TRDA Granted Approval to Continue NASA-KSC Technology Partnership NASA-KSC and the TRDA Leverage Resources to Commercialize Dual Use Technologies

 
Titusville, Fla. – June 27, 2001 – The Technological Research and Development Authority (TRDA) recently received approval for $75,000 in co-funding from NASA to extend and expand the NASA-KSC/Florida Dual-Use Technology Partnership through April 2003.  Together with the NASA funding and matching funds from TRDA, the expanded partnership will allow for increased activity and a more comprehensive outreach program. 

The basic approach to this partnership has been to align the proven technology identification methods, development/deployment methodologies, and evaluation criteria of NASA-KSC with the unique outreach and transfer techniques of TRDA. Working together in technology transfer activities and dual-use technology projects, NASA-KSC and the TRDA can continue to leverage resources and accomplish commercialization in a highly efficient and effective manner.

The NASA-KSC/Florida partnership will continue to enhance the ability of NASA-KSC to commercialize promising new technology by drawing on TRDA’s ability to locate companies that have the capabilities to commercialize them. The partnership will result in an increase of potential commercialization partners and lead to more viable dual-use technology projects.

“Through our role as NASA’s liaison with the Florida technology-based business community the TRDA has developed extremely effective communication, outreach programs and networks of organizations throughout the state,” says Dave Kershaw, director of the Florida/NASA Business Incubation Center and project manager for the Dual Use Partnership. “An expanded partnership will allow us to broaden the reach of the program and maximize the potential of the NASA-KSC/Florida Dual-Use Technology Partnership.”

Last year, the Dual-Use Technology partnership benefited NASA-KSC by finding several companies interested in the latest Dual Use Technology projects, developing a business model for a technology investment program, and conducting outreach and public relations to Florida’s business community on behalf of the NASA-KSC Commercialization Office.

Small, commercial high-tech or defense/aerospace-related companies are targeted under the NASA-KSC/Florida Dual-Use Technology Partnership.  Extra efforts will continue to identify and contact minority businesses within the existing TRDA networks as well.

The Technology Research and Development Authority, established by the Florida Legislature in 1987, delivers the successful and cost-effective transfer of cutting edge technologies to schools and small businesses throughout the State of Florida. Through strategic alliances with NASA, the federal government, the aerospace industry and state partners – including the Department of Education, Enterprise Florida and the Department of Community Affairs – TRDA is giving Floridians the edge to successfully compete in the new millennium. TRDA sponsors programs that enhance education, space research and economic development within the state.