TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Members of Tinker Air Force Base’s 72nd Air Base Wing pitched their innovative ideas to wing senior leaders April 16 in the second annual Spark Tank Competition.
The ideas, brought entirely by members of the 72nd ABW, sought funds to simplify mission accomplishment, improve the daily lives of Team Tinker members, or prepare the base for future competition.
“If we’re going to continue to celebrate innovation, talk about innovation, and say we care about innovation, we’d better put our money where our mouth is,” said Col. Abby Ruscetta, Tinker Installation and 72nd Air Base wing commander.
Up to $30,000 in funds were available for the projects that showed the best innovation, chance for implementation, and use of digital innovation.
Fifteen proposals went up for wing-wide voting with the top five being invited to present in front of judges and coworkers in the audience. Presenters had five minutes to pitch their ideas, with an additional five minutes for questions from the judges and audience.
Judges included Ruscetta, Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Gradel, 72nd ABW command chief, Donna Patten, 72nd ABW executive director, Roena Roberts 72nd Logistics Readiness Squadron director and Matt Mercer, 72nd ABW chief of safety.
The five finalist proposals were:
- Mental Health Clinic Data Collection Tablets to speed patient check-in
- Tinker Strong Pass Automated Gate Entry System
- Digital Sign-in Kiosks for Secure Areas
- Tinker eSports Recreation Center
- Wireless Device Detection in Secure Areas
After judging was complete, three proposals received funding:
- Tinker Strong Pass Automated Gate Entry System - $19,000
- Digital Sign-in Kiosks for Secure Areas - $2,400
- Wireless Device Detection in Secure Areas - $8,000
The Spark Tank event is one way the 72nd ABW is pursuing the wing priority to “Revolutionize our Processes.” This aligns with similar priorities established throughout the Air Force.