HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Are you an Air Commando with an innovative idea that gets after strategic competition but need funding? If so, now is your chance to submit your idea for the opportunity to receive capital. The submission window is now open for AFSOC’s innovation competition known as Thunder Dome. All submissions received by September 5, 2025, will be considered.
This competition is open to any member within the command and ideas can be submitted via QR code (see above graphic) or at https://gain.il4.afwerx.dso.mil/daf/thunderdome-2026/overview, which is a CAC only enabled site.
Finalists will be selected based on multiple factors including impact on readiness/advantage, alignment with AFSOC strategy, and feasibility of execution. Finalists will present their ideas on November 6, 2025 for the chance to receive funding to further develop their innovative solutions. The last iteration of Thunder Dome resulted in six projects receiving funding.
Events like Thunder Dome empower Air Commandos to tackle issues impacting readiness and AFSOC's ability to operate across the spectrum of competition, ensuring we remain relevant through adaptation and maintain our ethos of grassroots innovation.
We look forward to seeing the great ideas Air Commandos share in this year’s competition.