Jason Foster joined the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) Technology Transfer Office (TTO) in July 2022 and quickly established himself as a vital team member. He immediately took on a key role in supporting innovators with New Technology Reports (NTRs), demonstrating strong leadership in project management and process improvement initiatives. His impressive attention to detail and ability to learn quickly made him indispensable to the TTO. In a short time, Foster has taken on significant responsibilities and leadership roles, including Intellectual Property (IP) Manager, Licensing Specialist, and Lead NTR Specialist. His exemplary work ethic and commitment to strengthening collaboration with innovators, legal teams, commercial companies, and colleagues have elevated the TTO’s impact. 

In fiscal year 2024 (FY24), Foster contributed to 158 NTRs — the highest number disclosed by federal employees at any NASA center. Foster’s thorough and diligent work ensures only well-vetted NTRs advance, optimizing the use of resources and strengthening JSC’s IP portfolio. He also independently negotiates license agreements with commercial entities, contributing to a steady increase in executed licenses at NASA JSC. In FY24, he helped achieve 41 executed licenses — the highest recorded number of executed licenses in JSC’s history. 

Most notably, Foster pioneered a new tool and process for tracking leads to increase the capture of invention disclosures. During FY24, he led a team of seven to aggressively target and increase new technology reports. Through his leadership and encouragement, the team secured over 120 previously undisclosed NTRs in the final three months of the fiscal year. By implementing new decision-making tools and onboarding new team members, Foster has already had a transformative and long-lasting influence on the NASA JSC TTO’s processes and culture.