Summary:
Bronco Space, a CubeSat laboratory at Cal Poly Pomona, won the TechLeap Prize, a competition that aims to rapidly develop space technologies.
The prize money allowed them to invest in a dedicated lab, expanding their technology development and maturation capabilities.
Bronco Space developed Bronco Ember, a wildfire detection system using a short-wave infrared camera with AI.
Zachary Gaines, a former Bronco Space member, established PRISM Intelligence, a spin-off company focused on 3D digital mapping for lunar exploration.
PRISM utilizes AI to create a “twin” world that can be searched, showcasing their innovative capabilities.
The company's success in NASA's Entrepreneurs Challenge demonstrates the power of these competitions in fostering entrepreneurial ventures.
NASA's competitions, like the TechLeap Prize, are not only driving innovation for the agency but also empowering participants to thrive. Bronco Space, a CubeSat laboratory at California State Polytechnic University Pomona, exemplifies this impact. Initially operating from a broom closet, the team's success in the TechLeap Prize propelled them to a dedicated lab, allowing them to mature space technologies. Their wildfire detection system, Bronco Ember, utilizing a short-wave infrared camera with AI, showcased their capabilities. Zachary Gaines, a former Bronco Space member, highlights how the prize money provided flexibility to invest in their lab and expand their technology development capabilities. This experience led to the creation of PRISM Intelligence, a spin-off company focusing on 3D digital mapping for lunar exploration. The company's technology, also called PRISM, utilizes AI to make a “twin” world searchable. Their success in NASA's Entrepreneurs Challenge further validated their entrepreneurial spirit. Gaines attributes their achievements to the TechLeap Prize, stating that it helped them understand how to develop technologies for industry. The university and PRISM Intelligence continue to receive NASA support, solidifying the impact of these competitions on fostering growth and entrepreneurship.
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