As we wrap up 2024, APEX is proud to reflect on an incredible year of progress, impact, and innovation. Over the past 12 months, we’ve worked alongside groundbreaking innovators, small businesses, and academic researchers to navigate funding opportunities, transition critical technologies, and strengthen connections within the defense innovation ecosystem.
From expanding our Process Navigation services to fostering collaborations between universities, businesses, and government, APEX remains dedicated to identifying and advancing transformational defense solutions that support the Department of the Air Force’s technology development and national security priorities.
Here’s a look back at our key achievements, major milestones, and the collaborative work that made it all possible.
By the Numbers: APEX’s 2024 Impact
Our Process Navigation team made significant strides in supporting small businesses and academic researchers in their pursuit of funding and transition success.
- 210 Small Businesses in Pre-Award cohorts received proposal assistance
- 31 DAF-awarded SBIR/STTR contracts assisted, totaling $11.7M
- Phase I awards: 15, totaling $1.34M
- Phase II awards: 7, totaling $10.4M
- Phase III awards: 9, totaling $32M
- 77 connections facilitated via our Matchmaking Service, including 54 university partnerships through STTReamline™
Key Highlights from 2024: A Month-by-Month Look Back
January 2024
Expanding STTReamline™: Preparing Universities for STTR Success
The year kicked off with the launch of STTReamline™, a free program designed to help universities and research institutions partner with small businesses on STTR projects. With increased Phase I and Phase II funding, the STTR program has become more attractive, and APEX’s guidance and resources helped institutions navigate the DAF STTR process with confidence.
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February 2024
APEX’s SBIR/STTR Information Sessions
Our triannual SBIR/STTR Information Sessions helped over 260 attendees this year all gain knowledge to strengthen their proposals and gain expert insights into the DAF Open Topic and Direct to Phase II opportunities. These workshops have become a staple for small businesses looking to secure non-dilutive funding through SBIR/STTR programs.
➡️ Learn More About Process Navigation
March 2024
Building Connections at AUTM 2024
APEX was front and center at the AUTM Annual Meeting, one of the premier gatherings for technology transfer professionals. Our team connected with academic institutions, government partners, and industry leaders, strengthening our role as a bridge between early-stage innovations and the Department of the Air Force.
April 2024
Shaping the Future of Innovation at the Air & Space Force Tech Connect Workshop
This past April, we hosted the Air & Space Force Tech Connect Workshop in Dayton, OH, bringing together over 45 experts from industry, academia, and government. The event facilitated critical discussions on emerging technology trends and pathways for accelerating innovative solutions within the Air Force and Space Force.
May 2024
APEX Strengthens Engagement at AFRL Regional Network – Midwest Annual Meeting
This year, we deepened our engagement with academic and industry partners at the AFRL Regional Network – Midwest Annual Meeting at Purdue University. With keynote addresses, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, APEX reinforced its commitment to collaborating with regional research institutions to advance DAF innovation priorities.
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June 2024
Collaborating on Future Innovations at Software-Enabled Weapons Industry Day
APEX played a key role at the Software-Enabled Weapons Industry Day, held at UAH in Huntsville, AL. This event united government, industry, and academia to tackle the challenges of weapon performance enhancement and operational data analysis, setting the stage for future collaborations in software-enabled defense systems.
➡️ Full Recap
July 2024
Engaging Industry Leaders at Life Cycle Industry Days & Wright Dialogue with Industry
APEX had a strong presence at Life Cycle Industry Days (LCID) and Wright Dialogue with Industry (WDI), two major events focused on building connections between government, industry, and academia. These gatherings facilitated critical discussions on acquisition priorities, technology development, and collaboration opportunities.
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September 2024
APEX Engages at Tinker and the Primes 2024
We participated in Tinker and the Primes 2024, a key event that brought together 1,300+ attendees to discuss the evolving landscape of government contracting and technology innovation.
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October 2024
Showcasing Innovation at AI Horizons Summit & Keystone Space Collaborative
From the AI Horizons Summit to the Keystone Space Collaborative Conference, APEX engaged with hundreds of experts across AI, defense, and space innovation.
November 2024
Strengthening Government Contracting Connections & Regional Networks
APEX attended multiple procurement fairs and regional meetings, including, Pittsburgh Robotics Discovery Day, GACO’s Procurement Opportunities Fair and the AFRL Regional Network – Mid-Atlantic Annual Meeting. APEX also joined the Pittsburgh Technology Council (PTC) providing SBIR/STTR Phase I, II and Phase III commercialization support.
➡️ Pittsburgh Robotics Discovery Day Recap
➡️ GACO’s Procurement Opportunities Fair Recap
➡️ AFRL Regional Network – Mid-Atlantic Annual Meeting Recap
December 2024
Supporting Quantum Research Sciences' Historic SBIR/STTR Win
APEX played a role in Quantum Research Sciences securing the first-ever DAF Quantum Computing Phase III contract, a significant milestone in defense technology.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we enter 2025, APEX remains committed to supporting innovators, expanding our impact, and strengthening partnerships that drive technology transitions for the Department of the Air Force.
We can’t wait to continue this journey with you. Stay tuned for more success stories, funding opportunities, and impactful events in the year ahead! 🚀