Delaware AFB Unveils Bedrock Innovation Lab – WBOC-TV 16, Delmarvas News Leader, FOX 21 –

Posted on September 30, 2020 by Design in Design Innovation | 0 Comments

DOVER, De. – These plush beanbags and fun chairs may look appealing after a long days work, Air Force Captain Ryan Nichol hopes this space will be more than just some place to unwind.

“Every airman that walks through these doors is excited for innovation and units,” said Nichol, surveying the brand new Bedrock Innovation Lab.

The lab is designed to spur creativity and problem solving by members of the base community. Founded in 2019, it’s taken almost two years to move into this space, but Captain Nichol, Chief Innovation Officer, says it was worth the wait.

“Airmen from all across the base, whether you’re active, reserve, or civilian can come here, work together, collaboration is key to innovation, so two-thirds of our five thousand square foot space is dedicated to working together,” said Nichol.

Not only does the lab provide workspaces and comfy seating, but also features a virtual reality classroom space, a podcast studio, and a 3-D printing lab.

“All of the opportunities here are unlike anything else on this air force instillation. When you step in here, it’s almost like you’ve stepped into a different world,” said Colin Dziadaszek, the former Chief Technology Officer for Bedrock said. Dziadaszek has since been relocated to another base, but returned to Dover for today’s unveiling.

“Technology is not going to lead to innovating your way out of a problem or finding new solutions to solve problems. I think the innovation programming and a facility like this – physical, with virtual tours would enable the opportunity to innovate and find new ways of doing things,” added Rob Nicholson, Solutions Integrator for Delaware’s Department of Technology and Information.

Some of the prototypes the lab has already created includes face shields, touch free door handles, and other projects around the base. Members of the base community can submit their ideas to the lab, and then they are strategized. The focus, and the hope, is that new and innovative problem solving can be generated by both soldiers and civilians.

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