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NASA MINDS

NASA Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Innovative New Designs for Space (INDS) (NASA MINDS) is a multi-semester undergraduate level challenge that provides funds to student and faculty teams from Minority Serving Institutions to design and build prototypes for technologies needed in support of our Artemis mission. 

NASA MINDS

About

NASA Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Innovative New Designs for Space (INDS) (NASA MINDS) is a multi-semester undergraduate level challenge that provides funds to student and faculty teams from Minority Serving Institutions to design and build prototypes for technologies needed in support of our Artemis mission. Students’ skills, creativity and innovation are challenged as they are asked to design and build technologies needed for NASA’s Artemis mission, with the support of their faculty.  All Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) are eligible to have a faculty-led student team.  Student teams will submit a proposal with a design concept meeting all baseline requirements.  Teams selected by NASA will receive $1,500 to be used in the build of their design.  Teams must have a faculty mentor, and the faculty will receive a $1,000 stipend upon successful completion of all requirements.  Selected team projects will be reviewed by NASA judges; teams can receive recognition awards up to $5,000. 

NASA MINDS is a hands-on design and build collegiate learning experience.  The most unique feature of NASA MINDS is found in its broad-based approach.  While competitions focus on a specific technology all teams must work on, teams in NASA MINDS will independently select a technology that is relevant to NASA’s Artemis mission.  This will allow students to focus on technologies which interest and inspire them the most. The only constraint is that the technology and the goals of the team’s project must support a need for the technologies required for Artemis.

NASA MINDS Specific Goals
 

  • Build a diverse science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workforce by engaging students in authentic hands-on learning experiences involving NASA’s content and people.
     
  • Increase students’ capabilities to pursue (STEM) by empowering students to work independently on NASA Artemis technologies that interest them.
     
  • Create a pipeline for NASA’s future workforce needs by informing students of the technological innovations required and engaging them in these technologies at a fundamental and exploratory level.
     
  • Generate unique and innovative concepts from students and MSIs, which can serve as a potential resource for NASA’s scientists and engineers working on Artemis technological needs.
     

Previous Minds Award Winners

2023 NASA MINDS Awards [PDF]

How to Apply

NASA MINDS application period will open in September 2024. Please refer to the 2023 rule book for complete instructions. The Application process can be found here.

For general inquiries, contact: support@nasaminds.org.

Rules and Rubrics Handbook

2023 Rules and Rubrics Handbook [PDF]

Applicant Resources

NASA Artemis Program
NASA’s Plan for Sustained Lunar Exploration and Development
Video: Why the Moon?

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NASA Contact

Theresa C. Martinez, Activity Manager
NASA MINDS
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899
Email: theresa.c.martinez@nasa.gov