Revision 839461988 of "AFWERX" on enwiki

{{Infobox research project
| name =AFWERX
| title = Technology Accelerator
| image = File:AFWERX Logo.jpg
| image_alt = File:Seal of the US Air Force.svg
| seal = NASA seal.svg
| caption = Connecting Innovators. Accelerating Results.
| keywords = 
| project_type = Technology accelerator
| funding_agency = 
| sponsors = 
| framework_programme = 
| project_reference = 
| research_objective = Increase collaboration between inter and extra service innovators and entrepreneurs.
| location = 
| coordinator = USAF
| participants = 
| partners = [[Techstars]]
| budget = 11 million dollars
| funding = 
| start = 2017
| end = 
| website = {{URL|http://afwerxdc.org/}}
}}
'''AFWERX''' is a [[United States Air Force]] program with the stated goal of fostering a culture of innovation within the service.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1254932/air-force-opens-doors-to-universities-small-businesses-and-entrepreneurs-to-boo/|title=Air Force opens doors to universities, small businesses and entreprene|work=U.S. Air Force|access-date=2017-09-22|language=en-US}}</ref> Encompassing a number of programs supported with relatively small amounts of funding, the new initiative is intended to circumvent bureaucracy and engage new entrepreneurs in Air force programs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://afwerxdc.org/|title=AFWERX – Connecting innovators and accelerating results|website=afwerxdc.org|language=en-US|access-date=2017-11-14}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=http://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1264411/secaf-talks-light-attack-experiment-innovation-at-afa-dinner/|title=SECAF talks Light Attack Experiment, innovation at AFA dinner|work=U.S. Air Force|access-date=2017-09-22|language=en-US}}</ref> AFWERX was officially announced by Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson on 21 July 2017 during her visit to [[Nellis Air Force Base]].<ref name=":0" /> The program is partially based on the structure of [[Air Force Special Operations Command]], and has been described as an "[[Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (TV special)|Island of misfit toys]]" for entrepreneurs in the Air Force. Secretary Wilson stated that the program would "increase lethality at a lower cost".<ref name=":0" />

== Concept ==
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 partnership with private sector business entities, with particular emphasis being placed on collaboration with technology startups.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> The program will reportedly cost 2 million dollars in its first year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12353757/air-force-unlv-to-foster-cost-saving-innovations|title=Air Force, UNLV to foster cost-saving innovations {{!}} AviationPros.com|work=AviationPros.com|access-date=2017-09-22|language=en}}</ref> 

=== Technology accelerator ===
Through AFWERX, the Air Force launched a technology accelerator program in September 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.afspc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1313455/air-force-opens-applications-for-dual-purpose-technology-accelerator-program/|title=Air Force opens applications for dual-purpose technology accelerator p|work=Air Force Space Command|access-date=2017-09-22|language=en-US}}</ref> The technology accelerator program will put emphasis on the development and implementation of autonomous technologies. The goal of said developments are to increase the ability of the Air Force assets to detect, identify, attribute, and mitigate autonomous technologies.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1313455/air-force-opens-applications-for-dual-purpose-technology-accelerator-program/|title=Air Force opens applications for dual-purpose technology accelerator p|work=U.S. Air Force|access-date=2017-09-22|language=en-US}}</ref> Boston based company PBTS LLC and entrepreneur networking service [[Techstars]] have been contracted to operate the accelerator in conjunction with AFWERX.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.americaninno.com/boston/techstars-launches-autonomous-tech-program-in-boston-with-u-s-air-force/|title=www.americaninno.com/boston/techstars-launches-autonomous-tech-program-in-boston-with-u-s-air-force/|website=www.americaninno.com|access-date=2017-09-22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.techstars.com/programs/autonomous-tech-program/|title=Techstars Autonomous Technology Accelerator with U.S. Air Force|work=Techstars|access-date=2017-09-22|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== 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.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aerotechnews.com/nellisafb/2017/09/01/afwerx-vegas-opens-new-doors-to-innovation/|title=AFwerX Vegas opens new doors to innovation|website=www.aerotechnews.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-09-22}}</ref>  

==See also==
*[[SOFWERX]]
{{Portal|United States Air Force}}

== References ==
<references />

{{USMILHIST}}

[[Category:Projects of the United States Air Force]]

{{USAF-stub}}