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NASA MITTIC (MUREP Innovation and Tech Transfer Idea Competition) is a semesterly competition where you get to find a commercial application for a NASA patent and develop it into a spinoff product with benefits for all of us here on Earth. Over the course of just a few months, you will write a proposal paper, prepare a pitch video, work on a prototype, and if selected, go on an all-expenses paid trip to Johnson Space Center, where you will take part in a nationwide pitch competition. If you win (like one of our teams did in spring 2024!), you'll come away with the $20k prize, a whole 'nother trip to Silicon Valley, and some unforgettable memories.
This is probably the perfect opportunity for anyone interested in engineering / entrepreneurship - no experience required, open to all majors!
TEAMS
TEAMS
For Spring 2025, we plan to form 6 teams, with 6 members per team. Each team will have a lead, who is responsible for running the team and attending weekly team lead meetings run by our Design Team Coordinator (DTC), Sohaib Attalla.
The DTC will support the teams, help with the proposals' writing and formatting, take pictures and support with video editing (if needed), and ensure proper management and collaboration between all team members.
SELECTION PROCESS
SELECTION PROCESS
Round 1: Applications
Simply go to the application form, fill it out, and submit!
Round 2: Interviews
Most interviews nowadays just ask you to answer a batch of questions. But at SEDS, we recognize the power of work samples, which give applicants an opportunity to demonstrate something that they would actually be doing in their role. In our case, since MITTIC is essentially just a pitch competition, that means giving a pitch. So we offer applicants two options for their interview:
Pitch Option - This allows you to pick a NASA patent of your choice, come up with a spinoff product idea, and pitch it to us. If you select this option, you're essentially guaranteed an interview, so we recommend you start preparing as soon as you can. The interview will still have a few questions, but the focus will be on your pitch. If we like it, then you're in! So spend some quality time on this, try your best to think of something truly innovative, and you'll be well on your way. Also, keep in mind that your pitches will be the teams' main source of ideas, so if your team likes the idea, then that's what y'all will be pitching for the competition!
Standard Option - If you're more comfortable with a traditional interview format, we can do that as well! Standard interviews will consist mainly of behavioral questions.
Fall 2024
Fall 2024
For the fall semester, we once again formed 6 teams to compete in MITTIC. This was our second time competing, so we had a much better idea of what we were doing. But it still wasn't easy. It took weeks of hard work and dedication, but we once again got 2 teams to Phase 2! Then both teams pitched their ideas at NASA JSC, with Team SCOPE finishing 2nd for a prize of $10k!
Phase 1 - In just under a month of effort, all 6 teams successfully complete their research proposals and pitch videos. A lot of changes and improvements to the papers were made from last semester, and we can comfortably say we are proud of all of our work!
Phase 2 - Two of our teams are selected as finalists, joining just 12 nationwide. Both teams SCOPE and MUSCLE embarked on a 3-day trip to NASA JSC, where they got to tour the facilities, learn from JP Morgan Chase mentors, and pitch their ideas to the judges.
Results - SCOPE places 2nd overall, winning $10k to continue developing their idea and earning tremendous praise for their pitch!
Our Fall 2024 Teams
▶ Team SCOPE (Runner-Up) | Improves endoscopy with Fiber Bragg Grating sensors for better precision and fewer complications, aiming for FDA approval
▶ Team MUSCLE (Finalist) | Uses neural networks to estimate muscle forces from EMG data, optimizing performance for athletes and patients
▶ Team SAFE | Creates a seizure monitoring system to help parents ensure children's safety and predict seizures
▶ Team STEP | Enhances wind turbine efficiency with superhydrophobic coatings to reduce drag and boost sustainability
▶ Team Focus Haptics | Designs advanced foot pedal controls for underwater vehicles with improved haptic feedback
▶ Team ECLIPSS | Develops drone swarm coordination to improve battery efficiency and extend delivery operations
Meet Team SCOPE!
Both of our Finalist teams ready for their JSC tours! [12/4/2024]
SPRING 2024
SPRING 2024
In February of 2024, we put together 6 teams for NASA MITTIC. It was our first time competing, and also our first time running any sort of design team since the pandemic. Safe to say, our expectations were completely blown out of the water. Here's how it went down:
Phase 1 - After a month of intensive work, all 6 teams manage to successfully complete their proposals and pitch videos.
Phase 2 - Two teams are selected to move on, out of only 11 finalists nationwide. Both teams get to go on a 3-day trip to NASA JSC, where they tour the facilities, meet astronauts, and pitch their product to a decorated panel of judges.
Results - SADI Control Systems pulls off an incredible win, earning the top prize of $20k, plus an exclusive trip to Silicon Valley!
Our Spring 2024 Teams
▶ SADI Control Systems (Winner) | An innovative fire sprinkler using shape memory alloys to cut off flow when fire is extinguished and prevent excessive water damage
▶ AWTRS (Finalist) | A filter system based on ISS technology that uses magnesium nanowires to recycle agricultural runoff and recover ammonia
▶ UAV-ian Rescue | An emergency response UAV, based on the Prandtl-D wing, with increased efficiency & rapid deployment capabilities
▶ Resin Rangers | Electronics casing made of RTM 370 resin, for enhanced durability and performance
▶ HyperWrap | A medical sleeve using electromagnetic fields to accelerate tissue repair
▶ ErgoGlove | A rehabilitation glove for physical therapy patients, based on NASA's Robo-Glove
Meet SADI Control Systems!
Watch the winning pitch!
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