AFRL Regional Hub Network – Mid-Atlantic awards $850,000 to 7 project teams during its annual meeting at Griffiss Institute
The event highlighted the Hub’s continued traction to support cutting-edge technologies and serve as a key connector between AFRL, the private sector and academia.
ITHACA, NY – November 15, 2023 – The Air Force Research Laboratory’s, or AFRL, Regional Hub Network – Mid-Atlantic region awarded seven teams a total of $850,000 at the conclusion of its annual meeting held at the Griffiss Institute in Rome, New York, Nov. 9, 2023.
The awards were distributed following the Hub’s Fall ‘23 funding cycle that focused on the themes of quantifying performance in extreme environments, complex systems modeling and edge computing. They include the following:
“Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Ceramics” – a partnership between Moog, Inc., Sintx and Cornell University
“Liquid Metal Pastes for Autonomous, Miniaturized, Soft Robotic Swarms” – led by the University of Connecticut
“Satellite Accountability Blockchain” – led by Paterson Aerospace Systems
“The Magpie” – a collaboration between Fosai, Inc. and Cornell University
“REVEAL (Reverse Engineering & Vulnerability Elucidation of ALgorithms)” – led by Datalytica, LLC
“Quantifying performance of 3D printed composite lattice structures in high-strain rate impact environments for applications in attritable aircraft and CubeSats” – led by PrisAM LLC
“Commercializing IRSs for Reliable Terahertz Links in Extreme Environments” – led by SUNY Polytechnic Institute
“This cycle’s impressive range of projects highlights the crucial role that small businesses and academia play in pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation,” said Brian McJilton, director of AFRL’s Small Business Directorate. “The unique ideas and approaches brought forward by these teams not only contribute to our national defense capabilities, but also demonstrate the power of collaboration between government, academia and industry. It’s exciting to see such groundbreaking work being supported by the Hub, and we’re committed to continuing our support for these dynamic small business-led ventures."
The annual meeting held Nov. 9 brought together current and future Hub members, as well as key stakeholders from across AFRL, the National Security Innovation Network, and the Defense Innovation Unit, among others.
Col. Aneel “Cramden” Alvares, Director of Defense Engagement at the Defense Innovation Unit, served as the event’s keynote speaker and others included Elizabeth “Rambeaux” Escamilla, AFRL/SP division chief for collaboration and engagement; Dr. Sarah Muccio, deputy for DAF technical adviser for C4I & Cyber for the AFRL, Information Directorate in Rome, New York, and previous project awardees.
“We were delighted to host the Hub’s annual meeting in Rome, New York, this year and impressed by the range of projects and technologies that have emerged,” said Heather Hage, President and CEO of the Griffiss Institute. “The Hub is gaining traction to foster the collaborations needed to uplift researchers and accelerate dual-use technologies that stand to make a difference.”
To see images from the 2023 Annual Meeting, please visit https://www.midatlantichub.afresearchlab.com/2023-annual-meeting-images
For more information about upcoming proposal solicitations and events, membership or to join the Mid-Atlantic Hub’s email distribution list, please visit https://www.midatlantichub.afresearchlab.com/.
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ABOUT THE AFRL REGIONAL HUB NETWORK – MID-ATLANTIC
The AFRL Regional Hub Network – Mid-Atlantic is a pilot network supported by the Air Force Research Laboratory and led by Cornell University and focused on fueling innovations from the region into viable commercialization paths while facilitating the next generation of regional scientists and technolgists. Founding member institutions include Binghamton University, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Columbia University, Griffiss Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Princeton University, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and the SUNY Research Foundation. The Mid-Atlantic Hub aims to provide key connections between industry, academia, and the government to foster innovation of critical technologies. For more information about the Hub or inquire about becoming a member, visit https://midatlantichub.afresearchlab.com/.
ABOUT AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit www.afresearchlab.com.
ABOUT GRIFFISS INSTITUTE
The Griffiss Institute cultivates talent and technology that tackles the world’s biggest challenges. It does so alongside the United States Department of Defense’s Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (AFRL/RI) and an international network of academic, government, and industry partners. Founded in 2002 in the Mohawk Valley region of Upstate New York, Griffiss Institute has origins as an incubator of ideas. With technology transfer at its core, it forges connections and pathways that enable real-life solutions to make their way from the lab bench to commercial uses. Griffiss Institute continues to elevate and develop the next generation of STEM students, professionals, and technologies that enhance our national security. Visit www.griffissinstitute.org.
