NASA's ORBIT (Opportunities in Research, Business, Innovation, and Technology for the Workforce) Challenge 2027 invites university and community college students nationwide to work with real NASA intellectual property and mission challenges. According to NASA, participants can choose to develop commercial applications of NASA patents that solve problems on Earth (ORBIT Earth) or design next-generation technologies for space exploration (ORBIT Space). Teams seeking a broader scope can pursue both tracks through an optional Integration Bonus.

The program offers up to $500,000 in prizes, mentorship from NASA experts, and an in-person showcase for participants' work. Finalists gain access to an accelerator program intended to support careers in STEM and entrepreneurship.

The challenge opened on September 14, 2026, and registration closes on November 16, 2026, NASA said in a notice published September 28, 2026. Additional information is available at nasaorbit.org.