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.

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.

Airmen are encouraged to locate a SBIR Phase I company that could potentially help solve a problem at their unit, sign a memorandum of agreement to work with them using the SBIR program’s funding, and search for SBIR Phase III company products and services that can be purchased sole-source via nearly any color of money. Login is required to view topic details.

AFWERX is a network of people who want to help create a better Air Force for all Airmen. There are innovators who work for AFWERX full-time, others who take on passion projects outside of their traditional jobs and tap into the AFWERX ecosystem for support, and plenty more who collaborate with us as part of their position at Air Force bases around the world.

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.

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.

The Guardian and Airmen Innovation Network (G.A.I.N.) platform allows Airmen and Guardians to share ideas, critique submissions, and up vote the most promising solutions.

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.

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.

SME Connect includes a SME Profile and a SME Search Engine which allows the intake of curricula vitaes, resumes, knowledge, skills and abilities and general information to enable warfighters, operators, subject matter experts (SMEs), researchers and support teams to easily connect by using a google-like search bar. SME Connect is CAC enabled to ensure access by authorized users only (DoD military, civilian and contractor CAC card holders).

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

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

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.