EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - The newest 96th Test Wing and AFWERX partnership officially opened its doors here, Oct. 25.

The Emerald Spark Cell’s innovation incubator, located at the base library, is a space to foster innovation, creativity, and collaboration amongst military personnel, academia, non-profit organizations, etc., according to Yvonne Comesario, lead innovation coach.  The incubator is the first specialized facility in the Air Force.

“The incubator is here to empower Airmen to collaborate, improve and solve problems and inefficiencies locally and across the Air Force,” said Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Geraghty, 96th TW commander.   

These spaces are equipped with various tools, resources, and technology to support do-it-yourself projects, innovation, and hands-on learning. Some workstations include 3D printing, automation stations, VR, digital engineering, videography and more.

“Eglin is the been the benchmark for innovation spark cells and now it leads again with this new incubator, the first one on an Air Force base,” Col. Martin Salinas, AFWERX Spark director.