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Trudy McCarthy
Sr Director, Marketing & Strategic Initiatives
(321) 638-2000
TMccarthy@SpaceCoastEDC.org
 

EDC/NASA Technology Docking Program Stimulates Local Economy

NASA to assist local companies in solving technology challenge.
 

Space Coast, FL (October 5, 2017) – Working with NASA is often a dream for many. That dream became a reality for five local businesses, when the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) introduced them into a collaboration with subject matter experts from NASA’s facilities across the nation.

A strategic alliance powered by the EDC and NASA, known as the Technology Docking Program, joins Brevard companies together with NASA expertise to solve a defined commercial technology challenge. This unique collaboration fuels innovation and enhances the inventory of technologies in the Space Coast region, stimulating the local economy and ensuring Brevard County remains competitive on a global scale.

Since its inauguration in 2015, companies such as SeaDek Marine Products, Alluvionic, GeNO LLC, and more, have benefited from this strategic partnership. For GeNO LLC, a biopharmaceutical company based out of Cocoa, the subject-matter experts assisted in a search for an answer that would have taken the company an additional two years to find, if NASA expertise had not been available.

The five companies that have been selected to participate in the 2017 program are:

• Alertgy Inc. - Developer of a wearable medical monitoring system for diabetics.
• Global Clean Diesel - Developer of a low-cost emissions aftertreatment solution for achieving real world Global emissions reductions.
• Make Sence Florida Inc. - Developer of proprietary technology to create a new, more versatile data type.
• LOIS - Developer of a proprietary personal-safety software platform.
• Vision Systems - Manufacturer of solar protection products for aeronautic, land transport, and marine industries.

These companies are already seeing results from their initial meetings:

“The NASA subject matter expert we were paired with was a perfect fit. He completely understood our technology challenges and immediately proposed ideas to resolve our issues. On top of that, he suggested potential new applications for our technology which could lead to new revenue streams in the long-term,” stated Robin Bokilo, COO, Vision Systems North America.

“We are very encouraged that NASA subject matter experts, with decades of experience, will be able to assist our company in achieving our technical challenge. We look forward to achieving our goals together as a team,” said Brett Bailey, President and CEO of Global Clean Diesel.

“With Technology Docking in its third year, the program continues to be a successful tool for our local economy,” stated Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the EDC. “This program not only leads to new business ventures for these companies, but advances opportunities and innovation on the Space Coast.”

“Technology Docking is a unique partnership between NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, and the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, that combines the talent and resources of each to stimulate growth and job creation in the region,” said Robert Ashley, KSC Project Lead for NASA’s national program for Regional Economic Development (RED).

“The track record of the EDC’s partnership with NASA has proven to be an immensely valuable technology enabler and economic driver for our small-to-medium sized enterprises,” stated Dr. Abram Walton, EDC Innovation Council Chair and Professor, College of Business at the Florida Institute of Technology. “Participants have been recognized as thought leaders in their industry and the value created for participants is evidenced by the ongoing robustness of applications for participation each year. This program is a clear differentiator for companies in our region, and we are pleased to continue to support this effort.”

To date, the Technology Docking Program has engaged 85 companies through direct interface with NASA representatives.

Companies looking to receive input from NASA can learn more by visiting the Technology Docking Program website at www.spacecoastedc.org/TechDocking

For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy

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About the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast
The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) is dedicated to attracting new business and investment and expanding existing industry throughout the Space Coast, influencing change on government laws and regulations affecting economic development, promoting the Space Coast to encourage new investment, supporting efforts of Space Coast military installations, and relaying new programs and procedures to assist manufacturing and high-tech companies. The EDC is a private, not-for-profit coalition whose stakeholders are business leaders committed to the economic growth and stability of Florida’s Space Coast. Visit www.SpaceCoastEDC.org