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A PIA serves as a force multiplier for the Air Force Research Laboratory by dramatically amplifying the impact of federal lab technologies beyond what government resources alone could achieve. PIAs enable long-term partnerships between federal government laboratories, state or local governments and affiliated non-profits to leverage external networks and expertise. The purpose is to encourage national economic growth through technology transfer, transition and commercialization developed in the federal labs, maximizing the return on defense research and development investments.
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
Powered by the Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation (VT-ARC), the Basic Research Innovation Collaboration Center (BRICC) Partnership Intermediary Agreement is a valued mission partner to military, government, academia, industry and nonprofit organizations focused on scientific discovery and technology transition through collaborative environments, analysis and enrichment.
BRICC has hosted close to 2,000 collaboration events across its six facilities, connecting over 30,000 individuals from government, industry and academia.
We develop and facilitate STEM outreach programs for students in Washington, D.C. and Colorado, inspiring the next generation of Science and Technology professionals.
We analyze the long-term impact of research investments, including patent activity and scientific publications, as well as providing economic impact studies.
Leveraging a database of over three million companies, BRICC proactively identifies potential partners and tracks over 11,000 technical proof-of-concepts for outreach and transition opportunities.
https://briccpia.org/ BRICC, Basic Research Innovation and 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 partnership 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 identifies itself as the premier STEM talent and technology accelerator for the United States Department of War. As a PIA, it collaborates with the AFRL to find opportunities to strengthen national security and create economic opportunity.
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, we’ve developed 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
AF.techtransfer@us.af.mil AFRL.DAFT3.PIAS@us.af.mil