APEX hit the road again, this time heading to the heart of New York City for the AFRL Regional Network – Mid-Atlantic Annual Meeting 2024, hosted at the SUNY Global Conference Center on November 7th. This event showcased our commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration across academia, industry, and government in support of the Department of the Air Force’s science and technology priorities.
About the Event
The AFRL Regional Network – Mid-Atlantic Annual Meeting focused on the theme “Launching Innovation,” bringing together more than 100 industry leaders, government representatives, and academic researchers to strengthen partnerships and advance cutting-edge defense technologies.
The agenda was packed with insightful keynote speeches, thought-provoking fireside discussions, dynamic project presentations, and interactive workshops. The day concluded with networking opportunities and awards that celebrated innovation in key defense-related focus areas such as complex systems, edge computing, and performance in extreme environments.
APEX’s Role
APEX was proud to contribute to this important gathering. Represented by Michael Bianco (APEX Deputy Program Manager) and Erin Holden (APEX Division & Program Manager), our participation served to further our mission of connecting innovators with the Department of the Air Force and accelerating defense technology development.
During the session titled “APEX – A Regional Network Resource,” Erin delivered an engaging 10-minute presentation that showcased APEX’s suite of services, process navigation support, STTReamline™ program, and success stories from innovators we've worked with. She also outlined how small businesses and academic researchers can leverage APEX to connect with the Department of the Air Force and make their mark in defense innovation.
Key Highlights
Welcome & Keynotes: The day began with opening remarks from AFRL leadership, who emphasized the importance of regional partnerships in advancing defense technology. A fireside chat between Doug Philippone, Founder of Snowpoint Ventures, and Dr. Timothy J. Bunning, AFRL Chief Technology Officer, delved into the opportunities and challenges in driving defense innovation forward.
Workshops: Attendees explored emerging technologies and solutions during breakout workshops, which included tracks on:
- Quantifying Performance in Extreme Environments
- Complex Systems and Modeling
- Edge Computing
Networking Opportunities: Ample time was provided for attendees to connect and exchange ideas during breaks, lunch, and a closing networking reception.
Recognition: The event wrapped up with the announcement of Fall 2024 funding awards, recognizing exceptional contributors in defense innovation.
APEX Takeaways
- Strengthened Connections: APEX deepened its relationships with industry, academic, and AFRL partners, identifying collaboration opportunities with small businesses and innovators in the Mid-Atlantic region.
- Insights into Emerging Technologies: The workshops and presentations aligned with APEX’s mission to support groundbreaking advancements in edge computing, complex systems, and extreme environment performance.
- Increased Visibility: Erin’s presentation highlighted APEX’s unique role in helping innovators engage with the Department of the Air Force, enhancing our visibility as a trusted resource.
- Support for Future Projects: The event underscored the importance of regional priorities and technology gaps, providing APEX with key insights to inform future initiatives.
Moving Forward
The AFRL Regional Network – Mid-Atlantic Annual Meeting is a perfect example of how APEX continues to bridge the gap between innovation and defense needs. From strengthening partnerships to uncovering new opportunities, events like this allow us to expand our impact and help innovators make a difference.
Through our APEX Across the Nation campaign, we’re committed to showcasing the many ways we’re driving collaboration and technological advancement across the country. Stay tuned for more updates as we hit the road again to support innovation in action!
Want to learn more about how APEX can help your organization? Visit us at www.apex-innovates.org.