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AFWERX Fellowship

Target Audience
  • USAF & USSF Active Duty Military USAF & USSF Government Civilian
  • USAF Reserve/Guard (unit must require man-days)
Apply Now!
Important dates
  • Fellowship dates: 6 Sep 21 - 1 Feb 22

 

During this five-month cohort (AFWERX Fellowship-21-2), you’ll gain insight into AFWERX capabilities, share your expertise with us and explore how we can work together to get after Space Force and Air Force challenges.

To develop the workforce we need for our future, it is imperative that we expand and grow our collective knowledge and influencer networks, and uncover pathways to resources that enable us to keep pace in an environment where change is unyielding. General Brown has called upon all Total Force Airmen to prioritize speed of delivery and foster a culture of courageous problem-solvers through collaboration and diversity of thought, approach and solution execution for current and future operations. The AFWERX Fellowship is one small step in execution of the CSAF’s vision.

This fellowship relies heavily on experiential training, so you will be virtually-tied to one of our teams. There are four teams looking for new partners:

The division that creates a catalyst for Airmen and Guardians to develop innovative solutions that can solve their real-world problems.

The division that creates simple pathways for commercial innovators and private capital investment to help solve problems for the Department of the Air Force.

The division developing technology marketplaces, helping identify new prime technology sectors in the commercial space, energy, autonomy, analytics and wargaming, supersonics, microelectronics, etc.

Agility Prime is the division expanding technology paths to accelerate emerging dual-use markets by leveraging government resources for rapid and affordable fielding

Learn how AFWERX communicates its brand and strategically markets its activities through social media to inform Government, Industry and Academia entities of AFWERX initiatives.

Be part of the Technical Team engaged in innovative and intuitive solutions, data and tool implementation.

Be part of the dynamic fast pace contracting team involved in every aspect of AFWERX operations.

No, we allow part-time, but do require a commitment of at least 20 hours/week.
It is imperative that you get permission from your Commander to participate. The application will ask you if you talked to your supervisor and you will need to provide their name and contact information and you will be required in the application to state if selected, your supervisor will be required to sign a Memorandum of Agreement. Copy-of-Sample-MOA.docx
No, this is a virtual fellowship. However, there could be an occasional TDY to participate in AFWERX events, and the cost will be covered by AFWERX.
Embed with your AFWERX team. Participate in training, workshops and feedback sessions as scheduled. Complete monthly surveys used to improve program. Have fun, think big and network!
The experiential training will give you insight into AFWERX innovation processes and tools. In addition, you will develop your network of like-minded intrapreneurs. You'll return to your organization able to help drive innovation to solve unit issues.
You will select the team you wish to work with. If selected that team leader will work with you to develop your assignment. In some cases you may be offered an assignment on another team and decide if that is something you would like to do.
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AFVentures Fellowship

Target Audience
  • Employees of the DoD (active duty, guard & reserve, civilian)
  • Three years of professional work experience preferred
  • Must be available for a full-time commitment to the program (CDR approval required if selected)
  • Fellowships will be virtual until in-person is safe.
Apply Now!
Important dates
  • Session Three | Aug. 23 - Oct. 15
    Cohorts focused on VC, AI, and Cyber
  • Session Four | Oct. 4 - Dec. 3
    Cohorts focused on VC, AI, and Cyber

Two weeks of part-time work to prepare fellows with industry background (approx. two-four hours/week).

Six weeks full-time in a virtual immersion with a venture capital or technology firm.

Capstone project to capture and share your experience.

 

Immerse in leading technology firms to bring innovative solutions back to the Department of Defense. This fellowship provides opportunities for the U.S. Armed Services to create impactful solutions for the Department of Defense (DoD) through an immersive educational experience with the private sector. Fellows spend eight weeks developing an understanding of the venture capital and tech startup industry with some of the world’s most advanced companies.

In 2021, AFWERX will host eight cohorts of up to 25 fellows from across the U.S. Armed Services, with immersions focused on venture capital, the technology startup ecosystem, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
The program is currently virtual. If you are selected to participate in-person, your home unit/organization will need to cover the TDY funds for the 6 weeks you will be embedded in the company (which could be at locations across the United States, often San Francisco, DC, NYC, Austin, Boston, Los Angeles). We also expect to have virtual versions of the program (some companies are now virtual) as well as hybrid options (where you would spend some time on site during the program). *There will be virtual tasks prior to the fellowship and after the fellowship that will help participants get the most from the experience.
Yes, we expect this program to run for at least the next few years. We are currently selecting applicants for the remainder of 2021, and plan to announce the 2022 schedule in late Fall.
Once Fellows are selected, they will be placed into a venture capital firm or technology startup. Fellows will be required to participate in the immersion full time, complete a capstone project for your host company, and complete an innovation manifesto for AFWERX to capture the learnings, insights, and opportunities you drew from the program. Additionally, we are looking for participants who will be good representatives of the Department of Defense and use this experience to help the Air Force grow its capabilities and credibility in non-traditional places.

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