In September 2017, Secretary of the U.S. Air Force Heather Wilson launched an initiative to update the Air Force's science and technology strategy. Over the course of a year, the Air Force will listen and learn from the scientific community, higher education and business professionals through a series of conversations and outreach events.
WE ARE THE AIR FORCE
RESEARCH LABORATORY
and we are building tomorrow’s technology
The United States Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Presents
the AIR FORCE CHALLENGE
Think Big, Start Small, Scale Fast
The Air Force Vice Chief of Staff is challenging Airmen, academia and industry to enhance Multi-Domain Operations, which integrates joint and coalition capabilities across all military operations.
In a world dominated by rapid innovation, can you look around and find a better way to establish situational awareness, develop courses of action or deliver effects at unmatched speed? Many scenarios require us to act within 15 minutes or less.
Our adversaries have become very savvy at leveraging technology to challenge the superiority we have come to rely on. In each of our mission areas, we must rapidly harness and integrate technology that helps Airmen anticipate what’s next and speed our decision cycle.
The Air Force Challenge will start small by gathering ideas from individual Airmen, rapidly evolve concepts with national thought leaders and scale fast by working with industry to build and demonstrate prototypes.
Your Challenge:
Airmen (Active Duty and Government Civilians)
Each of you have seen opportunities to enhance multi-domain operations. Is it an app, an algorithm or a new approach? We want to hear your best ideas and your thoughts on ideas proposed by other Airmen. Accept the Challenge by registering for the new U.S. Air Force Ideation Platform using the link below.
Academia & Industry:
Stay tuned for the next phases of the Air Force Challenge where you’ll get involved in workshops to refine ideas and draft development plans, followed by solicitation for prototype development and demonstration.
THE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2030 INITIATIVE
INVENT THE FUTURE TODAY
Your ideas will shape the Air Force of tomorrow.
In 1944, Theodore von Karman envisioned a new Air Force through his study, Toward New Horizons. The technologies identified more than 70 years ago are the reality that keeps America safe today. Submit your ideas to help us invent the future for 2030 and beyond.
What
Why
We can't afford to slow down. As our adversaries close the technology gap, we need to push the boundaries of what's possible and invent the future. In order to defend America, we need your help to innovate smarter and faster. Our warfighters depend on us to keep the fight unfair and we will deliver.
How
Submit your science and technology ideas for basic research as well as ideas to improve our business processes to help us continue to prepare for 2030 and beyond. AFRL will continue to listen for great ideas beyond the formal initiative timeframe.