Atomic Anvil: A New Frontier for Defense Innovation and Technology Transfer

Atomic Anvil: A New Frontier for Defense Innovation

In a significant move towards enhancing national security, Forge Institute, along with the U.S. Air Force and Parallax Advanced Research, has unveiled its latest project - Atomic Anvil. This innovative initiative is designed to bridge the gap between emerging technologies and defense needs by fostering robust partnerships among academia, startups, and non-traditional players in the defense ecosystem.

Brigadier General Chad Bridges, Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard, emphasizes the importance of such collaborations in an era where the nature of warfare is constantly evolving. "Our long-standing collaboration with Forge Institute represents a crucial alliance in driving innovation for the modern warfighter. By combining diverse expertise, next-generation technologies, and battlefield lessons learned, we will develop the tools and strategies necessary to ensure our forces remain agile, prepared, and ahead of emerging threats."

A Multifaceted Approach to Defense Innovation

Atomic Anvil is not merely a theoretical framework; it provides practical pathways for innovation through three primary approaches:

1. Connect: This approach involves organizing industry days, workshops, and providing guidance on navigating the complex defense acquisition pathways, such as the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs), and various grant opportunities.

2. Innovate: Through hands-on rapid development (RD) sprints, participants will have access to advanced Cyber AI labs, internships, and technology assessments. These opportunities are vital for refining and testing emerging solutions designed to tackle pressing defense challenges.

3. Accelerate: Participants in the program will benefit from mentorship, defense compliance training, and inclusion in the Embers Xcelerator program—a pre-accelerator initiative aimed at supporting early-stage ventures.

The focus areas of Atomic Anvil encompass crucial defense technology realms such as defense manufacturing, directed energy photonics, counter-drone technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), direct fire systems, critical minerals, and securing supply chains.

Strengthening Arkansas' Defense Ecosystem

The initiative is poised to enhance the regional defense ecosystem by pooling resources and efforts from various stakeholders, including higher education institutions, small businesses, and established national security firms. U.S. Senator John Boozman commented, "Arkansas has a rich history of contributing to our nation's defense, and the launch of Atomic Anvil by Forge Institute can serve to continue that legacy. By fostering cross-sector collaboration, this initiative is likely to accelerate the development of critical technologies for our warfighters while creating jobs in Arkansas."

To maximize its impact, Atomic Anvil collaborates with essential organizations such as the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC), the Arkansas Aerospace & Defense Alliance (AADA), and the Arkansas APEX Accelerator. This initiative is financially supported by a grant from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) under the Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) No. FA8650-3-9325.

Join the Initiative

Forge Institute is welcoming entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry leaders with innovative, defense-relevant solutions to explore opportunities with Atomic Anvil. For more information or to apply, visit www.forge.institute/atomic-anvil. This initiative promises to not only reshape defense innovation but also ensure that national security remains a top priority as the landscape continues to change.