SpaceWERX

📌 FRIDAY AT CAPITAL FACTORY HOUSE: Col. Elliott Leigh, director of AFWERX, and Darrell Phillipson, director of Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Materials and Manufacturing, were joined by Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) for the Manufacturing Keynote, "Rebuilding the Defense Industrial Base." A huge thank you to moderator Howard "Howie" Marotto from Barnes Global Advisors for leading the session! The panel explored the future of manufacturing and supply chains, focusing on adaptability, resilience and innovation. Col. Leigh discussed how AFWERX is addressing critical gaps in the Department of the Air Force’s industrial base by investing in scalable, efficient solutions that strengthen production capabilities and enhance the U.S. industrial base, ensuring national security and maintaining a strategic advantage. Capital Factory House isn’t over yet—join AFWERX and SpaceWERX tomorrow to connect, learn, and be inspired! ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eKJ7jxeH . . . #AFWERX #USAF #DAF #DoD #Airmen #SpaceWERX #USSF #Guardians #event #CapitalFactoryHouse #industry #innovation

🌟 What an incredible opportunity this morning at Capital Factory House to hear from Brig Gen Jason Hawk, deputy director of Air Force Futures! The United States Department of the Air Force (DAF) keynote, “Air Force Demand Signal: Making Sense of the Churn for Industry,” offered key insights into how industry partners can navigate the evolving landscape of priorities, investments, and tech advancements as the Air Force adapts to modern warfare. A big thank you to moderator Katherine Hennessey Gronberg, head of Government Services at NightDragon. This session provided valuable takeaways for defense contractors, startups, and investors alike. Day 1️⃣ of Capital Factory House is just kicking off! There are two more days of keynotes, panels, and office hours. Get ready to connect, learn and be inspired! ➡️ https://ow.ly/g2Bt50VcYBR . . . #AFWERX #USAF #DAF #DoD #Airmen #SpaceWERX #USSF #Guardians #event #CapitalFactoryHouse #industry #innovation

🌟 See you tomorrow at Capital Factory House! Network with United States Department of the Air Force leaders, learn about AFWERX and SpaceWERX programs, and hear from experts in the defense industry about current priorities. NEWLY ADDED: We’ll be livestreaming many of the keynote speakers and panels from Capital Factory House! The livestream links only cover sessions that are located on the Voltron Stage - Floor 1. Tune in to the broadcast, hosted by Capital Factory: 🎥  Friday, March 7: https://ow.ly/jGni50Vcajc 🎥  Saturday, March 8: https://ow.ly/cvBj50VcakK  . . . #AFWERX #USAF #DAF #DoD #Airmen #SpaceWERX #USSF #Guardians #event #CapitalFactoryHouse #industry #innovation

AFWERX is focusing its investments to rapidly transition emerging commercial and dual-use technologies in manufacturing to address critical United States Department of Defense gaps. This strategic alignment is aimed at helping the U.S. remain the strongest and most lethal force in the world. Check out our panels on Friday, March 7 at Capital Factory House to learn more and discover how you can be a part of this exciting investment! ⏰ Fireside Chat/Manufacturing Keynote (11 a.m. CT, Voltron - Floor 1): Col. Leigh, director of AFWERX and Darrell Phillipson, director of Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Materials and Manufacturing, will be joined by Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), to discuss and explore how the future of manufacturing and supply chains hinges on adaptability, resilience, and innovation. ⏰ Panel/Manufacturing Track: “Partnering for Innovation: How Industry can Engage with AFWERX Manufacturing” (1 p.m. CT, Wolverine- Floor 8): AFWERX and SpaceWERX Manufacturing leads will outline the broad manufacturing capability gaps identified by United States Air Force and United States Space Force PEOs that the Challenge aims to address, as well as discuss the next steps for joining the initiative. ➡️ Dive into the full event agenda here: https://ow.ly/Ag3i50Vcmw8 . . . #AFWERX #USAF #DAF #DoD #Airmen #SpaceWERX #USSF #Guardians #event #CapitalFactoryHouse #industry #innovation

👉 THIS WEEK: Join us at Capital Factory House to connect with visionaries, disruptors, and leaders at the intersection of technology and national security! Our teams are ready for exciting discussions and collaboration. Don’t miss out—add these AFWERX and SpaceWERX fireside chats, panels and office hours to your agenda! Disruptive Defense Tech Tracks (Day 1 and Day 2) 🔵 Col. Leigh, director of AFWERX and Darrell Phillipson, director of Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Materials and Manufacturing, will be joined by Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), to discuss and explore how the future of manufacturing and supply chains hinges on adaptability, resilience, and innovation. 🔵 Panel with Manufacturing leads - Ian Clowes, AFWERX; Rachel Braun, SpaceWERX; and Cayley Dymond, AFWERX Challenge. The team will outline the broad manufacturing capability gaps identified by the United States Air Force and United States Space Force PEOs that the Challenge aims to address, as well as discuss the next steps for joining the initiative. 🔵 Maj. Victor Lopez, AFWERX Autonomy Prime program manager, is joined by United States Department of the Air Force artificial intelligence (AI) experts from the Pentagon, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Stanford University AI Studio, and commercial business. AFWERX Track Panels (Day 2) 🔵 Helena Krusec, AFWERX Capital Initiatives project manager is joined by counterparts from DIU and Small Business Investment Company Critical Technology (SBICCT) for the “Alternative Funding Panel." 🔵 Arthur Grijalva, director of SpaceWERX, and Daniel Carroll, AFWERX Ventures division chief, will be joined by commercial business to discuss the the STRATFI program and selections. 🔵 Melissa Garmoe, SpaceWERX Growth Stage lead, will be joined by members of the space ecosystem for the following panel, “Shaping the Future of Space through SBIR/STTR Transitions.” This event brings together bold thinkers, technologists and leaders at the intersection of national security and commercial technology. ➡️ Dive into the full event agenda here: https://ow.ly/Ag3i50Vcmw8 . . . #AFWERX #USAF #DAF #DoD #Airmen #SpaceWERX #USSF #Guardians #event #CapitalFactoryHouse #industry #innovation

DID YOU KNOW❓ SpaceWERX Spark empowers innovation at the operational edge by connecting end-users, lab engineers, and acquirers to solve tough challenges. Through accelerators, challenges, and colliders, Spark bridges industry and academia to drive creative solutions for the future of space—developing the best technology and getting it into the hands of the warfighter. As part of their mission to foster collaboration, the Space Spark team visited the Crucible Innovation Lab at Vandenberg Space Force Base. This lab is dedicated to supporting Guardian innovation, offering the tools, resources, and space needed to transform concepts into real prototypes. The Spark team also toured the Combined Space Operations Center (CSpOC) and Western Range Operations Control Center (WROCC) to gain deeper insight into the operations behind USSF Command and Control (C2) and Space Launch missions. The Crucible Innovation Lab is a catalyst for change, collaboration, and the future of United States Air Force and United States Space Force innovation. Learn more here 👉 https://ow.ly/VJTH50V9rwo . . . #SpaceWERX #SpaceSpark #USSF #Guardian #AFWERX #USAF #DoD #MissionDownload #VandenbergSpaceForceBase #CrucibleInnovationLab #CSpOC #WROCC #innovation

Ready to make an impact? It’s time to get involved! 💥 We’ve got fresh opportunities, events, and webinars for you to explore. Dive into the world of innovation, connect with game-changing technologies, and join the conversations driving the future of industry. 📅 See what’s next and get the full details here: https://ow.ly/meFg50VapHX . . . #AFWERX #SpaceWERX #GetInvolvedMonday #opportunities #government #funding #events #webinars

SpaceWERX is live at the Pacific Operational Science & Technology (POST) Conference, located inside the Hawaii Convention Center. 📢 And we want to see you! 📍 Visit us at booth #1122 – where you can meet with us and dive into exciting opportunities! Check out the exhibit hall hours below: 🕒 Monday, March 3: 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. HST 🕒 Tuesday, March 4: 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. HST The conference is the perfect place to collaborate, innovate, and explore cutting-edge United States Department of Defense opportunities in joint research, experimentation and warfighting. We look forward to connecting and sharing ideas with you at the event! ✨ . . . #SpaceWERX #USSF #AFWERX #USAF #DAF #DoD #NDIA #IndoPacificCommand #collaboration #event #GetInvolvedMonday

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📢 CLOSING NEXT WEEK 📢 The submission window for the United States Space Force 25.5 Open Topic Direct-to-Phase II (D2P2) closes on Thursday, March 6 at noon ET. This is your chance to bring cutting-edge technology to the hands of the warfighter and contribute to enhancing military readiness. If you missed the SpaceWERX Ask Me Anything (AMA) webinar, you can now watch the recording, access the slides, and view solicitation resources—all in one place! 👉 View here: https://ow.ly/UpJp50V78yg . . . #SpaceWERX #SpaceVentures #OpenTopic #D2P2 #USSF #CommercializeTheForce #technology #innovation