Accelerator Alley – Showcasing Innovation for the SOF Community at SAWS 2026
The Opportunity
Accelerator Alley provides a unique opportunity for small businesses and startups to enter the special operations market. This program is designed for companies with fewer than 250 employees and little to no current SOF sales.
Hosted within the Special Air Warfare Symposium (SAWS), Accelerator Alley offers emerging innovators the chance to directly engage with members of U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), senior leaders, and industry decision-makers.
Only 13 organizations will be selected to receive tabletop display space, offering a high-visibility platform to showcase new technologies and concepts that align with AFSOC capability priorities.
AFSOC Areas of Interest: View the most current document on SAM.gov
*Applications Open: 27 November 2025
The When & Where
Wednesday, 11 February 2026 | 0730 – 1630
Thursday, 12 February 2026 | 0730 – 1630
Location: Destin–Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, Fort Walton Beach, FL
(Schedule subject to change and will be finalized with selection announcements.)
The Qualifications
- Fewer than 250 employees (small business)
- Low or no existing SOF sales (new to the market)
- Capabilities aligned with AFSOC and SOF priorities, such as:
- Sensing & Intelligence — antenna apertures, global sensing, multi-INT data fusion, and a common operating/intel picture for improved situational awareness
- Communications & Networking — low-visibility/resilient communications, mission networking, and PNT (position, navigation, timing)
- Autonomy, AI & Targeting — autonomous/swarming systems, collaborative target ID, and complex targeting
- Strike & Mobility — independent and runway-independent SOF air mobility/airstrike, cost-effective/low-signature strike options, and scalable weapons effects
- Cyber & Information Operations — cyber/IO capability development and cybersecurity monitoring
- Force Health & Protection — battlefield trauma care, force health protection, personnel protective equipment, and human-system integration
- CBRN & Countermeasures — forward-deployed CBRN decontamination and full-spectrum threat warning/countermeasures
- Training & Operational Prep — OPE training, SERE, assault-zone operations, and SOF support in austere environments
- Technology Readiness Level will also be considered
- Companies can only apply to Accelerator Alley once per event
*Points awarded based on adherence to the above qualifications.*
The Process
- 10–12 Feb 2026: Accelerator Alley showcased onsite at SAWS
- 27 Oct – 28 Nov 2025: Application Window
- 1 – 5 Dec 2025: Review Period
- 12 Dec 2025: Selections Announced
*Points awarded based on adherence to the above qualifications
The Cost & Benefits
If selected, participation is $1,000 and includes:
- (1) Skirted 6-ft table with two chairs
- (2) Full Conference Passes
- Access to all networking sessions, keynotes, and exhibit hours
The Accelerator Alley area is located in the main hallway leading to the exhibit hall and general session, adjacent to high-traffic registration and networking areas.