Refinery - afwerx-v3

The Refinery is an Innovation Accelerator, which provides Airman and Guardian innovators with entrepreneurial knowledge, connections to relevant stakeholders and resources with the Department of Defense ecosystem.

About

Refinery

Innovators and project teams are competitively selected to participate in a 6-week cohort tailored to team needs and focused on the development and refinement of their grassroots project prototypes. The Refinery exists to build world-class innovators and accelerate their tactical prototypes to ensure the right operational capabilities are adopted into the larger force. This is made possible through the Refinery’s curated “lean startup” informed curriculum, strategic partnerships, and expertise in the ecosystem’s policy, acquisitions, and life-cycle sustainment.

Should I Apply for the Refinery?

Are You...

an Airman or Guardian

a project team lead(s)

a team player

Does Your Project...

have an existing prototype or Minimal Viable Product (MVP)

have the potential for further adoption across multiple bases, MAJCOMs, or Enterprise-wide

Think you have what it takes? Submit your project to the Refinery for Consideration

Apply Now

Not ready just yet? Check out information on your local Spark Cell to assist with your idea or project.

Spark Cell Information

What to Expect

: User Centric Curriculum

We incorporated best-practices from industry accelerators and government prototyping organizations to create a revolutionary hybrid program designed specifically for the DoD ecosystem.

Connecting you with…

DoD innovation organizations
Engineers
Strategic stakeholders
Policy/requirement owners
Acquisition experts
Logisticians

…to collectively assist your team in accelerating your project.

Once selected for the Refinery and based on evaluated project needs, teams are invited to participate in the full 6-week program. We understand each project is unique and our Refinery team will make the final curriculum determinations.

During the program, Airmen and Guardians will further refine their projects through validated tools and methodologies, identify key stakeholders, build partnerships, and prepare their efforts for potential institutional adoption while learning transferable skills. Prior to graduation from the Refinery, the teams generate a 6-12 month “flight plan” to brief to their respective MAJCOMs or local leadership. Additionally, Refinery staff will be available for alumni to reach out and assist with any unforeseen roadblocks. For a visual representation, check out the graphic below!