Forge Institute, in partnership with the U.S. Air Force and Parallax Advanced Research, has launched Atomic Anvil, a pioneering initiative to accelerate national security innovation by connecting researchers, startups and non-traditional entities with Department of Defense (DoD) mission partners.
This program aims to strengthen the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) by fostering rapid technology transfer and transition to meet critical defense challenges.
Atomic Anvil strengthens the regional defense ecosystem through multiple approaches:
- Connect – Industry Days, workshops and guidance on navigating defense acquisition pathways, including SBIR/STTR, OTAs and grants.
- Innovate – Hands-on R&D sprints, access to Cyber & AI labs, paid internships and technology assessments to refine and test emerging solutions.
- Accelerate – Mentorship, defense compliance training and participation in the Embers Xcelerator, a pre-accelerator program supporting early-stage ventures.
Atomic Anvil focuses on key defense technology areas, including defense manufacturing, photonics & directed energy, mobility & counter-drone tech, AI & cybersecurity, ISR, direct fires, critical minerals and supply chain security.
