AFWERX

AFWERX is a United States Air Force program with the goal of fostering a culture of innovation within the service.[1] Encompassing a number of programs supported with relatively small amounts of funding, the initiative is intended to circumvent bureaucracy and engage new entrepreneurs in Air Force programs.[2][3] AFWERX was officially announced by Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson on 21 July 2017 during her visit to Nellis Air Force Base.[1] The program is partially based on the structure of Air Force Special Operations Command, and has been described as an "Island of misfit toys" for entrepreneurs in the Air Force. Secretary Wilson stated that the program would "increase lethality at a lower cost".[1]

AFWERX
Technology Accelerator
Connecting Innovators. Accelerating Results.
Project typeTechnology accelerator
ObjectiveIncrease collaboration between inter and extra service innovators and entrepreneurs.
Project coordinatorUnited States Air Force
PartnersTechstars
Budget
  • Total: 11 million dollars
Duration2017 –
Websitewww.afwerx.af.mil

Purpose

AFWERX is intended to engage inter and extra service innovators and entrepreneurs in the operations of the United States Air Force. The goal of the programs under the AFWERX umbrella is to develop effective solutions to the challenges facing the service through partnerships with private sector business entities, with particular emphasis being placed on collaboration with technology startups.[1][3]

Technology accelerator

Through AFWERX, the Air Force launched a technology accelerator program in September 2017.[4] The technology accelerator program emphasizes the development and implementation of autonomous technologies. The goal of these developments is to increase the ability of the Air Force assets to detect, identify, attribute, and mitigate autonomous technologies.[5] Boston based company PBTS LLC and entrepreneur networking service Techstars were contracted to operate the first accelerator program in conjunction with AFWERX.[5][6][7]

Locations

The first functioning AFWERX location was announced to be opening at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2018, where, according to the Air Force, groups will be able to present ideas for evaluation by the service branch.[1][8] The Vegas location opened in early June 2018.[9] AFWERX opened a new facility in Austin, Texas also in June 2018,[10] and later opened a third location in Washington D.C.[11]

See also

References
  1. "Air Force opens doors to universities, small businesses and entreprene". U.S. Air Force. Retrieved 2017-09-22.
  2. "AFWERX – Connecting innovators and accelerating results". afwerxdc.org. Retrieved 2017-11-14.
  3. "SECAF talks Light Attack Experiment, innovation at AFA dinner". U.S. Air Force. Retrieved 2017-09-22.
  4. "Air Force opens applications for dual-purpose technology accelerator p". Air Force Space Command. Retrieved 2017-09-22.
  5. "Air Force opens applications for dual-purpose technology accelerator p". U.S. Air Force. Retrieved 2017-09-22.
  6. "www.americaninno.com/boston/techstars-launches-autonomous-tech-program-in-boston-with-u-s-air-force/". www.americaninno.com. Retrieved 2017-09-22.
  7. "Techstars Autonomous Technology Accelerator with U.S. Air Force". Techstars. Retrieved 2017-09-22.
  8. "AFwerX Vegas opens new doors to innovation". www.aerotechnews.com. September 2017. Retrieved 2017-09-22.
  9. "AFWERX-Vegas Grand Debut". LasVegasSun.com. Retrieved 2018-09-06.
  10. "Air Force innovation group AFWERX expands to Texas - Fedscoop". Fedscoop. 2018-06-29. Retrieved 2018-09-06.
  11. www.bizjournals.com https://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/news/2018/12/12/new-air-force-innovation-hub-in-austin-offers.html. Retrieved 2019-02-26. Missing or empty |title= (help)
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