APAN Community

Understanding the Innovation Process

There are multiple paths to get your ideas across the finish line. Explore below for different paths to innovation, or reach out to OUR COMMUNITY for help.

Idea 2 Innovation (i2i)

This is the discovery and development zone where you will find information on the i2i process, the AETC iCouncil and iSummit, innovation training, and more to get resources and support for your ideas!

Guardian and Airmen Innovation Network (GAIN)

Guardian and Airmen Innovation Network (GAIN), the replacement to IdeaScale, is an innovation ecosystem created by the United States Department of the Air Force to help leaders at all levels support and drive meaningful problem-solving. It frees your organization from managing problem solving and innovation with tedious systems like email, word docs, spreadsheets, and SharePoint. Though these are all good tools for the right use, they are not designed to drive engagement, collaboration, decision making, transparency, visibility, and results.

Additionally, to support Spark Tank GAIN allows Airmen and Guardians to share ideas, critique submissions, and up-vote the most promising solutions. The personnel with the most game-changing and up-voted ideas then compete at the culminating Spark Tank event. Start using GAIN today by clicking the link below!

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

The SBIR program is a highly competitive program that encourages domestic small businesses to engage in innovative federal research - for you!

Click to learn how your idea could become a research topic!

AFWERX & Squadron Innovation Funds (SIF)

AFWERX has resources to directly support squadrons, wings, and MAJCOMs with the execution of SIF to scale the best ideas across the Air Force.

Connect with AFWERX and get your ideas and squadron resources!