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(Shared Awareness Through Guided Empowerment)
SAGE Fellows serve as the primary point of contact for civilian companies who have been awarded a Phase I SBIR contract. The DAF can be a daunting landscape to navigate and discover potential end-users for emerging technologies, especially in a finite time period of a Phase I SBIR. SAGE Fellows will expedite the Phase I end-user discovery process so that companies can focus on adapting their emerging technologies to the needs of the warfighter.
During this program, participants will assist businesses to navigate the DAF communications and facilitate potential customer discovery. After completing this fellowship, participants will have the skillset to effectively navigate SBIR resources and opportunities for their career fields. They will also have developed a deep understanding of cutting edge technologies, and built a strong foundation for managing small businesses.
SAGE FELLOWSHIP: 25.5 RELEASE 10 OPEN TOPIC PHASE I
The SAGE Fellowship is a unique opportunity for Airmen, Guardians, and Department of the Air Force (DAF) civilian employees to contribute up to 20 hours per week supporting Open Topic Phase I small businesses. Fellows help these companies navigate the DAF ecosystem and identify potential customers for their emerging dual-use technologies.
From December 2025 to April 2026, SAGE Fellows will support 25.5 Release 10 Open Topic Phase I companies by serving as their primary point of contact within the DAF ecosystem, understand the SBIR/STTR process, and explore how their dual-use technologies can meet defense needs. Along the way, you’ll build critical skills and play a direct role in accelerating innovation.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
- All AFSCs and career fields eligible
- Open to all ranks, past participants have included E4-O5 and GS-5 to GS-15
- Full time and part time assignments available
- Applicants can be OCONUS during the duration of the program
- A signed Memorandum of Agreement from your unit is required upon acceptance
- Fellowship work will be conducted during duty hours as part of official duties
- TDY opportunities during the program will be funded by AFWERX
FELLOW REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to work virtually – Fellowship is 100% remote
- Must be a Federal employee
- Minimum weekly commitment for part time applicants is 20 hours per week
- Be motivated and a self-starter with great communication skills and have a passion for innovation
- Applicants will be responsible for securing Guard days, if applicable
The AFWERX Fellowship program is designed to broaden innovation perspectives and understanding for USSF and USAF military and civilian members. Each cohort relies on experiential learning and curated professional development to cultivate a deep understanding of AFWERX operations and industry trends. Throughout the program, fellows will engage with programs and projects that have DAF level impacts. Participants will learn how to build and utilize their own DAF innovation ecosystem to propel projects forward.
AFWERX is proud to offer several fellowship opportunities. Each experience is unique, and is designed to resonate with the wide range of skills that Airmen and Guardians will bring to the fellowships.