North Spark Defense Lab

North Spark exists to increase and foster innovation and collaboration across the 319th Reconnaissance Wing and local communities to improve Airmen's lives, mission effectiveness, and operational capabilities. In August 2021, The Air Force Technology Executive Officer (AFTEO) and Air Force Research Laboratory Commander (AFRL/CC) recognized the 319th Reconnaissance Wing as a defense laboratory for

T2 purposes, which delegates to North Spark the authority to enter into Cooperative Research and Develop Agreements (CRADAs) and Educational Partnership Agreements (EPAs). We provide recommendations to the Wing Commander for how to spend Squadron Innovation Funds and the status of innovation initiatives. Our Maker Space contains 3D printers, a multimedia production studio, laser printer, and an Artificial Intelligence & Robotics lab. Our Collaboration Space hosts unique training opportunities like Python programming courses, scrum training, and more. North Spark is Grand Forks AFB's communication node for coordinating SBIR/STTR/CRADA research and development. We host bimonthly pitch days where potential companies can present their innovative solutions to problems for Grand Forks AFB and the Air Force. Finally, we aim to be the Autonomous Small UAS Center of Excellence, and are working to leverage our Defense Innovation Laboratory status to establish partnerships with the already robust SUAS ecosystem that is thriving in Grand Forks, ND.