The AFRL Autonomy Industry Days, held from May 6-8, 2025, at the Dayton Convention Center, was a significant event that brought together 208 industry professionals and 117 government stakeholders to explore the future of autonomy in defense. Hosted by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and supported by APEX, the event focused on fostering collaboration between industry leaders and government partners to accelerate the development of autonomous systems across air, space, weapons, and C3BM (Command, Control, Communications, and Battle Management) domains.
Event Overview
The AFRL Autonomy Industry Days provided a platform for discussions around the operational needs and challenges of autonomous systems in defense. The event was designed to deepen industry engagement, identify opportunities for collaboration, and assess the readiness of the defense sector to support AFRL in the development and transition of autonomy technologies.
Attendees had the unique opportunity to participate in one-on-one engagements with AFRL technical subject matter experts (SMEs) to discuss autonomy-related research, innovations, and investment areas. In addition to these private sessions, larger group discussions offered valuable insights into key focus areas, including the forecasted challenges and opportunities across various defense sectors.
APEX’s Role and Involvement
APEX’s involvement in the AFRL Autonomy Industry Days was integral to the event’s success. APEX supported event logistics, helped coordinate industry participation, and ensured that attendees had access to the necessary resources and opportunities to facilitate productive conversations.
Team members were on-site, providing valuable support to ensure the smooth operation of the event. By assisting with facilitating connections between AFRL and industry partners, APEX played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between government stakeholders and small businesses in the autonomy sector.
APEX Deputy Program Manager led a special topic collider on the Department of the Air Force (DAF) SBIR/STTR program, offering attendees a deeper understanding of how to engage with DAF innovation opportunities. The session highlighted key aspects of the application process, effective transition strategies, and ways small businesses and research institutions can align their technologies with Air and Space Force priorities.
Key Highlights
- Industry Readiness Assessments: Attendees engaged in discussions to assess the industry’s readiness to support AFRL in developing, prototyping, and transitioning autonomous technologies.
- One-on-One Meetings with AFRL SMEs: APEX facilitated one-on-one sessions where businesses could engage with AFRL SMEs, discuss their research, innovations, and potential areas for collaboration, furthering connections for future development.
- Insight into Operational Autonomy Needs: The event provided clarity on the challenges and opportunities in autonomy across defense sectors, including air, space, and weapons systems.
- Building Strategic Partnerships: The event was a platform for small businesses, academia, and government stakeholders to network and establish valuable partnerships that could shape the future of autonomous systems.
Why It Was Important for APEX to Support
APEX’s support of the AFRL Autonomy Industry Days was essential for several reasons:
- Accelerating Government–Industry Collaboration: APEX helped create a platform for AFRL and industry stakeholders to collaborate, ultimately advancing the development of autonomous systems critical to national defense.
- Expanding Access to Defense Opportunities: Through our involvement, small businesses had direct access to key players in the autonomy space, creating pathways to DoD and AFRL opportunities that are essential for growth.
- Advancing Mission-Aligned Innovation: By supporting the event, APEX reinforced its role as a catalyst for innovation within the defense sector, driving new technological advancements aligned with AFRL’s mission needs.
- Empowering Innovators Through Strategic Support: APEX provided valuable insights to attendees, helping them navigate the complex government contracting process and access research funding, ensuring that small businesses could capitalize on new opportunities.
Event Outcomes
The AFRL Autonomy Industry Days proved to be a success, with small businesses and industry professionals expressing a strong interest in further engagement with AFRL and APEX. Participants left with a deeper understanding of the autonomous systems sector and new connections that could foster future collaborations. The opportunity for one-on-one sessions with AFRL SMEs was especially valuable, with many attendees eager to continue these conversations beyond the event.
APEX remains committed to supporting the growth of the autonomy sector and looks forward to further opportunities to assist businesses in navigating the complexities of defense technology and government contracting.
Looking Ahead
As the defense industry continues to evolve, APEX will continue to play a vital role in connecting small businesses with key government agencies like AFRL. We are excited to support future events like the AFRL Autonomy Industry Days, ensuring that innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies continue to thrive.
For more information about our services and how we can assist in navigating government contracting and research funding, contact APEX today!