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CONTACT:
Trudy McCarthy, Sr Director, Marketing & Strategic Initiatives
(321) 638-2000
TMccarthy@SpaceCoastEDC.org

EDC and Groundswell Partner to Connect Tech Startups with NASA

EDC/NASA Technology Docking program targeting innovation founders

Brevard County, Fla (March 24, 2017) – The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) and Groundswell, a regional innovation incubator, announced a strategic partnership to enhance resources for advanced manufacturing and technology development. The announcement was made at the Groundswell Melbourne facility grand opening.

This initiative is enabled through the EDC’s Technology Docking program first introduced in January 2015. Technology Docking is a strategic alliance between the EDC and NASA’s national pilot program for Regional Economic Development (RED). The program provides small to medium-sized manufacturers and technology based companies the opportunity to work with NASA to solve a technology challenge.

"Today's global innovation market demands high-impact partnerships," stated Jenna Buehler, CEO of Groundswell Startups. "We're eager to support NASA in planting a flag for emerging innovators in Central Florida by increasing access to resources and mentorship."

Within the past two years the Technology Docking program has connected 75 local companies with NASA resources at Kennedy Space Center and Langley Research Center. The EDC and Groundswell will expand access to early stage technology focused companies through accelerated outreach efforts and targeted programming designed to serve this audience.

“Early stage technology development leads to new business ventures and serves as a driver of local economic activity,” stated Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the EDC of Florida’s Space Coast. “We look forward to working with Groundswell and discovering new opportunities for Brevard entrepreneurs and innovators to work with NASA’s regional economic development team.”

Successes from this partnership will elevate awareness of and access to the NASA RED program for other communities across the U.S. To learn more about this program, visit the Technology Docking webpage at: spacecoastedc.org/TechDocking.

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About the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast
The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) is dedicated to attracting new business and investment and expanding existing industry throughout the Space Coast, influencing change on government laws and regulations affecting economic development, promoting the Space Coast to encourage new investment, supporting efforts of Space Coast military installations, and relaying new programs and procedures to assist manufacturing and high tech companies. The EDC is a private, not-for-profit coalition whose stakeholders are business leaders committed to the economic growth and stability of Florida’s Space Coast. Visit www.SpaceCoastEDC.org.

About Groundswell
Groundswell Startups, Inc. (501c3) is the largest, privately funded incubator in the State of Florida. The team's mission is to create a strong pipeline to capital, resources, and industry expert support for the benefit of high impact startup companies in Space Coast, FL. Groundswell connects emerging founders with a diverse pool of vetted, pro bono mentors (experts in marketing, business development, intellectual property, software and cybersecurity, etc.). Groundswell launched in June 2015. The team has helped nine early-stage companies secure angel investment. Groundswell's riverfront co-working space opens in Downtown Melbourne this March 24, 2017.

About NASA/Kennedy Space Center
On July 29, 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed Public Law 85-568, creating the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, also known as NASA. In July 1962, the agency established its Launch Operations Center on Florida’s east coast and renamed it in late 1963 to honor the president who put America on the path to the moon. NASA’s john F. Kennedy Space Center has helped set the stage for America’s adventure in space for more than four decades. The center has served as the departure gate for every American manned mission and hundreds of advanced scientific spacecraft. From the early days of Project Mercury to the space shuttle and International Space Station, from the Hubble Space Telescope to the Mars Exploration Rovers and most recently the Exploration Flight Test of the Orion spacecraft, the center enjoys a rich heritage in its vital role as NASA’s processing and launch center. Kennedy is transitioning to become a world-class multi-user launch complex supporting both government and commercial customers. As the nation embarks on a new chapter in space exploration, Kennedy will continue to make history. For more information on NASA’s Kennedy Space Center visit: www.nasa.gov/kennedy