Cal Poly's Research and Graduate Programs office entered into a license agreement that allows Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems LLC to develop and sell the patent-pending, small-satellite technology called CubeSat System, Method, and Apparatus.

The CubeSat technology represents state-of-the-art miniature low-power electronics.

It is a product of Cal Poly's nationally recognized PolySat program. The technology provides a smaller, less costly, more flexible satellite avionics design that is re-usable and easily adaptable across a wide range of satellite missions.

The Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, PolySat Project was founded in 1999 and includes a multidisciplinary team of undergraduate and graduate engineering students working to design, construct, test, launch and operate small satellite systems, otherwise known as CubeSats.

Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems LLC is a new company founded by former Boeing employee Charles S. "Scott" MacGillivray, and Cal Poly faculty and students from the Aerospace, Electrical, Computer Engineering and Computer Science departments. MacGillivray led Boeing Phantom Works nano-satellite programs for nine years.

Tyvak provides NanoSat and CubeSat space vehicle products and services that target advanced state-of-the-art capabilities for government and commercial customers to support operationally and scientifically relevant missions.

Tyvak will market the Cal Poly CubeSat avionics as part of its "Intrepid" product line.

The university's current technology transfer activities include 12 issued patents, 11 patents pending, and three licensing agreements.