“Fostering Innovation and Collaboration: JIFX Showcases Emerging Technologies”

The inaugural Joint Interagency Field Experimentation (JIFX) technology showcase at Camp Roberts, California, was recently organized by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. Held from February 6 to 8, this event, a collaborative effort between R&E’s Office of Innovation and Modernization and the Naval Post Graduate School, assembled stakeholders from the Department of Defense and the U.S. Government, as well as technology developers from industry and academia, with the objective of nurturing the defense innovation ecosystem.

JIFX is primarily aimed at supporting technology maturation and transition through partnerships with Services, Combatant Commands, and other defense agencies, aligning with the DoD’s mission to facilitate effective, affordable, and early-stage prototype technologies that are of critical importance. Conducted quarterly, JIFX offers innovators the opportunity to conduct operational field testing at Camp Roberts, present their emerging solutions, and receive valuable feedback from government subject-matter experts. The ultimate goal of each event is to advance early prototype technologies into next-generation capabilities that will contribute to the national security objectives of the United States.

Heidi Shyu, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, underscored the importance of collaboration with industry in addressing the technological and security challenges faced by the Department of Defense, emphasizing the significance of field showcases such as JIFX in the exploration, development, and deployment of essential military capabilities.

The focus of JIFX 24-2 was on Multi-Domain Uncrewed Systems (UxS) and countermeasures. Multi-Domain UxS entails autonomous vehicles capable of navigating various physical environments, such as operating as an Unmanned Aircraft System after moving in “boat mode” along the water. Approximately 25 companies and non-traditional performers participated in the event, presenting their innovative multi-domain UxS and countermeasures.

For technology developers interested in participating in future JIFX events, there is an opportunity to submit innovative solutions. Additional information about participation in future JIFX events can be found at: https://nps.edu/web/fx/participate. Moreover, those seeking to learn more about JIFX can visit: https://nps.edu/web/fx.

The JIFX technology showcases serve as a platform for collaboration and technology innovation, providing a valuable opportunity for diverse stakeholders to come together, demonstrate emerging capabilities, and contribute to enhancing national security. Through these events, the Department of Defense aims to facilitate the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies that will benefit the military and the country as a whole.