FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Paragon Robotics is invited to participate in this year’s SPARK Collider event, April 14‑15, hosted by AFWERX, a program within the United States Air Force dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation across the service. The event featured personnel from the United States Air Force and Space Force, collaborating with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) recipients on best practices, strategies, and ways to look toward the future.
Paragon will be represented by Mr. Michael Craft, Program Manager. Craft holds an M.S. in Engineering from North Carolina State University and was formerly a research scientist at Virginia Tech, where he worked in the Center for Vehicle Systems and Safety. His expertise was well‑received at the Collider event, where breakout groups focused on topics such as energy management, transportation, defense resilience, and the future of military technology.
The event, which will be hosted online for COVID‑19 precautions, will bring together small businesses nationwide to connect with Department of Defense officials and other stakeholders. This forum is designed to give businesses deeper insight into AFWERX’s mission and the capabilities the Air and Space Forces will seek in future technology. Main events include keynote speakers from the AFWERX and SBIR programs, representatives from universities and Fortune 500 companies, breakout rooms, the Strategic Financing (STRATFI) showcase, and a Pitch Bowl.
“The AFWERX program offers an excellent opportunity for small businesses interested in SBIR work,” Michael Craft said. “It provides deep insight into the long‑term needs of our military and how we can best adapt our products to serve them in the future.”
Paragon has received several SBIR awards, including a Phase II contract with the U.S. Navy to further develop wireless avionic sensors. These sensors enable avionics equipment to connect to various testing devices without bulky, expensive cables, which can also hinder testing procedures.
Despite pandemic restrictions limiting attendance to online participation, the event will bring together small businesses and military personnel for two days of discussion and networking. Going forward, events like the SPARK Collider are crucial for ensuring our technology remains relevant and cutting‑edge in a constantly evolving world, and we hope to resume safe in‑person gatherings when possible.
To learn more about the SBIR program, SPARK Collider, and upcoming events, visit the AFWERX website.
About Paragon Robotics:
Paragon Robotics is a manufacturer and service provider of data‑monitoring systems and control products, delivering logging and automation solutions for energy, medical, industrial, and environmental markets. Our Ethernet and wireless sensors and controls are used throughout the United States and Canada in applications such as energy efficiency (M&V), meter management, warehouse and cold‑storage monitoring, life sciences/medical research, and industrial process control. Configuration, measurement, system dashboards, data‑recording and logging software, and analytics are provided at no additional cost. Paragon Robotics offers enterprise‑level software for multi‑user environments and cloud services that enable remote, real‑time sensor data access and alarm capabilities with immediate email and SMS notifications.
Contact:
Kevin Kline
kevin.kline@paragonrobotics.com
1.800.893.9639
