Sustainable Business Model Challenge
Use NASA’s Earth Science Data in your Sustainable Business Model. Register for the Challenge today!
Why This Challenge Matters
NASA invites entrepreneurs, startups, researchers, and innovators to leverage NASA’s Earth system science data to create sustainable business models that tackle real-world resiliency challenges.
What’s in it for You?
Cash Prizes
Up to 10 winners will each receive $10,000, with a total prize pool of $100,000.
SBIR Training
Access to a 10-week capability development training to strengthen your SBIR Phase I proposal.
Expert Feedback
Tailored readiness assessment for submitting to NASA’s SBIR program.
How to Participate
Participants must develop a business model that incorporates integration of at least one NASA Earth system science data source. Submissions should include:
A clear value proposition and market fit.
Customer base analysis and delivery format preferences.
Unit economics and commercialization plan.
Integration of at least one NASA Earth system science data source.
Leverage NASA’s World-Class Earth System Science Data
Participants must integrate at least one of NASA’s Earth system science datasets into their business model. Explore resources like:
NASA EOSDIS:
Earth science data from satellite missions.
NASA NEX:
Global climate projections and ecosystem data.
ClimateSERV:
Visualize and download rainfall and temperature forecasts.
Full List of Data Sources:
NASA EOSDIS
NASA EOSDIS
Earth science data from satellite missions.
NASA Global Climate Change
NASA Global Climate Change
Global climate projections and ecosystem data.
ClimateSERV
ClimateSERV
Visualize and download rainfall and temperature forecasts.
Mark Your Calendar
Join the Challenge
Steps to Register
Sign up on Freelancer.com
Create an account to submit your solution.
Sign up on Freelancer.com:
Create an account to submit your solution.
Complete the Registration Form:
Provide your team details and problem area.
Submit Your Proposal:
Upload your business concept paper by June 13, 2025.
Meet the Judges
Keiko Nomura
Research Scientist, NASA Ames Research Center
Dr. Keiko Nomura specializes in remote sensing and applied sciences, with over 20 years of experience developing biodiversity and risk datasets for sectors including finance, retail, and transportation. She has worked with organizations such as UNEP and Space Intelligence, and collaborates closely with academic and technology partners. Recognized by Radiant Earth as a leading woman in machine learning for Earth observation, she also serves as a Google Developer Expert for Earth Engine.
Ian G. Brosnan
Project Scientist, NASA Ames Research Center
Dr. Brosnan is the project scientist overseeing the NASA Earth eXchange, a project that combines state-of-the-art supercomputing, Earth system modeling, and NASA remote sensing data. He previously led Ames Research Center’s contributions to the NASA Earth System Observatory core missions, including development of terrestrial and aquatic observing system simulation experiments, a science data processing pipeline control infrastructure for spaceflight missions and the architecting of a small satellite constellation pathfinder for hyperspectral continuity measurements. Dr. Brosnan started his career as U.S. Coast Guard officer serving at-sea, and continues to serve in the Coast Guard Reserve.
Dan Hammer
Co-founder, LGND
Dr. Dan Hammer is the co-founder of LGND, a venture-backed startup building AI infrastructure for Earth observation data, and co-founder of Ode, a design and technology agency for environmental applications. He previously served as Chief Data Scientist at the World Resources Institute, where he co-founded Global Forest Watch, and as a Senior Advisor at Google X. Dan was a Senior Policy Advisor in the Obama White House (Office of Science and Technology Policy) and a Presidential Innovation Fellow at NASA. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. from UC Berkeley and is a National Geographic Explorer.
Jason L Kessler
SBIR/STTR Program Executive, NASA
Jason provides executive leadership and management oversight for NASA’s ~$200M annual SBIR and STTR Programs. The SBIR/STTR program selects over 550 technology and innovation projects annually, investing in more than 300 small businesses and entrepreneurs in the United States space industry.
Eric Shrago
Vice President of Operations, Connecticut Green Bank
Eric has a track record in clean energy and sustainability most recently illustrated by his current role where he manages the planning, data, communications, operations, and impact functions at the Connecticut Green Bank. He also leads a municipal commission on sustainability and holds a MPA in Energy Policy. In his spare time, Eric enjoys being outdoors and hanging out with his kids. |
Rajul Pandya
Professor of Practice, Arizona State University
Educated as a physicist and atmospheric scientist, Pandya brings a history of working at the intersection of science, education and community partnerships to advance understanding of the scientific and social dimensions of sustainability. His work has focused on how the sciences can be more participatory, how community participation contributes to scientific innovation and societal relevance, and science as a community and human right.
Thomas Murray
Managing Partner, Capacitor Capital
Thomas Murray is the Founder and Managing Partner of Capacitor Capital, a long-term investment firm focused on acquiring and operating businesses in the clean energy and infrastructure sectors. He brings over 15 years of experience across engineering, investment banking, and private equity, having led more than 50 M&A and financing transactions at Citi and Macquarie. Thomas began his career working in nuclear power plants and holds a mechanical engineering degree from Cornell University and an MBA from Wharton. He is passionate about building a more sustainable future.
Arie Kouandjio
Senior Project Manager, M&A, NextEra Energy
Arie Kouandjio brings a diverse background spanning sports, aerospace, energy, and finance. A former professional athlete with the Washington Commanders, he transitioned into business with roles in venture capital at NGP Capital and strategy at Blue Origin. He currently works in mergers and acquisitions at NextEra Energy. Arie holds an MBA from the Wharton School, as well as a Bachelor’s in Finance and a Master’s in Applied Economics from the University of Alabama.
Inspiration for Your Solution
Agriculture
Precision farming with weather and climate forecasts.
Disaster Response
Providing data-driven insights for emergency response teams to prioritize rescue and recovery efforts during natural disasters.
Insurance
Assess risks for climate-vulnerable properties.
Sustainability
Supporting carbon monitoring efforts by providing data to help track carbon emissions and deforestation rates.