NASA has announced the 2027 edition of its ORBIT (Opportunities in Research, Business, Innovation, and Technology for the Workforce) Challenge, a nationwide competition inviting university and community college students to engage with real agency intellectual property and mission challenges. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial contexts.
Participants are required to select a specific track for their projects. The ORBIT Earth path focuses on developing commercial applications of NASA patents to solve problems on Earth, while the ORBIT Space track challenges teams to design next-generation technologies for space exploration. Teams aiming for the most ambitious scope may pursue both tracks simultaneously to qualify for an optional Integration Bonus.
Prizes and Professional Development
The competition offers a total of up to $500,000 in prizes for successful teams. Beyond financial rewards, participants will receive mentorship from NASA experts and have the opportunity to present their work at an in-person showcase. Finalists in the challenge will also gain access to an exclusive accelerator program specifically designed to launch careers in STEM and entrepreneurship.
According to the agency, the challenge is part of broader efforts to prepare for future lunar simulations and to foster innovation within the workforce. The program leverages existing NASA technology to encourage student-led solutions that can be applied in real-world scenarios.
Key dates for the 2027 challenge have been established, with the competition opening on September 14, 2026. Registration for interested students and teams will close on November 16, 2026.
For additional details on eligibility and submission requirements, interested parties are directed to visit the official website at nasaorbit.org.
<small>Source: NASA — read the original story there.</small>
