# AFWERX

AFWERX is an Other based in Washington, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Other
- **Headquarters:** Washington, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** Washington, DC, United States
- **Founded:** 2017
- **Assets under management:** Undisclosed
- **Website:** afwerx.com
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/afwerx

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

AFWERX is the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force, powered by the Air Force Research Laboratory. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, it facilitates connections across industry, academia, and the military. AFWERX is led by the Air Force's team of innovators.

## Sectors

- SpaceTech
- AI/ML
- Mobility & Transportation
- Energy Transition & Renewables
- Robotics & Automation
- Cybersecurity
- Industrial Tech

## People

- Mark Rowland — Director

## Questions

### Is AFWERX an investor or a grant-making body?

AFWERX awards contracts, grants, and Other Transaction Agreements — not equity investments. It operates under the Air Force Research Laboratory and uses SBIR/STTR mechanisms alongside direct-to-Phase-II awards. Companies retain their equity; the government receives a path to prototype evaluation and potential procurement.

### How is AFWERX different from In-Q-Tel or DIU?

In-Q-Tel is a CIA-chartered nonprofit venture investor that takes equity. The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) runs under the Secretary of Defense and focuses on bridging prototypes into programs of record across all services. AFWERX belongs specifically to the Department of the Air Force and uses a non-equity, procurement-acceleration model with a heavy emphasis on SBIR reform and direct-to-Phase-II contracts.

### What is the STRATFI program?

Strategic Financing (STRATFI) matches government funding with private investment to advance dual-use technologies. AFWERX can commit up to $15 million in government funds per award, contingent on at least a 1:1 match from private venture capital or corporate backing. The program targets companies that have moved past early prototyping and need bridge funding to reach an Air Force acquisition milestone.

### Can foreign-owned startups receive AFWERX funding?

Generally no, though allied-nation firms can participate through partnership agreements. The core SBIR and STRATFI programs require the awardee to be a US-owned small business. AFWERX has run specific bilateral challenges — such as with the UK Royal Air Force — but direct funding flows through separate memoranda of understanding rather than standard US-based contract vehicles.

## Related profiles

- [FabricAir](https://altss.com/profile/fabricair-inc)
- [Cadence Venture Capital](https://altss.com/profile/cadence-venture-capital)

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Last updated: 2026-06-03T20:00:00.000Z

Canonical page: https://altss.com/profile/afwerx

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