The Academic Partnership Engagement Experiment (APEX) cultivates innovation by expanding the American research enterprise for the USAF. APEX engages and collaborates with innovators across academia, industry and the DoD who possess capabilities of interest to the USAF; utilizes data analytics to identify transformational operational defense solutions in academia, industry and government sectors; provides high-touch coaching for business startups and proposals; and engages with DoD programs to connect universities, businesses and government entities in a way that moves defense technology from discovery to reality.

Innovation does not happen in a vacuum. We collaborate with higher education to build upon each other’s discoveries to accelerate our innovations.

At the AFRL Regional Hub Network – Midwest, we are dedicated to developing next-generation research and technology to support the Air Force mission by providing analysis, development, and testing capabilities that span multiple science and engineering disciplines. From propulsion to communications, materials to sensors, our research focuses on advancing mission capability and accelerating technology transitions throughout the life cycle of programs.

At the Midwest Hub Network, we understand the importance of collaboration in advancing technology and mission capability. We facilitate partnerships between industry and academia to develop new means to address current and future needs of our customers.

The Mid-Atlantic Hub Network will create a more visible and accessible Air Force and Space Force presence in the region, strengthening partnerships and programs that catalyze innovation, commercialization and impact creating scientists and engineers trained via the experiential approach alongside the existing workforce to accelerate skill development and new products.

444 provides a space to collaborate with organizations, startups and universities in the Downtown Dayton Innovation District. This collaborative environment includes meeting spaces equipped with the latest technology, proximity to many potential partners in the region, and a steady flow of subject matter experts from many backgrounds.

After effective technology and concept engagement through AFVentures and Spark, Prime works to rapidly drive affordable capability to the field. Additionally, successful fielding is essential to build trust in this AFWERX approach among Airmen as well as industry, investors, interagency, and international stakeholders.

The Air Force Technology Transfer Program was created to ensure all Air Force science and engineering activities promote the transfer or exchange of technology with state and local governments, academia, and industry.

Powered by VT-ARC, the Basic Research Innovation Collaboration Center (BRICC) provides collaborative environments and data analytic services that support AFOSR's mission to discover, shape, and champion basic research that profoundly impacts the future Air Force. The BRICC specializes in data-driven approaches to quantitatively assess global S&T communities, research and technology trends, and innovation capacity.

The Collaborative Environment is an Air Force technology transfer and transition partnership between the Cyber Innovation Center and Air Force Global Strike Command. We are the Command’s persistent technology transfer, technology transition, and innovation resource.

Air Force CyberWorx is a United States Air Force unit that solves operational problems by collaborating with government, industry, and academic experts through intentional human-centered design activities.  We work with our stakeholders to quickly design and develop creative solutions that solve problems for the warfighters who need them the most.

The Defense Innovation Marketplace provides a centralized resource for the Department’s Acquisition and Science and Technology professionals on information about industry’s Independent research and development activities.

DEFENSEWERX and our hubs are the catalyst for decisive innovation between the private sector and the armed forces.
 

The Doolittle Institute, an AFRL Innovation Institute, supports the Air Force Research Labs Munitions Directorate by working to license and commercialize AFRL/RW technologies in the private sector, enable rapid technology delivery to the warfighter, identify and foster new R&D partnerships and develop AFRL’s current and future workforce. The Doolittle Institute is a member of the Defensewerx Family.

By partnering AFRL with private industry and academia, the Griffiss Institute (GI) is able to facilitate and grow the technology base of the Upstate New York region. The GI is focused on providing an environment conducive to the growth of technology and ideas, by creating a collaborative research environment accessible to AFRL, business, and academia.

Innovare Advancement Center is a diverse, open, inclusive, and “loud and proud” culture that is built upon creative and collaborative international collisions and connections; top-tier talent attraction through outreach, exposure, and exchange; research agility; entrepreneurial grit; the promulgation of educational opportunities; and impactful community involvement.

We augment Air University programs to enhance production of high-quality, innovative research and ideas that span issues of importance to the Air Force. This can includes: doctrine, strategies, capability needs, operational concepts, training, education, and science and technology.

Assisting DOD Labs, PMs and PEOs with technology transition support in the areas of design, prototyping, manufacturing and technology scouting

CREATE A WORLD THAT IS BETTER. SAFER. STRONGER.

NSIN, the National Security Innovation Network, is an unrivaled problem-solving network in the U.S. Department of Defense that adapts to the emerging needs of those who serve in the defense of our national security. We are dedicated to the work of bringing together defense, academic and entrepreneurial innovators to solve national security problems in new ways.

Building a stronger, more agile and resilient U.S. Air Force through rapid technological change.

SOFWERX is a platform that helps solve challenging Warfighter problems at scale through collaboration, ideation, events and rapid prototyping

SSC solution to the space acquisition labyrinth challenge, and is the one-stop-shop for learning about and engaging with SSC.

SpaceWERX is the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a part of AFWERX, powered by the Air Force Research Laboratory.

Solves AF Global Strike Command's most challenging problems by connecting people and resources across government, business, and academia.

The Wright Brothers Institute (WBI) is a cutting-edge center for innovation and technology commercialization. WBI provides breakthrough solutions to US Air Force's most complex initiatives by leveraging resident experts, unique facilities, disruptive innovation processes and extensive networks.