Tinker visits CAFB ‘Spark Cell’ lab

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - Columbus Air Force Base’s “Spark Cell” innovation lab is leading the way across the Air Force. The latest interest in getting insight on how to develop Spark Cell, a team from Tinker AFB, Okla., visited the Mississippi base Feb. 13. The visit was initiated by Master Sgt. Reza Zeinalpour, 552nd Air Control Wing process manager, after attending a Spark Cell workshop in Texas last year. The workshop, hosted by the AFWERX-Austin hub team, featured speakers and classes that focused on building innovation teams and sharing ideas on how to foster a results-driven culture of innovation. Maj. Ryan Brewer, 14th Flying Training Wing director of innovation, highlighted CAFB’s Spark Cell at the workshop and how its design allowed airmen to network and collaborate on innovative ideas and projects. Zeinalpour wanted to learn more about the spark cell. Tinker airmen learned about project management software and the bigger ecosystem that was available to CAFB. They also toured areas in the 14th Medical Group and 14th Operations Group, where the Spark Cell has aided in projects utilizing the innovation for faster and better daily operations. “If we don’t innovate, we’re already falling behind,” Zeinalpour said. Since each base has its own capabilities, working together allows the innovation process to flow smoothly. Mixing these groups gives a deeper pool of talent and viewpoints that lead to further innovation. “It’s about a culture of change,” said Brewer, “moving from stagnation to innovation” and to become “more flexible … in today’s challenging environment.” (Source: CAFB 02/21/19)