Innovation

Check out AETC Innovation in action!

iChallenge
The intent of the iChallenge is to capture and fund innovative ideas that directly align with the chief of staff of the Air Force’s ‘accelerate change or lose’ action orders or AETC Strategic Action Plan priorities. First prize is $75,000, which is given to the winner’s wing and second prize is $50,000 for the winner’s wing.
AETC Semi-Finalists Spark Tank 2021 Challenge: ATC Pocket app promo
Hype video to show concepts of App.
AETC Semi-Finalists Spark Tank 2021 Challenge: Next Gen Debrief
Luke Air Force Base, in partnership with Arizona State University's Luminosity Lab, has developed Next Gen Debrief as the Spark Tank 2021 submission for Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. This concept utilizes augmented reality headsets to project a three dimensional scene into the debrief room, allowing pilots to view scenarios from any angle. (U.S. Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Caleb Butler)

How To Submit Ideas

Reach out to your local Air Force base's Spark Cell.

Submit your idea directly into IdeaScale at usaf.ideascalegov.com.

About AETC Innovation

Developing a world-class culture of innovation is key to the Air Force sustaining a competitive advantage.  The reason why innovation is so important to AETC, and our Air Force, is that it is about mission effectiveness in the way we train and educate our Airman throughout their careers, enhancing their lethality and readiness by developing them with the needed competencies and skillsets for their follow-on to their operational units, Air Force warfighting requirements, and Joint Force commanders’ needs.

Creative approaches, innovation, resources and execution at the speed of relevance are required to sharpen our competitive edge. The advantage will go to those who create the best technologies and who integrate and field them in creative operational ways that provide military advantages

Through new programs like Pilot Training Next, which is using virtual and augmented reality technology to study how Airmen learn more rapidly, AETC is embracing a culture of innovative thinkers who are emboldened to always look for better ways to complete the mission.

For more information about AETC Innovations, visit https://community.apan.org/wg/aetc.

 

AETC INNOVATION NEWS

  • Man using a firehose

    97 AMW First Wing to Receive Cutting-Edge Simulator

    The Altus AFB Fire Department is the first in the Air Force to use a virtual reality fire fighting simulator, ensuring safer operations and saving money.
  • A Squadron Officer School student interacts with an avatar as part of the Mixed Reality Learning Experience program Oct. 18, 2018, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. The scenario involved a dispute between two colleagues, in which the student had to intervene and help the two come to an agreement. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexa Culbert)

    Virtual Reality around the Circle: Squadron Officer School

    The idea of virtual reality has been around for decades, but it wasn’t until recently that it became mainstream technology. Air University’s Squadron Officer School is the first school around the circle that has integrated the use of virtual reality into their curriculum. SOS provides leadership development for Air Force captains during a six and a half week course, which now includes the use of virtual and mixed reality. The SOS Learning Sciences and Technology Studio offers multiple virtual reality programs as part of their Immersive Learning Experiences, and their newest program is the Mixed Reality Learning Experience or MRLx.
  • Capt. Samantha Snabes, Squadron Officer School graduate, speaks to Airmen and local community members at MGMWERX, Oct. 24, 2018, in Montgomery, Alabama. MGMWERX is a collaborative initiative between Air University, the City of Montgomery, The Montgomery Chamber of Commerce and Montgomery County to foster innovative thinking and problem solving. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexa Culbert)

    SOS student partners with MGMWERX to promote innovation, entrepreneurship

    A student from Air University’s Squadron Officer School partnered with MGMWERX Oct. 24, 2018, to share with Airmen and members of the community on how she kick-started her own business outside of the military. Capt. Samantha Snabes is a member of the Air National Guard and a recent SOS graduate, but in her civilian capacity she is the CEO of a company she co-founded.
  • Capt. Phillip Huebner, 37th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, speaks during the Spark Cell grand opening Oct. 19, 2018, on Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. The innovation team is requiring all individuals interested in 3D printing to get signed off by a Spark Cell member first to help protect the equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keith Holcomb)

    Spark Cell: Columbus AFB opens up creative space for innovators

    The 14th Flying Training Wing’s senior leadership and innovation team opened the Spark Cell’s Innovation Lab Oct. 19 on Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi.
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