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Joint Warfighter Innovation & Transition Consortium (JWITC)

Accelerating the transition of commercial and dual-use technology into operational use.

The Joint Warfighter Innovation & Transition Consortium (JWITC) is an initiative of the American Defense Innovation Foundation (AMDEF). JWITC exists to move relevant commercial and dual-use technologies into the hands of the warfighter by simplifying, accelerating, and de-risking defense acquisition and transition.

JWITC bridges the gap between innovation and execution by aligning emerging technology with validated operational problem sets and acquisition pathways supporting the Joint Concept for Warfighting (JCWA) and the Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) framework.

JWITC operates as AMDEF’s primary transition engine—applying the same transition-first discipline, mechanism fluency, and execution focus reflected across AMDEF’s research, programs, and engagement pathways.

Inside JWITC

Transition to Operational Use
Advisory Board
Founding Advisors

Start Here

JWITC focuses on transition—not demonstrations—so promising technologies do not stall between prototype and operational use.

For DoD / PM / PEO

Reduce transition risk, shorten time-to-field, and improve readiness for adoption and scale.

  • Earlier alignment to warfighter and program needs
  • Clearer integration, security, and sustainment expectations
  • Better prepared vendors for execution

For Innovators / Small Business

Navigate acquisition pathways with less friction and clearer transition expectations.

  • Transition guidance before momentum is lost
  • Alignment to validated operational problem sets
  • Greater clarity on pathways and stakeholders

How JWITC Fits Within AMDEF

JWITC applies AMDEF’s research focus and mechanism fluency to accelerate real-world transition outcomes.

JWITC: Transition execution—aligning technology, operators, and acquisition reality.

AMDEF Mechanisms: SBIR/STTR, OTA, and CRADA pathways used to reduce friction and improve adoption outcomes.

Explore AMDEF Mechanisms

JWITC Transition Lifecycle

OPERATIONAL PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
• Validated warfighter or joint mission need
• Early stakeholder alignment
        ↓
TECHNOLOGY ALIGNMENT
• Commercial or dual-use capability matched to mission
• Integration constraints identified
        ↓
TRANSITION PREPARATION
• Evidence generation (data, tests, artifacts)
• Security, sustainment, and scale considered
        ↓
MECHANISM ALIGNMENT
(SBIR/STTR • OTA • CRADA)
        ↓
PROGRAM / PLATFORM INTEGRATION
• Alignment with PM, PEO, or prime
• Contractable and executable posture
        ↓
OPERATIONAL USE
• Capability delivered to the warfighter

Transition is not a phase at JWITC—it is a design requirement.

Acquisition & Transition Focus

JWITC supports acquisition and capability development organizations by reducing friction between commercial innovation and defense procurement.

  • Early alignment with acquisition and program office needs
  • Reduction of technical, integration, and transition risk
  • Improved clarity around requirements, authorities, and pathways

JWITC does not replace acquisition authorities; it ensures technologies and vendors are ready when mechanisms are applied.

JWITC One-Page Explainer

Download JWITC One-Pager (PDF)

From the Articles

Recent perspectives expanding on why technology transition fails—and what actually helps innovation move into programs and operational use.

View all articles →

Continue the Work with AMDEF

JWITC accelerates transition. AMDEF membership provides ongoing access to the research focus, transition insight, and execution patterns that help dual-use innovation continue moving forward—beyond a single engagement.

Membership provides structured access to AMDEF’s applied R&D focus areas, transition frameworks, and mechanism insight. It does not guarantee program participation or contracting outcomes.