Suggested Searches

two sets of hands holding the world with a space background

Strategic Partnerships at Ames Research Center

Since its establishment in 1939, NASA Ames Research Center has been an entrepreneurial organization at the forefront of research and technology development.  By placing the nation’s center of aerospace innovation in the Bay Area, NASA Ames seeded and became a founder of Silicon Valley.
Ames forges partnerships across diverse fields and around the globe. There’s a world of opportunity: for technology transfer, collaborative partnerships, and Small Business Innovative Research awards. Share your vision and explore your future with us.

Learn More about Strategic Partnerships at Ames Research Center

Location

Silicon Valley, CA

Founded

December 20, 1939

Director

Matthew Buffington

Submit your partnership idea today!

The image is dominated by a dusty disk extending from upper left to lower right and tilted toward the viewer. It resembles patchy clouds with small rocky bits scattered throughout. At 4 o’clock and 11 o’clock are two small, embedded planets. The outer edges of the disk are reddish, the middle orange, and the inner region yellow-white. At the center is a gap within which is a bright white star.

Ames Partnerships Connect Form

Does your company have a partnership idea that aligns with NASA Ames Research Center's missions? Submit your partnership idea here! Our office would love to hear from you.

Sign up for Ames Partnership Days

June22.2024ChabotAmesreopening

Learn about Ames Partnership Days

On April 29-May 1, 2025, representatives from the space industry, US federal labs, government agencies, academia, the space industry, and other related sectors are invited to Ames to explore the cutting-edge research, technologies, and unique capabilities that drive forward advancements in space exploration, aviation, and STEM.

Keep Exploring

Strategic Partnerships

Technology Transfer & Spinoffs

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)

Current Space Act Agreements

Ames Aeronautics Facilities

Ames Partnerships Office Annual Report 2024

Check out the hottest Ames Research Center Partnerships of 2024!

View 2024 Annual Report
An artist's concept of a small satellite orbiting Earth. The United States and Mexico are visible below.
Starfish Space has been awarded SBIR Phase III funding for a mission to inspect defunct satellites to increase opportunities to mitigate space debris. An artist’s concept image shows the company’s Otter spacecraft, which is capable of inspecting and deorbiting defunct spacecraft, in orbit.
Starfish Space

NASA Ames Research Center Partnerships Offices

Learn about the different kinds of partnerships you can use to work with NASA Ames Research Center!

Partnering Options
NASA Partnerships Examples

Agreements Office

Learn how to form partnership agreements with NASA Ames Research Center.

Read More
Digital wires connecting at white dots on a bright blue background.

Technology Transfer Office

Learn how you can use NASA technologies and software for your business!

Read More
Artist rendition of a vehicle in space using propulsion.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program

Learn how to get early-stage funding for technologies that change the world.

Read More
A large, bright star shines from the center with smaller stars scattered throughout the image. A clumpy cloud of material surrounds the central star, with more material above and below than on the sides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Feeling a little lost? Let us help you!

Read More
model of Truss Braced Wing aircraft in wind tunnel

Ames Research Center Facilities and Capabilities

Learn more about our unique expertise, facilities, and technologies.

Read More
A robot and astronaut shake hands.

Partnering Options

Learn about the different options Ames Research Center's Strategic Partnerships can offer

Read More
Commercial landers will carry NASA-provided science and technology payloads to the lunar surface

Founder Institute

Learn about NASA Ames Research Center's partnership with Founder Institute

Read More
Opening slide for the Human Landing System Virtual Showcase at NASA Ames Research Center in 2020.

Human Landing System

Learn about NASA Ames Research Center Capabilities for the Human Landing System.

Read More
Illustration of a rocky landscape, with water features and a yellow star low on the horizon. Dark clouds in the sky are illuminated pink at their edges.

Spinoffs

Learn about NASA technologies that benefit life on Earth in the form of commercial products.

Read More

Ames Partnerships Office Annual Report 2023

Check out the hottest Ames Research Center Partnerships of 2023!

View 2023 Annual Report

Ames Partnerships Office Annual Report 2022

Check out the hottest Ames Research Center Partnerships of 2022!

View 2022 Annual Report
Tarantula Nebula Captured by James Webb Microscope
Image Credit: NASA / James Webb Microscope

Meet the Strategic partnerships office

Matt Buffington Director of Ames Research Center Partnerships Office

Matthew Buffington

Director of Ames Research Center Strategic Partnerships Office

Brenden Sanborn Deputy Director of Ames Research Center Strategic Partnerships Office

Brenden Sanborn

Deputy Director of Ames Research Center Strategic Partnerships Office

Headshot of Kimberly Minafra

Kimberly Minafra

Ames Partnerships Development and Agreements, Division Chief

Kimberly Hines

Ames Technology Transfer Office Chief

Carlos Torrez

Ames SBIR/STTR Program Manager