The Air Force has launched the Squadron Innovation Fund (SIF) Marketplace, a new initiative aimed at revolutionizing how innovation is funded and fostered across the service.
The marketplace is a virtual platform designed to empower Airmen to actively develop and support innovative ideas to address operational challenges and improve processes throughout the Air Force.
"The SIF Marketplace allows Airmen and squadron commanders to engage in idea submission and funding allocation directly," said Senior Master Sgt. Brett Kiser, Office of Disruptive Thinking senior enlisted leader. "The goal is to create a more agile, transparent, and collaborative system for solving problems at every level of the Air Force."
Historically, higher command levels directly distributed Squadron Innovation Funds leave individual squadrons with limited flexibility in how they use these resources. The new SIF Marketplace process provides squadron commanders with virtual tokens - each worth $100 - that they can allocate to fund promising initiatives. This token-based system gives commanders more control and enables them to collaborate with other units and pool resources to support larger, more impactful projects.
To participate in the SIF Marketplace, whether as an innovator submitting ideas or as a commander allocating resources, Department of the Air Force members must create an account on the Vision Joint Innovation System platform. Submissions are open year-round, with quarterly funding windows that provide continuous opportunities to receive support.
"One key benefit of the SIF Marketplace is its ability to break down traditional funding barriers, allowing Airmen from different units and MAJCOMs to collaborate and support each other's initiatives," Kiser said. "The new system allows ideas to be shared, tracked and funded efficiently, ensuring the most promising innovations receive the backing they need to succeed."
The SIF Marketplace isn't just about funding, it's about participation. Airmen, regardless of rank or role, are encouraged to submit ideas directly through the platform. Once an idea is entered into the system, it becomes visible to squadron commanders and peers across the force, who can review and provide support in the form of virtual tokens.
"For innovators, the SIF Marketplace provides a pathway to turn ideas into reality," Kiser said. "The platform ensures that their initiatives are seen, evaluated, and - if deemed impactful - given the resources needed for development. Airmen are encouraged to submit their proposals with clear objectives and funding requirements to attract support from leadership."
Squadron commanders, on the other hand, play a pivotal role in determining which ideas move forward. With the ability to allocate tokens throughout the fiscal year, commanders have the flexibility to support initiatives that align with their mission needs. This also includes collaborating with other commanders to amplify the impact of specific projects by pooling their resources.
In addition to its funding capabilities, the SIF Marketplace also allows for continuous tracking and development of projects, with support from AFWERX
