Accelerating Commercialization of Advanced Manufacturing Solutions
The AM Forward Network convenes our nation’s top lead system integrators to help their supply chains adopt advanced manufacturing solutions. These efforts promote our national security and industrial base resilience.
Core Activities
The AM Forward Network’s mission is accomplished via Core Activities: (a) involvement with our partner investment fund, (b) hands-on technology challenges, (c) technology demonstrations, (d) development of qualification tools, and (e) access to ASTRO’s end-to-end capacity in key parts of the US.
The AM Forward Network’s core activities include:
Technology Challenges
Demonstration
Qualification Tools
Industrial Base Access
Investment Fund
Technology Challenge
A three-month competitive challenge where technology suppliers advocate for solutions to a defined manufacturing pain point.
Hosted at ASTRO and partner facilities, with expert integration and performance documentation.
Demonstration
Applied LSI-driven research to validate the impact of advanced manufacturing tools on production outcomes.
May be pursued jointly with government partners.
Qualification Tools
Development and initial fielding of physical, digital, conceptual, or analytical models or tools to evaluate feasibility and usefulness within LSI supply chains and design activities.
Industrial Base Access
Utilization of ASTRO’s end-to-end capacity in IL, FL, and GU, along with access to key government-operated Organic Industrial Base facilities such as Rock Island Arsenal.
Investment Fund
The AM Forward Critical Technologies Small Business Investment Company Fund is administered by Stifel North Atlantic. It pairs private capital with SBA administered leverage, supporting investments in small businesses undertaking advanced manufacturing and production processes.
Why Join the Network?
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Accelerate commercialization timelines
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Validate technology in real production environments
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Access the Organic Industrial Base
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Reduce integration risk
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Gain visibility with government and LSI stakeholders
Who is Eligible?
Aerospace/Defense Lead System Integrators focused on helping their supply chains adopt metal additive manufacturing and enhance U.S. industrial base resilience.
Founding Network Members
The AM Forward Network is being managed by the Applied Science and Technology Research Organization of America (ASTRO America).
