Tank acts as a catalyst for agile US Air Force engagement across the industry and encourages innovation and entrepreneurship . A partnership between AFWERX and Airmen Powered by Innovation , Spark Tank allows Airmen to submit their ideas in a pitch competition format directly to their most senior leaders . Airmen share their ideas and the roadblocks they face to making them real .
“ It brings together three key elements : a powerful network of innovators within the Air Force , a group of people who are doing everything to empower those innovators with tools and connections , and the senior-level support needed to break down policy barriers ,” she comments . “ Airmen submit hundreds of ideas and we whittle them down to just six finalists for the live show . Many of these Airmen joined at 18 and don ’ t have college degrees , and they are some of the smartest , hardest-working problem solvers around . They know their mission , and have unique insight into how it can be done better . This competition showcases their awesome ideas and also gives our senior leaders a chance to really model how we should be supporting innovators . Our Secretary , Chief of Staff , and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force are inspiring leaders and never disappoint in their support and advice for these Airmen . And we have leaders like Darlene Costello and Rich Lombardi as senior advisors who really know how to get things done in the Air Force and help ensure projects can grow to appropriate scale .”
Knausenberger recognizes the talent at the US Air Force ’ s disposal and believes her organization is doing things that you simply won ’ t see anywhere else . “ We have incredible people that have
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