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The Hanscom AFB and MassChallenge Program

Air Force Labs

The Air Force Labs Accelerator, run by MassChallenge in partnership with the Hanscom Air Force Base Innovation Team, is designed to help small businesses accelerate their path to working with the U.S. Air Force. This program identifies and supports dual-use small businesses—those developing technology with both commercial and defense applications—that have potential use cases for Program Executive Offices (PEOs) and other Air Force stakeholders.  Our goal is to bridge the gap between innovative commercial solutions and critical defense needs by providing small businesses with the knowledge, mentorship, and connections needed to navigate the complexities of working with the Department of Defense (DoD). We are uniquely positioned to support small businesses that are interested in building relationships with the specific PEOs at Hanscom Air Force Base sponsoring this program. 

APPLY NOW

Program Requirements

Small businesses interested in Air Force Labs should meet the following requirements: 

    • U.S. Based Small Business 
    • Founded after 2015 
    • Equity funding less than $25 million 
    • Annual revenue less than $10 million 
    • Existing patents or pending patents 

 

Small businesses should meet one of the following criteria: 

    • Awarded a Phase I SBIR/STTR

    • Awarded a Phase II SBIR/STTR

    • Pursuing a Phase II SBIR/STTR

    • Pursuing a Direct to Phase II SBIR /STTR

What to Expect

Revenue Generated

Pathway to AFWERX SBIR/STTR Funding

We help participants understand and leverage Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) opportunities to secure non-dilutive funding and validate their technology with an Air Force end user. 
Community First

Strategic Exposure & Networking

Small businesses showcase their solutions to Air Force decision-makers, investors, and key defense stakeholders, increasing their credibility and market opportunities. Build lasting relationships with fellow founders, fostering collaboration and sharing of best practices.

Customer Memorandum Support

A key requirement for SBIR funding is securing an Air Force customer memorandum. We provide the tools, coaching, and introductions to help small businesses engage with Air Force stakeholders and develop a compelling case for sponsorship.
Partner

Direct Engagement with End Users

We facilitate discussions with PEOs, operational units, and innovation offices to explore real-world defense applications for emerging technologies. 
Playbook

Mentorship & Education

Participants gain access to a network of Air Force leaders, DoD acquisition experts, and successful defense contractors who provide guidance on product-market fit, procurement pathways, and scaling within the DoD.
Search

Increased Credibility

Being part of a reputable accelerator can boost your startup's reputation, attracting attention from media, customers, and investors. 

Program Timeline

View the ama presentation

Challenge Areas

Creating robust encryption methods for safe and private data exchange.

Developing reliable and scalable communication systems for airborne platforms.

Enhancing efficiency and accuracy in software quality assurance through automation.

Optimizing scalable computing and network designs for modern applications.

Innovating systems to protect digital assets and infrastructure against evolving cyber threats.

Strengthening defense systems against unmanned aerial threats and safeguarding operational bases.

Advancing technologies for decentralized energy production and storage systems.

Developing intelligent sensor systems and autonomous platforms for diverse applications.

Streamlining and expediting the process of acquiring new technologies using AI/ML to enhance evaluation, procurement, and integration efficiency.

Addressing any emerging needs or challenges related to the warfighter and the Department of the Air Force.

Air Force Partners

The MassChallenge partnership is supported Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), AFWERX, and Hanscom Air Force Base Group, with direct sponsorship from the Cyber & Networks Directorate and Electronic Systems Directorate. 

Supporting Partners

These organizations support the program by providing subject matter expertise, mentorship, curriculum delivery, and networking opportunities.

Featured Alumni

Support of the Hanscom AFB & MassChallenge Partnership and participation in the partnership programming does not constitute Air Force endorsement of these organizations.