June 18, 2020 Vice Chief’s Challenge submission deadline extended The submission deadline for the Vice Chief’s Challenge has been extended to Aug. 7.
June 10, 2020 Altus AFB innovation team design shared across service Due to the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid response actions were required to mitigate the spread of the virus to ensure safe mission contributions. AFWERX, a community of Air Force innovators who strive to connect Airmen to solutions, requested Spark Cell centers across the Air Force to
June 8, 2020 Air Force develops digital internship program for Total Force Airmen In an effort to create a more streamlined pipeline for digital talent inside the Air Force, the Department of Defense software community created a Digital Airmen Internship Program that kicked off in late May 2020
June 5, 2020 AFWERX to host JADC2 demo event for government users, tech scouts AFWERX is scheduled to host a digital Joint All-Domain Command and Control prototyping demonstration event during the weeks of June 15 and 22.
June 2, 2020 AFVentures Fellowship forges connections between military, Silicon Valley The inaugural AFVentures Fellowship brought together 21 Airmen to be trained in investment and risk management to strengthen their ability to develop and deliver essential capabilities to the Air Force’s mission from February 10 to March 20.
May 29, 2020 AFGSC’s innovation hub ‘STRIKEWERX’ now open for business Originally planned to be an in-person grand opening earlier in the year, the event was held online with limited attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 19, 2020 AFRAMP enables rapid US-based production of PPE, medical supplies This initiative, which kicked off on April 10 as part of the Department of the Air Force Acquisition COVID-19 Task Force, is designed as a framework to keep the Air Force supply system independent of the civilian medical supply market.
April 24, 2020 Dyess AFB to host virtual collider event A virtual collider event will be hosted by Dyess Air Force Base, April 28.
April 14, 2020 Air Force, DoD rallies industry, academia, service members to combat COVID-19 An initiative was created as part of the Department of the Air Force’s Acquisition COVID-19 Taskforce, or ACT, as a one-stop shop for defense industry, commercial companies and academia to share creative ideas with federal agencies to combat the virus.
March 18, 2020 Scheduling training is about to get easier for C-17 crews The digital interface, which will start using live data March 20, enables planners to visualize flight schedules and generates recommended schedules for each crew member while taking into consideration required qualifications, crew rest and conflicting events.
March 14, 2020 AFIMSC innovation project receives $3 million award The project uses drones and machine learning to revolutionize how the Air Force Civil Engineer Center collects data for its environmental mission. The initiative is powered by a partnership between AFIMSC, Air Force Innovation Hub Network (AFWERX) and Aerial Applications, a small business providing
March 13, 2020 Air Force pivots to virtually connect defense innovators, announces ‘big bets’ In the span of three days, the Air Force and its joint partners quickly pivoted to a one-day virtual mega-event including keynotes, presentations and collaborative engagements with more than 2000 on-line and small group attendees across the country from government, industry and academia in
Feb. 26, 2020 Air National Guard unit to launch AFWERX Spark Cell Earlier this month, the 152nd Airlift Wing, Nevada ANG, also known as the "High Rollers," became the newest unit with the creation of "Silver State Spark."
Feb. 21, 2020 Voting for Spark Tank 2020 opens Spark Tank is an annual event in which Airmen pitch innovative ideas that build upon senior leader priorities to restore readiness, cost-effectively modernize and drive innovation.
Feb. 11, 2020 Child care app wins AFIMSC Innovation Rodeo Maj. Jacque Vasta, executive officer for Air Force Materiel Command’s deputy commander at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, will receive a share of $1 million in funding from AFIMSC to develop her idea for potential implementation across the Air Force and Department of Defense.
Jan. 24, 2020 DoD innovation units join forces to engage small business Over the past few months, AFWERX, Army Futures Command, NavalX, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the National Security Innovation Network have joined forces to make this experimental concept an interagency initiative to bridge the gap between startups, small businesses and government.
Jan. 17, 2020 AFMC seeks innovative ideas through IdeaScale Campaign Airmen and civilians from across the enterprise are invited to submit innovative ideas and solutions to improve the AFMC mission through the Air Force Ideation Platform, or IdeaScale, now through September 2020.
Jan. 9, 2020 Air Force announces Spark Tank 2020 selectees Spark Tank also offers Airmen the opportunity to get their ideas in front of key enabling agencies that can share expertise and resources such as funding or personnel for the projects being presented and demonstrate pathways for intrapreneurs to make their initiatives successful.
Dec. 27, 2019 Air Force sets foundation for energy optimization, lethality As 2020 approaches and the Air Force prepares to take on the challenges of the next decade, we must also review our successes and lessons learned from the last year. For Air Force Operational Energy, 2019 was a year for laying the foundation to build a more optimized and lethal force in the years to
Dec. 5, 2019 BLUE: Target Acquisition To meet emerging threats and maintain domain dominance, the Air Force is moving beyond antiquated acquisition processes and opening new avenues to smaller, more agile businesses to develop and acquire new technology.
Dec. 1, 2019 AFMC announces 2020 Spark Tank finalists The Liquid Cooled Plate Carrier and Virtual Visitor Control Center projects were selected from more than 15 submissions from across AFMC as having the highest probability of delivering game-changing impact for Air Force needs.
Nov. 7, 2019 23rd Flying Training Squadron revolutionizes pilot training The 23rd Flying Training Squadron is responsible for training helicopter pilots and enlisted aircrews, preparing them for their next assignments.
Nov. 5, 2019 Project NEXUS graduates first class with focus on technology problem solving Project NEXUS, a beta test program expected to fuel organic technology problem solving efforts for Airmen in their day-to-day workplaces, graduated its first class in Austin, Texas, Nov. 4, 2019.
Oct. 31, 2019 AFIMSC seeks ideas for Innovation Rodeo The campaign, open through Dec. 15, gives military and civilian members of mission support groups worldwide a chance to win part of $1 million in funding and resources to implement their ideas.
Oct. 24, 2019 Pitch to develop tech for colorblind pilots wins 1st place at Academy innovation competition A junior cadet at the Air Force Academy took to the stage Oct. 18 during Falcon Tank, an innovation-themed competition, to present an idea on modifying commercially available technology to correct color blindness in Air Force-issued pilot visors.
Oct. 22, 2019 ACC recognizes innovation, announces Spark Tank finalists Air Combat Command announced their two 2020 Spark Tank finalists moving on to compete in the finals in Washington, D.C.
Oct. 15, 2019 “Project da Vinci” transforms rotary-wing helicopter pilot training The first six students to complete the experimental specialized undergraduate pilot training - helicopter, using virtual reality technology graduated Oct. 11, six weeks earlier than normal.
Oct. 10, 2019 Environmentally friendly treadmills save money, energy for 786th FSS Treadmills recently purchased by the 786th Force Support Squadron require no energy to function and as an individual runs on the treadmill, the machine actually transmits energy back into the power grid.
Sept. 16, 2019 Innovation Hub: Travis AFB partners with VR company to enhance training A team from Sketchbox Inc., an augmented and virtual reality prototyping company based in San Francisco, took six hours Sept. 6 to obtain multiple 3D scans of the C-5M Super Galaxy at Travis Air Force Base.
Aug. 21, 2019 Air Force advances innovation at “Spark Collider” In Air Force-speak, the Spark Collider “will accelerate the matching of Air Force problems with viable solutions” by being equal parts speed dating, tech showcase and pitch sessions. The Air Force’s effort to innovate is part of a central tenet for defending the United States as outlined in the
Aug. 21, 2019 Airmen, companies tackle mission pain points during AFWERX "Spark Collider" Over the span of two days, more than 150 Airmen representing 50 bases and 200 entrepreneurs representing 100 Small Business Innovation Research Phase I companies joined together to see which missions could match up to an associated business product.
July 30, 2019 Air Force brings defense planning into 21st century through modern software For much of the defense community, the ease and functionality of modern technology is not translated to military planning systems. While cumbersome acquisitions processes, funding issues and security concerns are often valid causes, many Department of Defense processes (and any software associated
July 3, 2019 Rapid acquisition leads to rapid success for Air Force small business partner Rapid success in contracting has earned Air Force representatives an invite to the opening of the Nasdaq Stock Market July 3 in New York City.
June 18, 2019 New course aims to transform Air Force acquisition During the initial course, which will serve as a validation, the students along with other acquisition experts will create the syllabus for the course.
June 4, 2019 Technology, AFWERX, helping SF Academy graduates become more lethal, ready Arguably the most critical skills a Defender must possess – how and when to employ the use of force – the 343rd Training Squadron schoolhouse recently acquired six Multiple Interactive Learning Objectives simulators or MILO, as well as a VR-based training system facilitated through an AFWERX
April 18, 2019 Beale AFB ISR group connects Airmen to commercial innovators at Collider Demo Obstacles plague Airmen from all ranks and occupations across the operational Air Force; some obstacles require simple solutions and others need assistance from an outside source.
April 16, 2019 Vice chief visit focuses on faster, more lethal Air Force Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen W. Wilson visited AFWERX-Austin and Pilot Training Next in Austin, April 9, to see how Air Force innovation initiatives are shaping tomorrow’s Air Force.
March 28, 2019 Around the Air Force: SECAF visits Offutt AFB / Spark Tank 19 On this look Around the Air Force, Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson visits Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, to survey flood damage and Lt. Col. Dave Harden talks about how Spark Tank has grown and become more effective. Hosted by Staff Sgt. Braden Anderson.
Feb. 28, 2019 Spangdahlem AB master sergeant wins Spark Tank competition Master Sgt. Jonathan Maas assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, was named the 2019 Spark Tank winner during the Air Force’s Spark Tank competition at the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium Feb. 28, in Orlando.
Feb. 25, 2019 Industry gets schooled on MDC2 Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, projected its quiet power during the Multi-Domain Command and Control (MDC2) Industry Day, Feb. 20, at the Minuteman Educational Center, according to speaker Eileen Vidrine, the Air Force's chief data officer.
Feb. 21, 2019 AFWERX, Techstars announce 10 companies to participate in tech accelerator The 10 companies the Air Force and Techstars selected to participate in an in-residence technology accelerator program during the AFWERX 2019 Techstars Autonomous Technology Accelerator in Boston last month began the program Feb. 18.
Jan. 17, 2019 AFLCMC team working to acquire next generation fixed-wing helmet The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Human Systems Division working with members of the Advanced Tactical Acquisition Corps or ATAC, one of the center’s premier leadership development programs, are in the early stages of acquiring the next generation helmet for aircrews in fixed-wing
Jan. 3, 2019 19th AF, AFWERX collaborate on “Learning Next” flying training initiatives Key stakeholders for three 19th Air Force flying training pipelines gathered at the Las Vegas AFWERX facility in January to identify key problem areas and determine executable solutions for the start of the command’s “Learning Next” initiatives.
Dec. 18, 2018 AFWERX hosts Spark Cell workshop to share ideas, build innovation network Airmen from across the Air Force gathered in Austin Dec. 13 and 14 to learn about the Department of Defense’s innovation ecosystem and the best ways to plug into the overall culture of innovation at every level of the total force.
Dec. 13, 2018 AFIMSC Innovation Office seeks game-changing ideas The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Innovation Office will launch a program in the new year to help Airmen implement their innovative ideas. The campaign, open Jan. 1-31, 2019, gives military and civilian members of mission support groups worldwide a chance to fund their ideas and
Nov. 28, 2018 Air Force moves at the speed of startups with 100 contract awards in 40 hours Contracting officials and innovators from across the Air Force looking to speed up the acquisition process recently awarded more than 100 contracts in 40 hours to small businesses.
Sept. 19, 2018 Pilot Training Next cadre discuss lessons learned, way forward Air Education and Training Command officials announced the second iteration of Pilot Training Next would begin in January 2019 during a panel at the 2018 Air Force Association Air, Space and Cyber Conference.
July 2, 2018 SecAF Wilson talks Air Force innovation across JBSA, Austin Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson visited AFWERX-Austin, Pilot Training Next and Joint Base San Antonio June 27-29 to see firsthand the focus Airmen in the area are placing on improving readiness, cost-effective modernization and developing exceptional leaders.
May 1, 2018 Air Force invites innovative solutions in AFWERX Fusion Challenge The Air Force seeks innovative Airmen, entrepreneurs, industry experts, engineers and academics to participate in the AFWERX Fusion Challenge to enhance security of fixed, temporary and mobile assets.
April 19, 2018 Artificial intelligence proves beneficial for ISR data interpretation The 526th Intelligence Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, hosted an Artificial Intelligence and Design Thinking seminar at AFWERX Vegas.
Feb. 23, 2018 AF to fund squadron innovation that improves mission effectiveness Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David L. Goldfein announced that Air Force squadrons will receive a new funding authority to accelerate implementation of the National Defense Strategy Feb. 23, 2018.
Feb. 22, 2018 KC-135 aircraft boom instructor platform wins Spark Tank cup Master Sgt. Bartek Bachleda, 22nd Air Refueling Wing aircraft boom instructor, from McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, won the inaugural Air Force Spark Tank competition cup at the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium Feb. 22, 2018, in Orlando, Florida, for his KC-135 aircraft boom instructor
Jan. 17, 2018 AFWERX-Vegas provides creative toolbox to give life to innovative ideas The opening of the Air Force AFWERX-Vegas storefront marks an official invitation for innovators and entrepreneurs of all backgrounds to congregate, ideate and fabricate solutions for today’s warfighter.
Jan. 12, 2018 First AFWERX storefront opens in Las Vegas Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson, along with guest of honor Vice President Mike Pence as well as the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David L. Goldfein, opened the AFWERX-Vegas storefront Jan. 11 at the Howard Hughes Center in Las Vegas.
Jan. 12, 2018 AFWERX is smart risk for innovative solutions Today, the Air Force is formally expanding this call for innovation through the AFWERX program, which encourages partnerships with academic institutions, science and technology communities and private industries with an invested interest in solving complex security issues.
Jan. 12, 2018 Vice President Mike Pence visits Nellis AFB Vice President Mike Pence made his way to Las Vegas Jan. 11, 2018, to attend the grand opening of the first AFWERX facility and visit the men and women of Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.
Sept. 15, 2017 Air Force opens applications for dual-purpose technology accelerator program The Air Force launched a new startup technology accelerator through its AFwerX community of innovators.
Aug. 23, 2017 AFwerX Vegas opens new doors to innovation The men and women of the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center will once again be on the leading edge of testing, tactics, and training innovation, establishing the force’s most ambitious knowledge outreach program to date.Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson announced the launch of AFwerX during her
Aug. 1, 2017 SECAF talks Light Attack Experiment, innovation at AFA dinner While speaking at an Air Force Association event in Arlington, Va., Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson highlighted the four aircraft that Air Force pilots will fly through a range of combat mission scenarios in the Light Attack Experimentation Campaign at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico
July 21, 2017 Air Force opens doors to universities, small businesses and entrepreneurs to boost innovation Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson announced the launch of AFwerX July 21, 2017, during her visit to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.