President And CEO Of The Houston Technology Center (HTC) Honored For Making Outstanding Contributions To The Agency's Mission

Walter Ulrich was recognized with the NASA Silver Achievement Medal for his leadership and vision in seeding and growing the Entrepreneurial ecosystem in the NASA/JSC community. Most notable in attendance included Dr. Ellen Ochoa, Director NASA Johnson Space Center, ex-officio and current Houston Technology Board Member who presented the award.

"Mr. Ulrich identified an opportunity to help the JSC community with the expertise and experience of the entrepreneur community associated with HTC, and worked tirelessly with the Center's Leadership to find an opportunity to create a local extension of the HTC at the JSC Campus," Dr. Ochoa said.  "Through his vast networks, Mr. Ulrich garnered support, both financially and endorsement wise, from the State of Texas, the Greater Houston Partnership, and the Houston Mayor, just to name a few.

"His leadership and vision have resulted in approximately 1,000 individuals being introduced into the world of entrepreneurship." Dr. Ochoa also stated, "His team has connected local startups with the expertise that is found at JSC and introduced the JSC engineers and technologists to new cutting-edge technologies that could accelerate the human exploration of space.  Mr. Ulrich's leadership and dedication to NASA's mission have enabled JSC to enter into a new phase of technology transfer that will benefit all humankind.  We would like to honor and recognize Mr. Ulrich for his outstanding leadership, vision, and community outreach in support of NASA's mission." 

NASA's most prestigious honor awards are approved by the Administrator and presented to a number of carefully selected individuals and groups of individuals, both Government and non-Government, who have distinguished themselves by making outstanding contributions to the Agency's mission. The Chair of the Incentive Awards Board (IAB) annually requests nominations for the various NASA honor awards. After a rigorous review, the nominations are forwarded to the IAB chair for approval.

The NASA Silver Achievement Medal is awarded to Government and non-Government individuals or teams by NASA Center Directors for a stellar achievement that supports one or more of NASA's Core Values, when it is deemed to be extraordinarily important and appropriate to recognize such achievement in a timely and personalized manner.

The Houston Technology Center operates a satellite incubation office on the Johnson Space Center campus that is home to very early stage startup companies which offer disruptive technologies. The Houston Technology Center has partnered with the NASA Johnson Space Center to leverage HTC's business expertise and community networks to accelerate the development of new companies based on technologies and capabilities of NASA.

"I have been an admirer of NASA and Johnson Space Center my entire life and it is a privilege for Houston Technology Center to partner with Johnson Space Center," Ulrich said. "This very special medal bestowed by Dr. Ellen Ochoa, whose transformational leadership is extraordinary, is a recognition shared with my colleagues for which I am very grateful."

FMI: www.HoustonTech.org