The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, announced a two-year contract extension with a $15 million funding ceiling increase for each of the Regional Hub Networks. The two pilot programs are based at Cornell University, Mid-Atlantic, and Purdue University, Midwest.
The extension and funding signals AFRL’s ongoing commitment to grow the hub networks and the critical roles they have served for connecting members of industry, academia, venture capital, regional economic development agencies and the government on key projects within less than two years of starting operations.
“This step forward underscores our dedication to the hubs and the successes they have achieved with fostering a vibrant ecosystem of collaboration,” said Brian McJilton, director of AFRL’s Small Business Directorate. “Despite being new, the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest hubs have clearly demonstrated their ability to drive dual-use innovations within a short time of operating, and this extension and funding will allow them to continue their impressive track record toward that end.”
In less than two years, the AFRL Regional Hub Networks have already supported numerous projects ranging from advanced materials for extreme environments to hypersonics-enabling proficiencies to novel communication technologies, each contributing significantly to both the U.S. Air Force’s mission capabilities and unique needs in the private sector.
“Our continued support from AFRL is a testament to the vision and hard work of every stakeholder involved in the hubs,” said Patrick Govang, co-director of the AFRL Regional Hub Network – Mid-Atlantic at Cornell University. “We have laid a solid foundation in the Mid-Atlantic region, and with this extension, we look forward to deepening our ties, amplifying our impact, and continuing to drive transformative innovation for the nation.”
Similarly, the Midwest Hub Network has also been a beacon of collaboration and notable progress:
“Our primary focus thus far has been targeted at building our network base and fostering a diverse ecosystem of innovation,” said Stacy M. Manni, Ph.D., acting director of the AFRL Regional Hub Network – Midwest at Purdue University. “We are now building upon our early successes in capturing a broad range of technologies, in need of transition, from multi-organizational collaborative teams and driving our AFRL S&E development and pipeline initiatives, to provide future breakthroughs for our nation’s defense and commercial sectors.”
Via the contract extension and funding, both hub networks will expand their reach and further cultivate partnerships with universities, corporations, startups and local and national government partners. This renewed commitment will provide both hub networks the capability to expand workforce development programs and additional award funding that will uplift many in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions.
