AFWERX
Do you have a great idea that could support the mission of the U.S. Air Force? Have you ever wanted to integrate your business into a product or service that could benefit the Air Force and your small business? If so, AFWERX may be for you! AFWERX, a Technology Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the innovation arm of the Department Air Force, accelerates agile and affordable capability transitions by teaming innovative technology developers with Airman and Guardian talent.
As the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force and powered by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), AFWERX brings cutting edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the Department of the Air Force. AFWERX teams internationally across academia, industry and government to develop technology, expand talent and transition dual-use capabilities. The AFWERX vision is to forge an innovation ecosystem that delivers disruptive Air & Space capabilities. The four core arms of AFWERX – AFVentures, Spark, Prime and SpaceWERX – serve to expand the defense industrial base for advanced technologies, empower Airmen and Guardian talent, and drive faster technology transition to operational capability.
Whether you are Government, Industry, Academia or other military branches, start by completing this form to join our ecosystem, bring your ideas and stay in the loop on upcoming events and opportunities.
Please watch the AFWERX Virtual Launch event. For more information about the program or to contact your local AFWERX representative, please click on the following LINK.
Venture Capital Fund of the Air Force
The Small Business Innovation Research program was established by Congress in 1982 to fund research and development (R&D) by small businesses of 500 or fewer employees with the goal of identifying small businesses that could provide a solution to the warfighter in a faster, more efficient manner than was presently available. Fast forward almost 50 years, and the program is reducing barriers and accelerating processes, seeding the future of the U.S. Air Force through innovation and forward-thinking technology. Eleven federal agencies participate in the program, including the Department of Defense.
Changing the Way the U.S. Air Force Does Business
With the initiation of open innovation topics, through work with AFWERX, Air Force SBIR contracts are being issued with unprecedented speed and efficiency.
The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program was established in 1992 to fund cooperative R&D projects with small businesses and non-profit U.S. research institutions, such as universities. Five federal agencies participate, including the Department of Defense. Both programs focus on projects and services with the potential to develop into a product for military or commercial sectors.