By Tim Ryan
Hampton Roads just experienced a one-of-a-kind fusion of cutting-edge technology and startup ingenuity. Innovate Hampton Roads, NASA Langley Research Center, and REaKTOR joined forces for the first-ever “Down to Earth, Ready to Launch” event on October 16th and 17th, where the power of NASA’s technological assets met the bright minds of the regional innovation ecosystem.
 
This dynamic two-day event brought together startup founders, business leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs at the Hampton Roads Biomedical Research Center and NASA Langley, all with one mission—to discover how space technology can be leveraged to solve real-world challenges. The event’s goal was simple but profound: open the gateway for local entrepreneurs to access NASA-developed technologies and propel them into the market.
Day 1: Getting Grounded at the Hampton Roads Biomedical Research Center
Day one kicked off at the Hampton Roads Biomedical Research Center in Portsmouth, where attendees gathered to embark on a journey of innovation. They started by exploring the essentials of NASA’s Technology Transfer (T2) and Technology Transfer Expansion (T2X) programs, which focus on making NASA’s innovations broadly available to the public. With presentations from NASA’s inventors, participants learned about the array of technologies ripe for commercialization—from advanced materials to novel software solutions.
Attendees split into diverse teams to collaborate, brainstorm, and bring new ideas to life through structured exercises. The afternoon was a hands-on workshop in innovation—participants worked on ideation, validated business assumptions, and explored product-market fit using tools like the Business Model Canvas. NASA inventors joined to inspire teams, offering insights into potential commercial applications for their patented technologies.
Day 2: Exploring Space-Age Capabilities at NASA Langley
On day two, the excitement continued at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton. The morning began with a warm welcome from senior leaders, including Kevin Rivers, who shared insights into NASA’s strategic priorities and its partnership opportunities for startups. Attendees got a firsthand look at NASA facilities, experiencing the innovation behind doors that are rarely open to the public.
The day concluded with teams presenting their ideas—”pitches” rooted in technologies they had studied—showcasing concepts ranging from medical applications to green tech solutions. The energy and enthusiasm were palpable, with attendees excited to build on the momentum of the past two days. A certificate ceremony celebrated each participant’s contributions and reminded them of NASA’s ongoing commitment to supporting the startup ecosystem.
Continuing the Mission
“Down to Earth, Ready to Launch” exemplifies the spirit of partnership and innovation in Hampton Roads. By connecting startups to NASA’s deep well of technologies and expertise, Innovate Hampton Roads is paving the way for a future where space technology directly impacts our community’s economic growth. This is just the beginning—entrepreneurs are encouraged to explore NASA’s tech transfer programs and imagine how these innovations can solve pressing problems here on Earth.
Let’s keep building, inventing, and launching together. If you’re ready to turn groundbreaking technology into your next big idea, explore more opportunities at Innovate Hampton Roads.
