Atomic Anvil: Advancing Innovation for the Warfighter
In partnership with The APEX PIA
Atomic Anvil strengthens the regional innovation ecosystem and fortifies our nation’s defenses by connecting leading academic researchers, small business innovators, and non-traditional entities directly with mission partners across the Department of Defense. Atomic Anvil accelerates technology transfer and transition to meet critical national security needs.
Atomic Anvil advances capabilities for the warfighter, bridges critical technology gaps, and addresses pressing defense mission challenges. This program is helping to build a resilient Defense Industrial Base and expand partnerships to strengthen the regional defense innovation ecosystem.
If you’re an academic researcher, small business innovator, non-traditional entity, or a defense mission partner, reach out!
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Overview
What We Do
Connect
Connecting small businesses, startups, and academic researchers with mission partners and targeted funding opportunities.
Innovate
Facilitated sprints focusing on hands-on, mission-oriented challenges addressing critical national security needs.
Accelerate
Strengthening the regional defense innovation ecosystem by supporting innovators and entrepreneurs
and advanced technologies.
Equipping the Warfighter with Next-Gen Capabilities
If you are an academic or industry innovator with great ideas, innovative research or a technology solution that can impact our national defense, we want to hear from you!
Connect
Industry Days: Showcase your tech innovation and build partnerships by connecting with military, academic, and industry leaders.
Workshops: Attend expert-led sessions in innovation, defense compliance (FAR/DFAR, CMMC, etc.), and advanced technologies (AI, Cyber, Drone, Directed Energy, etc.)
Process Navigation: Learn to navigate defense procurement pathways such as SBIR/STTR, OTAs, grants, and other acquisition programs to accelerate commercialization and go-to-market.
Innovate
Internships: Apply for a paid internship to prototype research, development, and testing of engineering samples to support warfighter needs.
Cyber & AI Labs: Access training, expertise, and infrastructure for prototyping and testing.
Tech Assessments: Evaluation of your technology to support alignment to mission needs.
Accelerate
Mentorship: Access guidance from experienced industry veterans and technical experts.
Defense 101 Certification: Gain foundational knowledge of the defense sector, including compliance, regulations, and mission partner engagement.
Embers Xcelerator Program: Participate in a structured innovation and entrepreneurial development program.
Need Help Getting Started?
Schedule an introductory call w/ Robert on our team.
Partners
“Our collaboration with Forge Institute, academia, and industry is more than a partnership—it’s a mission-critical alliance driving innovation for the modern warfighter. By combining diverse expertise, we’re shaping the tools and strategies that ensure our force remains agile, prepared, and ahead of emerging threats.”
Students & Researchers
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Entrepreneurs
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Service Members
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Partners
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This program is in partnership with APEX, a Department of Air Force (DAF) Partnership Intermediary Program (PIA). https://apex-innovates.org
Disclaimer
This program is funded, in part, through a grant from the Air Force Research Laboratory, USAF, under Memorandum of Understanding/Partnership Intermediary Agreement No FA8650-3-9325. The U. S. Government is authorized to reproduce and distribute reprints for Governmental purposes notwithstanding any copyright notation thereon. All opinions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor, partner or member. Information provided by Forge Institute or any of its employees, contractors, or advisors does not constitute expert or technical advice for any particular matter. Due to the complex nature of cyber, individuals or companies should seek advice from their insurer, attorney or managed service provider. Nothing contained herein should be construed as consultative advice. Forge Institute bears no liability arising in connection with the information it provides. Use of Forge Institute information constitutes agreement to the Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy located at www.forge.institute/terms.