Official websites use .mil
Secure .mil websites use HTTPS
PIAs help market Air Force technologies and capabilities, identify qualified non-federal partners, support productive engagement around agreements and collaborations, provide industry perspective, and help connect state and local innovation ecosystems to Air Force mission needs.
PIAs act as force multipliers. They help the Air Force and AFRL reach more potential partners, identify promising technologies and collaborators, improve the success of T3 activities, and connect government needs with outside expertise that government teams often cannot access as quickly or as broadly on their own.
PIAs can support activities such as technology scouting, market assessments, patent and licensing support, partner identification, workshops and industry engagement, commercialization support, and workforce development and transition-focused ecosystem building.
Depending on the authority in use, PIAs can help connect Air Force and AFRL organizations with small businesses, educational institutions, academic partners, and broader industry. That makes them useful tools for labs and program offices looking to strengthen T3 outcomes, identify nontraditional partners, and grow mission-relevant innovation ecosystems.
APEX connects universities, businesses and the government; builds collaborations between these sectors, identifies their transformational operational defense solutions and capabilities and advances defense technology development for the Department of the Air Force and entire DoD ecosystem.
We provide expert SBIR/STTR assistance to companies in 35-plus states, helping them secure funding and advance groundbreaking technologies.
We foster collaboration between 400-plus universities and 800-plus small businesses, facilitating close to a thousand successful matches through our dedicated matchmaking service.
: We’ve supported close to 500 SBIR/STTR awards, totaling over $160 million in research and development funding, and achieved an impressive Phase I to Phase II transition rate for our clients.
Our efforts have helped transition 15-plus DAF-funded technologies, generating over $180 million in follow-on funding and bringing innovative solutions to the forefront.
https://apex-innovates.org/ APEX
Facilitated by George Mason University, a Carnegie R1 public research institution, the Basic Research Innovation Collaboration Center serves as Partnership Intermediary to AFOSR, connecting scientific discovery to mission-aligned outcomes through ecosystem engagement, analytic insight, and partnership facilitation across academia, industry, and the national security innovation environment.
Connect AFOSR-funded researchers with industry, academia, government laboratories, and non-traditional partners through collaboration agreements, workshops, and engagement opportunities.
Support early-stage understanding of potential transition pathways from fundamental research to application through analytics, market research, and ecosystem connectivity to enable pathway exploration.
Design and Execute programming that strengthens science and technology workforce, leveraging GMU’s established National Capital Region(NCR) STEM infrastructure and expanding to support mission partners across the DC metro area and Colorado Springs.
Generate analyses, dashboards, and mapping that increase visibility of AFOSR research outcomes and support enterprise-level understanding across mission partners.
https://briccpia.org/ BRICC, Basic Research Innovation Collaboration Center
Catalyst Campus for Technology and Innovation is a collaborative ecosystem where industry, small business, workforce training, entrepreneurs, startups and venture capital intersect with aerospace and defense industry to create community, spark innovation and stimulate business growth.
We bridge the gap between government needs and innovative solutions by connecting government stakeholders with vetted industry experts to co-create and deliver cutting-edge technologies.
CCTI through its accelerator programs has facilitated multiple SBIR/STTR/CSO projects from Phase I ideation to operational prototypes, driving innovation in key areas like cybersecurity and agile combat support
CCTI actively identifies and champions promising small and non-traditional companies, connecting them with government programs and contracting opportunities to address critical national security needs.
https://catalystcampus.org/ Catalyst Campus for Technology and Innovation
Innovation headquarters for Air Force Global Strike Command’s Office of the Chief Scientist, the Cyber Innovation Center and STRIKEWERX innovation hub provide rapid, cost-effective technology transfer solutions for the Air Force’s nuclear enterprise and warfighters through collaboration between government, industry and academia.
We connect the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) with cutting-edge technologies and expertise from industry and academia to solve critical challenges.
We develop and deploy custom solutions, such as advanced databases, next generation alerting systems and virtual reality training simulators, to enhance AFGSC’s mission effectiveness.
Using a cost-effective, scalable, and agile approach to challenges and opportunities, we have partnered with industry and academia to deliver advancements in modeling and simulation, data analysis, communications, robotic process automation and training technology for AFGSC.
https://www.cyberinnovationcenter.org/ Cyber Innovation Center
The Doolittle Institute (DI) partners with the Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate (AFRL/RW) to accelerate technology transfer. We connect businesses and universities to AFRL/RW’s technology needs, fostering innovation, workforce development and economic growth for all stakeholders.
We raise awareness among small businesses and universities about AFRL/RW’s mission-critical technology needs, spanning areas like modeling and simulation, autonomy, energetic materials and more.
We connect AFRL/RW with external technologies and expertise, identifying mutually beneficial partnerships and potential defense applications.
We guide businesses and universities in navigating various government funding opportunities, including Broad Agency Announcements, SBIR/STTR programs, CRADAs and more.
We champion STEM education and workforce development initiatives, connecting AFRL/RW with talented individuals through internships, grants and other programs.
https://doolittleinstitute.org/ Doolittle Institute
Griffiss Institute is a Partner Intermediary and innovation accelerator, fostering collaboration between the DoD, industry and academia. Our primary customer is the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate in Rome, N.Y. Key initiatives include public-private partnerships to advance critical technologies, economic development and STEM workforce development.
Griffiss Institute is a nonprofit talent and technology accelerator for the United States DoD and an international network of academic, government and industry partners.
Since 2002, Griffiss Institute has served the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate, the Mohawk Valley region, and the United States, empowering diverse teams with talent and technology development programs that lead the nation in technical and economic impact.
Devoted to converging teams and technologies to solve complex national challenges, Griffiss Institute is proud to enable its international network from its home at Innovare Advancement Center in New York’s picturesque Mohawk Valley.
https://www.griffissinstitute.org/ Griffis Institute
MilTech is the DoD’s national partnership intermediary for technology transition established in 2004 to provide manufacturing, design review, business sustainability and technology scouting expertise to improve technology fielding and commercialization success. MilTech has a proven record of finding and qualifying non-traditional vendors to answer DoD’s needs and requirements.
We design, produce evaluation samples, test and evaluate critical technologies including medical, non-lethal, force protection and other technologies to rapidly field solutions.
We analyze and improve manufacturing processes, leveraging the expertise of the Department of Commerce’s Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEPs) to enhance production efficiency and product quality.
We conduct thorough information research and analysis to support informed decision-making and reduce development cycle times, procurement costs and overall life cycle costs.
By optimizing design, manufacturing and procurement processes, we ensure the delivery of affordable and sustainable technological solutions.
https://www.montana.edu/miltech/index.html Miltech
The Southwest Innovation Alliance PIA, through New Mexico Tech, was created to develop collaborative partnerships to accelerate technology innovation and transition between AFRL, industry and academia, and inspire future STEM workforce through hands-on, engaging outreach programs.
We deliver engaging, hands-on STEM programs and projects that empower students, particularly those from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds, to explore STEM careers and connect classroom learning to real-world applications.
We bridge the gap between government and startups through our Hyperspace Challenge Accelerator, providing training, mentorship and resources to help early-stage companies and universities develop and deliver cutting-edge solutions for challenges faced by agencies like AFRL and USSF.
We actively cultivate a thriving innovation ecosystem by facilitating collaborative agreements and technology transfer opportunities between government, academia and industry, resulting in new Educational Partnership Agreements, Cooperative Research and Development Agreements and numerous other partnerships.
https://www.nmt.edu/research/swia/index.php New Mexico Tech, Southwest Innovation Alliance
The New Mexico Trade Alliance is a catalyst for technology transfer and economic growth, partnering with AFRL-NM to connect businesses, researchers and the community through innovative programs that drive collaboration, workforce development and commercialization opportunities in New Mexico’s vibrant tech sector.
We provide a collaborative hub where government agencies like AFRL, national labs, private companies and entrepreneurs work side-by-side to accelerate space innovation and ensure U.S. dominance in the sector.
Our STTR Partnership Program empowers startups to navigate the path to commercialization by providing customer discovery, market validation and access to technical expertise, all while prioritizing equitable partnerships.
We invest in STEM education and workforce development through impactful events like the STEMYs awards and STEM Signing Day, celebrating achievements and fostering a passion for STEM in students of all backgrounds, particularly those from underserved communities.
https://www.nmtradealliance.org/ New Mexico Trade Alliance
NewSpace Nexus is a space organization that focuses on Uniting and Igniting Space by bringing stakeholders together and providing space companies with resources and services that accelerate product development from concept to prototype to sales. We support companies beyond research and development, enabling more companies to grow and thrive.
Through our Unite and Ignite framework, we’ve fostered a community of over 5,000 innovators, promoting collaboration and accelerating the growth of the space industry.
Our NewSpace Ignitor program propels early-stage space companies to success, securing them over $40 million in contracts and funding, a four-time return on investment.
Through our 270-member strong NewSpace Alliance, robust programming and our nationally recognized State of the Space Industrial Base Conference and Workshops.
https://www.newspacenexus.org/ NewSpace Nexus
As an Air Force Research Laboratory Partnership Intermediary, NYSTEC performs services that advance critical United States Air Force (USAF) technology by connecting industry partners with the research community. We assist with technology transfer and help identify new technologies by assessing federally funded research, conducting industry outreach and providing startup development support.
We connect stakeholders, foster collaboration and build supportive environments for startups and entrepreneurs to thrive and drive economic growth.
We provide data-driven insights into industry trends and opportunities, informing strategic decision-making.
We support technology acceleration through programs like the ORION accelerator, and by streamlining access to government contracts through our Empire APEX Accelerator.
We convene industry leaders and experts through events like Workforce Development forums and Ask Me Anything sessions, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration.
https://nystec.com/ NYSTEC, New York State Technology Enterprise Corporation
TechLink is the National DoD program of record for technology transfer (T2), facilitating high quality T2 partnerships between DoD labs and U.S. industry. TechLink also provides training to the T2 workforce via T2 University and conducts assessments of the economic and Defense mission impacts of DoD T2 partnerships.
Orchestrated over 75 technology transfer agreements between the Department of Defense (DoD) and industry in FY2024, encompassing License Agreements, Cooperative Agreements and other agreements. These agreements spanned across the Air Force, Navy and Army.
Reviewed over 2,000 patents for technology transfer potential and market suitability, actively marketing several promising technologies to prospective industry partners.
Conducted over 30 laboratory visits and industry events, including several focused on technology transfer best practices for DoD labs. Provided specialized training to close to 150 DoD technology transfer professionals through the TechLink Tech Transfer University program.
Completed a comprehensive DoD-wide study analyzing the national economic impacts of Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs).
https://techlinkcenter.org/ Techlink
REACH, supported by the Nebraska Defense Research Corporation (NDRC), helps the Nuclear Command, Control and Communications Enterprise Center (NEC) connect with small businesses, traditional defense partners, academia, federal labs, and research centers to advance mission-relevant collaboration, concept exploration, and technology demonstration.
https://nebraska.edu/ndrc/ NDRC/REACH
Pacific Region, operated by MEDB, is the Air Force PIA presence in Hawaii. It is positioned to connect Air Force technology transition needs with regional industry, academia, and innovation partners across the Pacific ecosystem.
Pacific Region helps bring together government, industry, academic, and community partners to strengthen mission-relevant collaboration in Hawaii and the broader Pacific region.
Pacific Region can support workshops, events, and ecosystem-building activities that expose innovators and institutions to Air Force opportunities and help build longer-term transition relationships.
https://www.medb.org/ Pacific Region / MEDB
The University of Massachusetts Lowell Applied Research Corporation (UMLARC) is a nonprofit spun out of the UMass system to accelerate emerging and dual-use technology development, applied research, and transition. As the Partnership Intermediary supporting Hanscom Air Force Base, UMLARC connects academia, industry, startups, and government through its Northstar Campus and broader Greater Boston innovation ecosystem.
UMLARC convenes startups, universities, federal stakeholders, and small businesses through collider events, workshops, accelerators, and informal ecosystem engagement that help surface mission-aligned capabilities.
UMLARC scouts emerging technologies, facilitates matchmaking with program offices, supports SBIR/STTR pathways, and connects innovators with advanced labs and prototyping environments to move promising solutions toward adoption.
UMLARC supports workforce development and STEM pipeline growth through programs like Banshee Innovation Training, internships, and mission-driven learning experiences that strengthen innovation capacity and acquisition literacy.
UMLARC helps firms remain eligible and competitive by providing support on teaming, SBIR/STTR, and CMMC readiness, while creating practical on-ramps into national security work.
https://www.umlarc.org/ UMLARC / Northstar Campus
AF.techtransfer@us.af.mil AFRL.DAFT3.PIAS@us.af.mil