eNTRe
The Easiest Way to Report New Technologies

You may be surprised to know that every year a number of innovations at Marshall are patented and commercialized. Some of these inventions have even been incorporated into common items we use everyday. These technologies bring value to the country, prestige to the Center, and monetary reward to the inventors. Yes, monetary rewards to inventors! Now with eNTRe, (pronounced entrée) an easy step-by-step electronic process, there's no easier way for NASA employees and contractors to disclose their inventions and new technologies to the Technology Transfer Department. eNTRe is also the easiest way for contractors to report new technologies as called out in their contract under the New Technology Reporting clause.

Why should you report your invention?

Since many technological advances have resulted from innovations developed under NASA funding agreements, the reporting of these New Technologies is essential to the achievement of NASA's mission. These spinoffs are the means through which aeronautics and space technological advances permeate the many sectors of the national economy through the U.S. industrial community. Reporting these technologies ensures compliance with export control requirements, and proper coordination with the Center's Patent Counsel with the possibility of monetary rewards to inventors and commercialization assessments. MSFC's Technology Transfer Department manages the coordination of these new technologies from the time they are reported through the commercial assessment, possible patent and license phases.

In fiscal year 2001, MSFC set a new Center record with 149 New Technology Reports, and more than $42,000 in incentive awards distributed to civil service and contractor inventors. Fiscal year 2002 is already on track to break that record.

Don't Think Only Better Mousetraps

It's true that most people think of inventions as hardware only. While Marshall has generated numerous hardware New Technology Reports, software and process improvement methods continue to provide the largest number of these extremely valuable technologies. Reporting software inventions and innovations In fiscal year 2001, MSFC's Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program was selected to share NASA's prestigious Software of the Year Award.

To get started with eNTRe go to the Technology Transfer website at http://www.nasasolutions.com, afull explanation of when to report, how to report, and who is involved in the process, is outlined. Or, go straight to eNTRe at https://webentre.nasa.gov.