AFWERX is an innovation arm of the U.S. Air Force, operating under the Department of the Air Force (DAF). It aims to accelerate agile, affordable capability transitions by connecting innovative private-sector solutions with defense needs. Within the SBIR/STTR programs, AFWERX plays a key role by streamlining the process for small businesses to engage with the Department of Defense (DoD), particularly the Air Force and Space Force. It emphasizes rapid prototyping, dual-use technologies, and a customer discovery model that helps small businesses align their solutions with real defense mission needs—speeding up the path from concept to operational use.
