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Funder · Federal agency

AFWERX

Supports AFWERX, the Department of the Air Force directorate linking military needs with emerging commercial technologies.

United Statesafwerx.com
Key stats
Annual funding$1.4B
Programs4
Active grants2
Total grants6
About

AFWERX is the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force (DAF), operating as a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). It funds small businesses through SBIR and STTR contracts to develop and transition emerging technologies for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. Since 2019, AFWERX has awarded over 10,400 contracts worth more than $7.24 billion.

AFWERX operates t…

Programs & grants under this funder
AFWERX Open Topic SBIR/STTR

Helps AFWERX Topic process for dual-use technology proposals aligned with Air Force priorities.

1 grant
AFWERX Open Topic SBIR/STTR
Open
— pool·Rolling submission
AFWERX Specific Topic SBIR/STTR

Helps AFWERX Specific Topic for solving identified capability gaps with known customer requirements.

3 grants
AFWERX Specific Topic SBIR Release 1
Between cycles
— pool
AFWERX Specific Topic SBIR Release 2
Between cycles
— pool
AFWERX Specific Topic STTR Release 1
Between cycles
— pool
AFWERX Spark Innovation Funds + Tank Trial

Runs innovation cells at Air Force bases, linking teams through rapid demonstration pathways and pitch competitions.

AFWERX STRATFI / TACFI

Helps AFWERX STRATFI and TACFI for Growth-stage matching investment for II graduates.

2 grants
AFWERX SpaceWERX STRATFI Space
Open
— pool
AFWERX TACFI
Between cycles
— pool
Parent entityU.S. Department of Defense
Last verified: 1 Jun 2026Source: afwerx.com