About AFWERX

AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force and a division within the Air Force Research Laboratory partners with small businesses, startups and nontraditional vendors to address challenges facing Airmen and Guardians. Headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, AFWERX strengthens the defense industrial base by expanding access to innovators, building partnerships and accelerating the transition of critical technologies to operational capability. In fiscal year 2025, AFWERX awarded more than 1,000 contracts totaling $1.37 billion and achieved 438 Phase III transitions valued at $8.1 billion. 
  • Mission: AFWERX accelerates agile and affordable capability transitions by teaming leaders in innovative technology with Airman and Guardian talent. 
  • Mantra: Unleashing American Ingenuity
  • Vision: Forge an innovation ecosystem that delivers disruptive Air & Space capabilities.

AFRL/AFWERX Leadership

IMPORTANT LINKS

Latest AFWERX News

AFWERX Divisions

  • SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a division of AFWERX, partners with startups, small businesses and nontraditional vendors to accelerate commercial space technologies for Guardians. Headquartered in Los Angeles, SpaceWERX connects industry innovation with defense needs to deliver capabilities faster. In partnership with Space Systems Command’s Commercial Space Office, SpaceWERX bridges innovation and acquisition to accelerate capability adoption. In fiscal year 2025, SpaceWERX awarded more than 300 contracts totaling $510 million. 

AFWERX Videos

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

AFWERX combines startup urgency with the largest pool of motivated talent in the world to uncover opportunities to improve Air and Space Force capabilities, connect and engage the right stakeholders, and facilitate outcomes.

AFWERX Fellowship Program
  • Unique opportunity for Air Force and Space Force members to gain insight into AFWERX capabilities, help shape the Air Force’s future projects and focus areas, and discover innovation enablers and pathways to resources that can benefit you in your future roles in the Force.
SAGE Fellowship Program
  • The AFWERX SAGE Fellowship is an opportunity for Airmen, Guardians, and Civilians to work directly with Open Topic Phase I small businesses to help them learn how to operate within the DAF ecosystem. SAGE Fellows help Phase I organizations understand day-to-day practices and leverage their networks to help in identifying potential customers for emerging dual-use technologies. Applications for the current cohort are open through 15 Nov 2024.
Weekly Webinar Series
  • AFWERX hosts webinars to educate, inform and answer any questions you may have about the SBIR/STTR process. Tune in to learn more and ask your questions.
AFWERX Events
  • Challenges, SBIR/STTR Roadshows and conferences.  Check out the events section on our site for dates and opportunities for companies to showcase their ideas/tech/solutions to government customers.
 
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