AFWERX

AFWERX functions as the Department of the Air Force's innovation arm, cultivating and transitioning emerging technologies. It partners with private sector innovators, including small businesses and startups, to address defense requirements. Utilizing programs like Ventures, Spark, and SpaceWERX, it broadens the defense industrial base and accelerates technology adoption for military applications.

Founded in 2017 by then-Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson, AFWERX originated from the insight that the Air Force needed a more agile method to integrate commercial technological advancements. This initiative fostered rapid development, leveraging external American ingenuity to solve critical national security challenges.

AFWERX serves external technology developers, Airmen, and Guardians of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. Its mission accelerates the transition of agile, affordable capabilities by connecting innovative providers with military personnel. The vision is to forge an innovation ecosystem delivering disruptive air and space capabilities, ensuring national defense superiority.