Shark Tank Air Force: The Quest for Innovation

The Department of the Air Force recently concluded its Shark Tank-like competition, Spark Tank 2022 (ST22), with a unique twist - it was not just about pitching ideas to investors but also recognizing the innovative efforts of Airmen and Guardians. The quarterfinals round saw nearly 30 subject matter experts from across the department gather in Arlington, Virginia, and virtually through a teleconferencing platform to evaluate 184 ideas submitted by U.S. Space Force Field Commands, plus four At-Large 'Wild Card' submissions.

The Wild Cards were selected by Guardians and Airmen who cast nearly 17,000 ballots in pairwise voting conducted over the last two weeks of October through the Guardians and Airmen Innovation Network (GAIN) platform. The panel's task was to narrow down the impressive pool of ideas to the top 15 that would advance to the semi-finals scheduled for January.

According to William 'Brou' Gautier, Spark Tank Director, 'Spark Tank is the Department's take on the television show Shark Tank and is designed to recognize the great work our Airmen and Guardians put into overcoming performance obstacles and making our services more capable.' The goal of the quarterfinals round was to identify the top ideas that would make it to the next stage.

The competition, which has been running for several years, aims to foster innovation within the Department of the Air Force by providing a platform for Airmen and Guardians to share their creative solutions to real-world problems. The event has become a testament to the department's commitment to innovation and its willingness to support and recognize the efforts of its personnel.

The quarterfinals round was the culmination of several months of preparation, with teams submitting their ideas and going through a rigorous evaluation process. The panel of experts evaluated each idea based on its potential impact, feasibility, and alignment with the Department's strategic objectives.

The selected ideas will now move on to the semi-finals, where they will face additional scrutiny and evaluation. The competition is expected to conclude in January, with the winner announced at the Basic Research Innovation and Collaboration Center (BRICC) in Arlington, Virginia.

Spark Tank Air Force has become an eagerly anticipated event within the department, providing a platform for Airmen and Guardians to showcase their innovative spirit and creativity. The competition serves as a reminder of the importance of innovation in driving progress and improving the Department's capabilities. As the Spark Tank continues to evolve, it is likely to remain a vital component of the Department's efforts to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Shark tank air force