This past week MVEDA was proud to host the NASA iTech 2019 Cycle II competition held for the first time in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Our ability to bring this event extends several years back to a relationship MVEDA created with NASA iTech’s director, Kira Blackwell, on a project on which we collaborated. It was that work effort which set in motion the opportunity to bring this event to Las Cruces, the smallest market in which NASA iTech has been held.
Ten finalists of the NASA iTech competition traveled from their backyards in Australia, Germany and across the United States. Several ventured from Florida’s Space Coast and one company was even local to Las Cruces. The entrepreneurs showcased their technology breakthroughs to chief technologists from various NASA centers. Experts from industry, academia, professional organizations and potential investors were also in attendance at the public forum Oct. 7 and 8.
MVEDA was able to work with Las Cruces Public Schools by sponsoring transportation and meals so that over 60 students could participate in this event and be at the forefront of seeing technologies which could transform the aerospace industry. This was a first for NASA iTech and their team mentioned the desire to incorporate similar opportunities for students into future events.
Many thanks to the community partners as a whole who stepped in to help sponsor this event. They included the City of Las Cruces, NM Partnership, Arrowhead Center at NMSU, Spaceport America, ISPCS, and La Posta de Mesilla.
Posted: October 14, 2019
