Requirement | Allows partnering | Requires non-profit research institution partner |
| Principal Investigator Employment | Primary employment (>50%) must be with small business | PI may be employed by either partner |
| Work Allocation | May subcontract up to 33% (Phase I) and 50% (Phase II) | Minimum 40% small business, 30% research institution |
| IP Agreement Requirement | No | Yes, must allocate intellectual property rights |
The "idea generation" phase where teams establish scientific, technical, and commercial merit and feasibility of their proposed innovation, typically with awards of $150,000 .
The prototype development phase where successful Phase I projects receive additional funding to further develop their technology.
Optional additional funding to encourage advancement of innovations developed under Phase II 1 .
This phased approach ensures that promising technologies receive the support they need to progress from concept to reality, with each stage building upon the previous one's successes.
One compelling example of STTR success is Mango Materials, a women-owned small business that partnered with Colorado School of Mines through NASA's STTR program. Their innovation addresses multiple challenges simultaneously: reducing greenhouse gases and creating sustainable manufacturing solutions for space exploration 1 .
Mango Materials developed a system to transform methane—a potent greenhouse gas—into biopolymers, which are biodegradable plastic alternatives. On Earth, this technology offers a dual benefit: creating sustainable plastic substitutes while recycling methane that would otherwise contribute to climate change.
For space missions, this innovation could prove revolutionary—potentially supporting sustained human presence on Mars by enabling astronauts to manufacture tools and construction materials on-site, drastically reducing the need for shipments from Earth 1 .
The research journey began with funding from the National Science Foundation in 2012-2013, where the company explored how to feed methane to naturally occurring bacteria. These bacteria create biopolymer granules inside their cell walls, which can be harvested into pellets, melted, and used to create various materials 1 .
Explored basic process of creating biopolymers from methane
Adapted bioreactor system for low-gravity environments
Improved end-to-end system and minimized waste
Received $6 million to optimize and commercialize
The STTR Phase I and II awards in 2016-2017 allowed the team to adapt their bioreactor system to function in low-gravity environments—a critical step for space applications. As Dr. Junko Munakata Marr, Professor at Colorado School of Mines, noted, the collaboration provided students with valuable insight into "small business culture in a real-world setting" while expanding the school's space resources program through their growing relationship with NASA 1 .
In 2019, the project received a Phase II-E extension to improve the end-to-end system and minimize waste. The team's success continued with the 2020 Civilian Commercialization Readiness Pilot Program (CCRPP), which provided $6 million in total funds from STTR and investors to optimize and commercialize the biopolymer product 1 .
Creating innovative technologies for space applications requires specialized materials and approaches. Below are some key elements researchers use in developing STTR projects:
| Material/Component | Function in Research |
|---|---|
| Methane waste gas | Feedstock for biopolymer production in bioreactor systems |
| Specialized bacteria strains | Naturally produce biopolymer granules from methane consumption |
| Bioreactor systems | Controlled environments for bacteria growth and polymer production |
| Polymer Anti-damage Nanocomposite Down-converting Armor (PANDA) | UV protective coating for photovoltaic solar cells in space |
| Integrated motor drives | Combine electric motor and power electronics for aerospace applications |
The collaboration between Mango Materials and Colorado School of Mines exemplifies how STTR partnerships combine different areas of expertise. The small business brought the core technology concept and entrepreneurial drive, while the research institution contributed specialized laboratory equipment, scientific expertise, and research methodologies necessary to adapt the technology for space applications 1 .
The STTR program creates a win-win scenario for all participants and society at large.
Gain access to crucial funding and research expertise that might otherwise be unavailable to them.
Benefit from real-world applications of their work and the opportunity to see their research make a tangible impact.
Receives innovative solutions to challenging problems while fostering the growth of the aerospace technology ecosystem.
Benefits from "spin-off" technologies that find applications far beyond their original space-focused designs 1 .
Perhaps most importantly, these technologies often find applications far beyond their original space-focused designs—a phenomenon known as "spin-off" benefits. For instance, H3X Technologies, another STTR participant, developed integrated motor drives for NASA's SUSAN (SUbsonic Single Aft eNgine) project, which aims to advance hybrid-electric aircraft. These same motor drives were later adapted to assist high-speed hydrofoil sailboats in the Sail Grand Prix competition, helping them "get up on foil" even in low-wind conditions 1 .
As we look toward future space exploration—including sustained presence on the Moon and eventual missions to Mars—the STTR program will continue to play a vital role in developing the necessary technologies. The program's structured approach to technology development, combined with its powerful partnership model, creates an ideal environment for tackling the complex challenges of space exploration 1 .
Recent statistics highlight the program's ongoing impact: NASA has awarded over 18,000 grants to more than 3,500 firms since 1982, representing a total investment of over $4 billion in small business innovation 1 . These numbers translate into real technological advances that benefit both space exploration and life on Earth.
The STTR program demonstrates that the journey from laboratory breakthrough to practical innovation requires both visionary ideas and strategic partnerships. By connecting the dots between fundamental research and applied technology, NASA ensures that the future of space exploration remains bright—fueled by the creativity and perseverance of small businesses and research institutions working together to solve tomorrow's challenges today.
"Keep your eyes wide open and try to reach out to nearby small businesses interested in transferring your technology to the market. And remember: it should line up with what NASA is looking for."
— Dr. Patel, Oakwood University 1