Oct. 15 deadline approaching to submit innovation ideas for AETC Spark Tank 2022 Published Aug. 31, 2021 By A9 Innovation and Analysis Directorate Air Education and Training Command JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Now is your chance to lead Air Education and Training Command to a three-peat at this year’s Air Force Spark Tank 2022 competition. All AETC Airmen are encouraged to submit ideas they believe will significantly impact Air Force missions within 6-24 months using the Guardian and Airmen Innovation Network. It is critical to enter submissions as early as possible so AETC innovation experts can assist with your pitch video and prepare you for the competition. The campaign runs until Oct. 15, 2021. In 2020, Capt. David Coyle and 1st Lt. Daniel Treece from the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, earned the Air Force Spark Tank trophy with their “Threat Emitter” innovation after successfully demonstrating its capability during Exercise Blue Flag at Eglin AFB, Florida. Following up in 2021, the 56th FW team of Maj. Kevin Hawkins and Treece showcased their “Next-Gen Debrief” innovation, which was also lauded by AF senior leaders. Submissions will be judged in late October 2021 by a selection board chaired by Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, the AETC commander. The panel will choose the top two command submissions and both will represent the First Command as Spark Tank Quarter finalists. After the AETC competition, a Spark Tank semi-finals board, co-chaired by the vice chief of staff of the Air Force and Space Force respectively, along with personnel from AFWERX, SAF/MG, and subject matter experts, will select the Department of the Air Force’s top six innovations to head to the finals, which will be held in conjunction with the Air Force Association’s Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida, tentatively scheduled for Mar. 4 2022. Airmen can obtain Innovation expert support by contacting their local Wing Process Manager or Spark Cell POC. A list of these resources can be found on the HQ AETC Innovation Dashboard. The HQ AETC/A9A, Innovation Advancement Division, is the lead for AETC Spark Tank 2022. For more information or assistance, email the HQ AETC/A9A workflow at aetc.a9a.workflow.2@us.af.mil. Click here to help AETC keep its winning ways by submitting your Innovation into the GAIN platform.