Join the Network
Join the Network
Becoming a member of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Regional Network – Midwest is simple! Just click here to complete your membership application.
Once submitted, your application will be reviewed, you will receive an email confirmation when your application is accepted, and your name will be added to our roster.
As a member, you benefit from the variety of collaborative opportunities and resources our Network offers:
- Funding for collaborative research projects with AFRL scientists & engineers (S&Es)
- Access to the community portal to foster connections with other members
- A monthly newsletter, “Around the Region,” which keeps you informed on the latest developments and updates from the Midwest
- Promotion of your organization through our newsletter and social media
Build a Relationship
To be eligible for research funding, you must build a relationship with an AFRL scientist or engineer (S&E) who can serve as a co-PI on your project. Researchers should choose an S&E at a technical directorate with capabilities that align with your research interests.
The Technical Directorates
Click the links below to learn more
711 Human Performance
Human Effectiveness
AFOSR
AFWERX
Aerospace Systems
Directed Energy
Information
Materials & Mannufacturing
Munitions
Sensors
Space Vehicles
Connect with an AFRL S&E through Tech Connect
Tech Connect is a platform that connects external innovators—such as small businesses, researchers, and industry leaders—with the Air Force’s network of R&D initiatives. It offers opportunities to collaborate on projects advancing military technology, share ideas, and gain access to funding, resources, and partnerships. The platform simplifies the submission of technologies for Air Force consideration, helping users navigate government contracting and aligning solutions with evolving mission needs. Supporting fields like aerospace, AI, and cybersecurity, Air Force Tech Connect accelerates innovation and provides valuable resources for contributors to impact military advancements.
If you are experiencing difficulty with Tech Connect please reach out to afrlmwst@purdue.edu
Information Sessions
Join us for our monthly information sessions, where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with the AFRL Regional Network – Midwest. These sessions provide a valuable platform to learn more about our initiatives, explore collaboration opportunities, and get answers to your questions directly from our team. Whether you’re a researcher, industry partner, or simply interested in innovation within the Air Force Research Laboratory, we encourage you to attend and engage with our network. Don’t miss this chance to expand your knowledge and make meaningful connections! Click the button below to see our event schedule.
Submit a Proposal
The AFRL Regional Network – Midwest offers several funding opportunities each fiscal year. Once you have developed a relationship with an AFRL S&E, you can submit a proposal to one of our funding calls. Projects are funded at $50,000 each 6 months, with a potential maximum of $200,000.
The application process consists of two phases:
- Pre-Proposal (Phase I): Submit 1-3 paragraphs describing the project, collaborator information, connection to the AFRL mission, AFRL interest, opportunities for AFRL S&E personnel exchanges, and potential for technical transition. Proposals will be reviewed against established criteria and AFRL needs, and comments will be provided to the proposers. Based on the assessment, you may be invited to submit a full proposal for (Phase II) review.
- Full Proposal (Phase II): A full proposal is by invitation only. Submit a 3- to 5- page proposal for review based on the following criteria:
- Mutual interest to AFRL
- Potential for rapid transition
- Technical merits
- Opportunity for leveraging AFRL research, including opportunities for embedding AFRL S&Es within the Network
Common Proposal Feedback
We have identified common feedback for proposals. To streamline the proposal process, please review the key concerns outlined below.
- ‘AFRL co-PI is not a true collaborator – AFRL co-PIs must actively contribute as true collaborators, playing a key role in the research and progress of the project.’
- ‘Embedding for co-PI not considered – Provide S&E with opportunities to grow, such as inviting them to labs and exposing them to new learning experiences.’
- ‘Explore the project’s commercialization potential by identifying market opportunities, potential industry partnerships, and pathways for transitioning the research into practical applications. This helps ensure the project’s long-term viability and impact.’
- ‘Identify and address potential dual-use opportunities by considering applications that benefit both military and civilian sectors. This ensures broader impact and maximizes the value of the research.’
Project Examples
PROJECT EXAMPLES
