91��Ƶ named to Forbes 30 Under 30

Thursday, Jan 22, 2026

Ashika Gopalkrishnan highlighted for work at NASA

by Rachel Stengel '14, '20

Ashika Gopalkrishnan was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the category of Transportation and Aerospace for her work at NASA.

In her current role, she is a director of product for NASA's Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) program. The program provides funding and support for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses with less than 500 employees, enabling them to create technologies that advance NASA’s missions and the commercial marketplace. Gopalkrishnan’s work has allowed SBIR/STTR applicants to more easily access over $180 million in annual funding. She and her team developed a new proposal management system that cut processing times by 92% and improved usability.

“Being recognized by Forbes is incredibly meaningful because the 30 under 30 list celebrates impact,” she says. “At NASA, my work drives the digital ecosystem that enables millions of dollars in awards and support for entrepreneurs shaping the future of space and technology. Giving entrepreneurs a seat at NASA’s table advances breakthrough innovations, a faster return to the moon, humanity’s path to Mars and beyond.”

At NASA, my work drives the digital ecosystem that enables millions of dollars in awards and support for entrepreneurs."

Ashika Gopalkrishnan

Gopalkrishnan’s journey with NASA began in 2022, while she was a student completing her bachelor’s degree with dual majors in information systems and finance. She held two internships in product management and service design, which led to a full-time job as a product manager. During her NASA internships, she contributed to the development of astronaut exercise systems for the International Space Station and served as lead author of an article published in Touchpoint, the Service Design Network’s journal. Titled “Making Service Design Future-Proof at NASA,” the article showcased her team’s new method for creating human-centered services that adapt to innovators’ evolving needs over time.

Gopalkrishnan also built platforms for innovation and thought leadership on a global scale. In 2024, she created and judged “Galactic Games,” an original challenge for the NASA International Space Apps competition that inspired 864 teams to design technologies supporting astronaut health in microgravity.

Gopalkrishnan says the opportunities both inside and outside the classroom at Rider played a critical role in shaping her impact-driven approach. “Some of my most meaningful experiences at Rider came from pitching new ideas at business competitions and expanding my concepts through independent studies. I was empowered to think boldly, take risks and adopt the mindset of an entrepreneur. I have learned to follow curiosity. That’s where exploration begins.”