Skyshot Investments for Deep-Tech

The United States Air Force (USAF) spends $60B a year funding innovative R&D and acquiring next-gen technology. Recently AFWERX, a program investing in commercial start-ups, has become the primary catalyst for introducing new and mature tech into the AF’s tech ecosystem.

AFWERX success has stemmed from making fast investments in small businesses with potential dual-use (tech with applications to both commercial and Air Force customers) and opening up a pathway for commercial start-ups to sell directly to the AF. This is done primarily through AFWERX’s Open-Topic (set to pre-release on Nov. 24th, stay tuned or talk to us now).

While AFWERX’s Open-Topic is focused on mature technologies, AFWERX is now rolling out Skyshots, a program focused on less mature deep-tech. Earlier stage deep-tech is by nature a higher risk investment in need of a lengthier R&D period.

The AF wants small businesses to know, they want to help,

“get you off the ground and help you take flight,”

– Dr. Will Roper Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics

even if your tech is not ready for near term implementation.

Skyshots was properly named to indicate an interest in risky investments that are just short of a “Moonshot” meaning there is a greater likelihood of reaching prototype. Skyshots is open to all areas of development including, though not limited to:

• AI
• Big data
• Drones/UAVs
• 3D printing 
• Energy systems
• Space
• 5G
• Hypersonices
• Photons and Gravimeters 

Skyshots is similar to Agility Prime, the Air Force Flying Cars initiative which is set to invest $100M in relevant tech builders.

To learn more about Skyshots, AFWERX Open-Topics, or one of the many other non-dilutive funding programs being invested in commercial start-ups, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

About Eagle Point Funding

We are the premier consulting firm specializing in non-dilutive funding sources for energy, defense, cyber security, and other deep-tech areas. We assist hundreds of companies, academic institutions, and non-profit research entities to build a systematic approach to R&D grants and contracts.