Inside AFWERX: How the Air Force Funds and Supports Startups

For nearly a decade, AFWERX was the front door to the Air Force for thousands of startups and in 2026 that door is being reorganized. In this fireside chat, the former Military Deputy Director of AFWERX explains how the Air Force funds early-stage companies, what the move into AFRL's Technology Transition Office means for founders, and how to navigate the SBIR-to-scale journey without dying in the Valley of Death. We'll get specific on STRATFI/TACFI matching, the all-important end-user champion, the "color of money" that determines whether you actually get paid, and the realistic path from a Phase II prototype to a Program of Record. What You'll Learn:How AFWERX is structured and what the 2026 move under the AFRL Technology Transition Office means for founders going forward The mechanics of Air Force SBIR/STTR, open topics vs. direct-to-Phase-II, and how to pick a lane How STRATFI and TACFI matching actually works, and why private capital is the unlock for scaling government dollars Additional Resources:Find more Startup Events, learn about Finding a Co-Founder, or visit our Insights Blog for more startup tips. About Founder Institute:The Founder Institute is the World's Largest AI-Native Company Builder, giving idea-stage, first-time founders, and employees making the leap to entrepreneurship the tools, global network, and proven methodology to build an AI-powered startup from zero to funding. Since 2009, our structured programs have helped over [total_graduates] founders across [total_countries] countries raise more than $[total_funding] in funding. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 6 continents, our mission is to empower talented and motivated people everywhere to build impactful, AI-powered companies.