NSBRI announced the launch of the Vision for Mars Challenge in Chicago at the Ophthalmology Innovation Summit (OIS) last week. The Vision for Mars Challenge, a joint effort between NSBRI and industry aims to identify diagnostic tools that can work in space in order to better understand the newly described visual impairment syndrome in astronauts. The challenge calls on start-up technology companies to bring about next generation clinical diagnostic and research-enabling technologies that will provide critical information about ocular health during space flight. The Vision for Mars Challenge is a public-private partnership and includes a veritable “dream team” of world-renowned ophthalmologists, business people and NSBRI’s Industry Forum and its advisors. Up to three companies developing disruptive technologies that address the immediate needs of NASA in helping to help mitigate the Risk of Spaceflight-Induced Vision Impairment and Intracranial Pressure (VIIP) Syndrome could receive grants of $100,000 each through NSBRI Industry Forum’s SMARTCAP (Space Medical and Related Technologies Commercialization Assistance Program).
Click here to find out more about the Vision for Mars Challenge and how to apply for funding.
Click here to listen to the podcast with Dorit B. Donoviel, PhD, Deputy Chief Scientist and Industry Forum Lead of the NSBRI, and Randy McDonald, Founder and President of the Magnum Group, expanding on the Vision for Mars Challenge announcement made at last week’s Ophthalmology Innovation Summit.