Atolio, Inc., a San Francisco-based technology company, has been awarded a $1.25 million SBIR Direct-to-Phase II contract by AFWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Department of the Air Force (DAF). This funding supports Atolio’s development of an advanced AI-powered enterprise search solution designed to tackle critical information access challenges across the Air Force’s vast and complex data ecosystems. The award underscores the Air Force Research Laboratory’s commitment to accelerating innovation through streamlined pathways for small businesses. The SBIR Direct-to-Phase II program bypasses the traditional Phase I feasibility assessment, allowing qualified companies to move directly into Phase II, which focuses on prototype development and technical validation. This fast-track approach reflects AFWERX’s broader mission to modernize the federal innovation process by reducing bureaucratic delays and empowering high-potential startups with rapid access to federal funding. Atolio’s project centers on building an intelligent enterprise search platform that leverages artificial intelligence to unify and make sense of disparate data sources within the DAF. Military operations generate massive volumes of structured and unstructured data—ranging from technical reports and mission logs to intelligence briefings and training materials. However, accessing this information efficiently has long been a challenge due to siloed systems, inconsistent metadata, and complex security protocols. Atolio’s solution aims to break down these barriers by using natural language processing, semantic search, and machine learning to deliver accurate, context-aware results to users in real time. The platform is designed to understand user intent, infer meaning from ambiguous queries, and surface relevant information across classified and unclassified networks. It will also incorporate security and compliance features to ensure data access aligns with strict military standards. By enabling faster, more precise information retrieval, the system could significantly improve decision-making speed, operational readiness, and mission effectiveness. Atolio’s selection highlights the growing importance of AI in national defense and government operations. The company’s focus on enterprise search aligns with a broader trend of leveraging AI to manage data complexity, a challenge that extends beyond the military to federal agencies, healthcare, and private industry. The Air Force’s investment in this technology signals a strategic shift toward data-driven operations, where timely access to information is as critical as physical assets. The project will be developed in close collaboration with Air Force Research Laboratory teams, ensuring the solution meets real-world operational needs. Atolio’s team brings expertise in AI, data engineering, and secure software development, with a track record of delivering scalable solutions for complex environments. This contract is not just a milestone for Atolio but also a sign of the U.S. military’s increasing reliance on small, agile tech firms to drive innovation. By shortening the innovation cycle and providing direct funding, AFWERX is helping bridge the gap between cutting-edge startups and national security requirements. As the Department of the Air Force continues to modernize its digital infrastructure, projects like Atolio’s will play a vital role in transforming how information is stored, accessed, and used. The success of this initiative could set a precedent for future federal AI investments, demonstrating how public-private partnerships can accelerate the deployment of transformative technologies in high-stakes environments.