Technology Transfer

The Technology Transfer program element (PE 0604317F) within the Air Force Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget is designed to maximize the use of national scientific and technical resources to enhance the effectiveness of Department of Defense (DoD) forces and warfighting capabilities. The overarching objective is to facilitate the transition of innovative technologies from DoD laboratories to operational use, leveraging partnerships with industry, academia, and other government agencies. This program supports the National Defense Strategy (NDS) by ensuring that scientific advancements are rapidly and efficiently integrated into defense systems, thereby maintaining U.S. technological superiority.

A sub-project focused on supporting the AFWERX mission aims to accelerate the transition of agile and affordable capabilities by connecting innovative technology developers with Airmen and Guardian talent. The goals include funding research and development, innovation hubs, and supporting activities such as information technology, public affairs, and marketing. This project also provides professional civilian workforce support for AFWERX programs, enabling the management and execution of technology transfer initiatives. In FY 2025, the entirety of this project's efforts were transferred to AFWERX Prime, consolidating operations and support under a new program element.

A key line item resources the management of DoD and Air Force Partnership Intermediary Agreements (PIAs), such as TechLink and MilTech at Montana State University. The objectives include developing data for the Defense Technology Transfer Information System (DTTIS), processing invention disclosures and patents, conducting program management activities, and providing training and support to the Technology Executive Officer (TEO). TechLink has brokered a significant majority of DoD license agreements, primarily with small businesses, and facilitated thousands of technology transfer agreements since its inception. MilTech has supported hundreds of technology acceleration and transition projects, contributing to advancements in electronic warfare, medical technologies, and body armor.

This project also includes congressional adds, such as increases for the partnership intermediary program and initiatives to generate rural innovation for national defense. These efforts are intended to expand the reach of technology transfer activities, engage non-traditional defense contractors, and stimulate innovation in rural areas. The DTTIS platform, which received its Authorization to Operate in 2025, is projected to provide substantial annual cost avoidance and streamline technology transfer protocols across multiple services, enhancing efficiency and collaboration.

Another major component of the Technology Transfer program has a mission to accelerate capability transitions by integrating innovative technology developers with Airmen and Guardians. This effort leverages three main initiatives: Spark (talent base), AFVentures (expanded technology base), and Prime (technology transitions). Funding supports research and development, innovation hubs, IT infrastructure, and outreach activities. AFWERX reduces risk in emerging technology markets by partnering with industry through Prime investments, which focus on government-industry collaboration to militarize commercial capabilities and maintain U.S. competitive advantage.

Within this component, congressional adds have supported specific efforts such as innovative solutions to enhance warfighter readiness, autonomous reduced-emissions supply delivery unmanned aerial systems (UAS), laboratory technology transfer, and partnership intermediary programs. These targeted investments aim to address immediate operational needs, promote sustainability, and facilitate the rapid adoption of cutting-edge technologies. In FY 2025, all AFWERX efforts under this line item were transferred to AFWERX Prime, reflecting a strategic realignment to streamline operations and support.

The Technology Transfer program element is structured to provide the necessary civilian pay, operational support, and partnership management required to deliver science and technology capabilities. By evaluating integrated technologies and prototypes in realistic environments, the program ensures that promising innovations are effectively transitioned to operational use. The combination of internal Air Force initiatives and external partnerships positions the Technology Transfer program as a critical enabler of defense modernization and readiness.