AFRL Regional Hub Networks for the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest regions awarded 2-year contract

Editor’s note: The extension signals AFRL’s commitment to supporting the Hub Networks and the critical connections they have enabled within less than two years of operating.

ITHACA, NY and West Lafayette, IN – The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, announced a two-year contract extension and $15 million funding ceiling increase for each of the Regional Hub Networks. The two pilot programs are based at Cornell University, Mid-Atlantic, and Purdue University, Midwest.

The extension and funding signals AFRL’s ongoing commitment to grow the hub networks and the critical roles they have served for connecting members of industry, academia, venture capital, regional economic development agencies and the government on key projects within less than two years of starting operations.

Matt Miller, principal investigator for the Materials Solutions Network at Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source, which provides dedicated access to two X-ray beamlines for the Department of the Air Force and other Department of Defense researchers. The Air Force Research Laboratory’s, or AFRL, Regional Hub Network began its second year of the five- year experiment working with Cornell University. The pilot initiative, launched in February 2022, serves as a system comprised of partners across the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest with Cornell and Purdue universities as peer leaders. (Photo illustration / Jason Koski, Cornell University)

“This step forward underscores our dedication to the hubs and the successes they have achieved with fostering a vibrant ecosystem of collaboration,” said Brian McJilton, director of AFRL’s Small Business Directorate. “Despite being new, the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest hubs have clearly demonstrated their ability to drive dual-use innovations within a short time of operating, and this extension and funding will allow them to continue their impressive track record toward that end.”

In less than two years, the AFRL Regional Hub Networks have already supported numerous projects ranging from advanced materials for extreme environments to hypersonics-enabling proficiencies to novel communication technologies, each contributing significantly to both the U.S. Air Force’s mission capabilities and unique needs in the private sector.

“Our continued support from AFRL is a testament to the vision and hard work of every stakeholder involved in the hubs,” said Patrick Govang, co-director of the AFRL Regional Hub Network – Mid-Atlantic at Cornell University. “We have laid a solid foundation in the Mid-Atlantic region, and with this extension, we look forward to deepening our ties, amplifying our impact and continuing to drive transformative innovation for the nation.”

Similarly, the Midwest Hub Network has also been a beacon of collaboration and notable progress.

“Our primary focus thus far has been targeted at building our network base and fostering a diverse ecosystem of innovation,” said Dr. Stacy M. Manni, acting director of the AFRL Regional Hub Network – Midwest at Purdue University. “We are now building upon our early successes in capturing a broad range of technologies, in need of transition, from multi-organizational collaborative teams and driving our AFRL S&E development and pipeline initiatives, to provide future breakthroughs for our nation’s defense and commercial sectors.”

Via the contract extension and funding, both hub networks will expand their reach and further cultivate partnerships with universities, corporations, startups and local and national government partners. This renewed commitment will provide both hub networks the capability to expand workforce development programs and additional award funding that will uplift many in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions.

For more information about upcoming proposal solicitations and events, memberships, or to join the email lists for the Mid-Atlantic or Midwest hubs, please visit the website URLs below:

• AFRL Regional Hub Network – Mid-Atlantic: https://www.midatlantichub.afresearchlab.com/
• AFRL Regional Hub Network – Midwest: https://midwesthub.afresearchlab.com/

ABOUT AFRL

The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit www.afresearchlab.com.

ABOUT THE AFRL REGIONAL HUB NETWORK – MID-ATLANTIC

The AFRL Regional Hub Network – Mid-Atlantic is a pilot network supported by the Air Force Research Lab and led by Cornell University and focused on fueling innovations from the region into viable commercialization paths while facilitating the next generation of regional scientists and technologists. Founding member institutions include Binghamton University, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Columbia University, Griffiss Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Princeton University, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and the SUNY Research Foundation. The Mid-Atlantic Hub aims to provide key connections between industry, academia, and the government to foster innovation of critical technologies. For more information about the Hub or inquire about becoming a member, visit https://midatlantichub.afresearchlab.com/.

ABOUT THE AFRL REGIONAL HUB NETWORK – MIDWEST

The AFRL Regional Hub Network – Midwest, hosted at Purdue University, serves as an AFRL initiative with the primary objective of cultivating a dynamic science and technology ecosystem to effectively address the requirements and priorities of both the Air Force and Space Force. This endeavor establishes vital connections among an array of more than 95 partners, including universities, businesses, government agencies, national laboratories, economic development collaborators, and venture capitalists, all in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratories. To explore the prospect of joining the Midwest Regional Network or to make inquiries, please visit our comprehensive website or stay updated on our activities by following us on LinkedIn or Twitter through our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/afrl.network.midwest.