WASHINGTON, May 19 (UPI) -- The U.S. space agency is seeking innovative U.S. companies and organizations to take part in its Innovation Transfusion Program.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration said the program allows NASA employees to spend up to a year working in high-tech environments outside the agency where they can "share their expertise while gaining valuable experience and new ideas to bring back to their jobs at NASA."

NASA officials said they will pay the salary and travel expenses for participating NASA employees.

Organizations interested in participating in the program, either by hosting an employee or a workshop, should contact Andrew Petro of NASA's Innovative Partnerships Program at 202-358-0310, or by e-mail at andrew.j.petro@nasa.gov.