Department of Digital Transformation and Ogden’s Catalyst Accelerator Announce Challenge Statement and Open Applications for Fall 2024 Cohort
In an exciting development for technology companies nationwide, the Ogden Catalyst Accelerator has opened applications for its highly anticipated Fall 2024 cohort. This cohort is particularly significant as it collaborates directly with the United States Air Force’s Digital Transformation Office (DTO) to confront a critical challenge: the modernization and cybersecurity enhancement of Air Force operations. This initiative underscores a pivotal opportunity for tech companies to contribute to national security and technological advancement within the military sector.
Challenge Statement Overview
The Catalyst Accelerator and the Air Force’s DTO have posed a compelling question to the tech industry: “How might the Air Force’s Digital Transformation Office utilize commercial capabilities to better cultivate a digitally-empowered community to accelerate change across the Air and Space Force?” This query lays the groundwork for the forthcoming collaboration, seeking to harness innovative commercial technologies and methodologies to advance the Air Force’s operational capabilities.
Specializing in areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Data Fusion and Integration, Automation, and Cyber Security, the Accelerator is calling for companies to come forward with scalable, interoperable, and robust technological solutions. These solutions should aim to enhance operational efficiency, reduce manual workload, and deliver actionable insights for informed decision-making within the Air Force framework.
Program Details at a Glance
- Application Opening Date: June 3, 2024
- Cohort Start Dates: August 19, 2024, or August 26, 2024
- Program Format: A hybrid model featuring virtual programming and an in-person Demo Day on November 14, 2024, in Ogden, Utah
The Catalyst Accelerator offers an unparalleled opportunity for nontraditional technology companies to increase their involvement in the national security sphere. By providing participants with mentorship, business development training, and direct connections with DoD liaisons and end-users, the program aims to foster collaborative innovation with enduring national significance.
One of the most notable aspects of the Accelerator is its approach to equity; rather than taking an equity stake, the program focuses on enhancing participants’ capabilities through sponsorship and grant support, mainly from the Economic Development Administration (EDA). The program’s culmination is the Demo Day event, where participating companies present their technology solutions to an audience comprising government, industry, academia, and investors, facilitating impactful networking and showcasing opportunities.
Connecting Challenges with Groundbreaking Solutions
The Fall 2024 cohort challenge is a direct invitation to tech companies to step forward with dynamic solutions capable of propelling the Air Force’s modernization and security efforts. These solutions should not only excel in scalability, interoperability, and security but also promise significant operational improvements across various domains such as predictive maintenance, situational awareness, workflow automation, and advanced cybersecurity measures.
Specific areas of interest highlighted for this cohort include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML)
- Data Fusion/Integration
- Automation
- Cyber Security
This initiative represents a rare chance for small businesses specializing in these areas to work closely with the Air Force to drive technological advancement and enhance national defense strategies.
How to Apply
For technology companies eager to contribute their innovative solutions to this vital national security challenge, the application process for the Catalyst Accelerator’s Fall 2024 cohort is now open. Detailed information on eligibility, program specifics, and application guidelines are available on the Catalyst Accelerator’s official website.
For additional inquiries or more information on how to apply, interested parties can reach out directly to the program manager, Wenndy Garzon, at wenndy.garzon@catalystcampus.org. This presents a unique opportunity for tech companies to not only advance their technological endeavors but also to partake in a mission of national significance, enhancing the security and efficiency of United States Air Force operations.
As the deadline for applications approaches, potential applicants are encouraged to assess their capabilities and consider how their innovative technologies and methodologies might contribute to the Air Force’s ongoing digital transformation efforts. The collaboration between the Department of Digital Transformation, Ogden’s Catalyst Accelerator, and pioneering tech companies promises to herald a new era of technological advancement within the realm of national defense.
