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Who Should Apply?

SEISMIC is primarily seeking entrepreneurs working on technologies related to the stated program topic areas (see Overview), however we invite all MSI student, faculty, and alumni entrepreneurs working on defense-related technologies to apply.

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All proposed solutions should consider the unique challenges of modern defense and intelligence requirements as indicated by the US Department of Defense. Applicants should demonstrate a clear understanding of the problem areas, and how their technologies can be fully commercialized as a "dual-use" solution.

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To check if your institution is an eligible MSI, please refer to NASA's 2023-2024 List of Minority Serving Institutions.​

 

If you believe your institution qualifies as an MSI, but it is not included on NASA's list, please Contact Us.

How to submit an application

Fill out all relevant fields in the application form

  • All applicants must include their affiliated institution and relationship to their institution. Eligible relationships are

    • Currently enrolled student (undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral) 

    • Deferred enrollment student

    • Alumni (must have obtained a 2-year degree or higher from the institution)

    • Current faculty or post-doc​ (tenured, untenured, or adjunct instructors, researchers, and fellows)

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Upload at least one of the following two documents*

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A Company/Technology Pitch Deck (*Required)​​

  • A 7 - 10 page startup pitch deck which that contains the following suggested elements:​​​​

    • Identified Problem 

    • Proposed Solution

    • Unique Value Proposition & Competition

    • Business Model & Target Market

    • Traction (e.g., grants, investment, customer interest, partnerships)

    • Team​​​​

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A 2-3 Page Technical White Paper (*Optional, but strongly encouraged)​

  •  A 1 - 3 page document regarding the proposed technology that addresses the following​

    • The details of the concept, the development of the technology to date, the development needed to address the topic to which it applies

    • Your ability to address the technological challenges related to space application

    • Relevant underlying science and research that justifies the approach (Citations are a major plus)

Evaluation

The SEISMIC review panel consists of a mixture of technical and commercial SMEs from the SEISMIC partnership. Winning applicants may not necessarily be the highest rated in any one category. SEISMIC is seeking applicants that demonstrate a cohesive and compelling narrative regarding their technology, its impact on the world and beyond, and the unique strengths of their team.

Product

  • Does this technology provide a novel, commercially viable solution to a real problem?​

  • If successful, what amount of impact will the solution have?

  • Does the technology have dual-use applications? Are those applications identified?

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Innovation

  • How is this capability accomplished today, if at all, and what are the limitations of current practices?

  • Does the proposed technology utilize novel theoretical concepts, approaches, methods, instrumentation, or services?

  • Does the proposed business plan include novel approaches to sales, marketing, productization, partnerships, etc.?​

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Commercialization

  • Does the application demonstrate a thoughtful approach to commercializing the (proposed) product/service?

  • Is there a clear path for the product/service to become a viable business? What are the milestones?

  • Is the market analysis sufficiently rigorous and well-reasoned? Are un-validated hypothesis identified and accounted for?

  • Are the product users and buyers identified and is the business model appropriate for them?

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Team

  • Does the team demonstrate a high level of ability and dedication?

  • Have the founders worked together in the past?

  • Have the founders built other successful businesses (either together or separately)?

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