Welcome to the premier hub
for
airmen-driven innovation in PACAF 

SHOGUN SPARK

 

Expand List item 6467Collapse List item 6467  Ignite the Spark 2026

Ignite the spark 2026 Poster

  • What is “Ignite the Spark?” Ignite the spark is an Innovation Competition designed to promote impactful projects to solve mission-critical problems. The campaign’s goal is to accelerate the development and deployment of these innovative solutions. Winners of the campaign will receive funding from Squadron Commanders via SIF (Squadron Innovation Funds) Marketplace. Your project may also qualify for higher level competition for more exposure and funding (Aether Sprint, PACAF  and DAF’s Spark Tank competitions)
    Submit your ideas below!
  • Voting – There will be a 2-phase voting system. Winners will be determined by peers and leadership
  • Who can submit an innovative idea? The campaign is open to all 18th Wing members. Outside agencies may still pursue their ideas with Kadena Innovation Lab but will not be entered in the competition.
  • Campaign timeline:
    • January 20 – Campaign begins
    • February 17 – Project Refinement Stage
    • March 23 – Voting Starts
    • April 20 – Winners Announced
    • April 30 – Funding Delegated
Expand List item 4278Collapse List item 4278  Our Services

Problem Solving

Our team of experts will work with you to come up with possible solutions and improvements.

Research

Our experts will guide and work with you through the research phase to identify all the moving parts of the projects.

Collaboration

We will find and create meetups with other agencies, squadrons, or units that could help make the project a winning solution. Completed solutions will be shared with other units to increase the impact.

Legal

Contracting and legal office ensure the project follows applicable rules and laws.

Prototyping

We will work with you to create a prototype of the minimum viable product (MVP) that showcases the solution and gains buy-in from the affected unit/squadron to propel the project to its final vision.

Education

We can train you in what we do; or request specific training and we will help you find an instructor or class.

Expand List item 4279Collapse List item 4279  Innovation Projects
Project jet power

Rays to Jet Power

A mobile solar generator solution, providing as much as 64 kW of uninterrupted power through the use of solar panels, backup batteries, and a failsafe generator. This option replaces the traditional diesel-powered generator while occupying half as much space.

Project laser fod

Project LFOD

A laser-based FOD detection system that detects virtually 100% of FOD while traveling at 60 MPH. Integrated GPS removes human error and improves route accuracy. The system also analyzes pavement conditions to allow proactive repairs to runways.

Project power IO line

Project IO Line

A software solution that provides digitized electrical grid schematics on a platform that can mimic circuit operations. This program allows electricians to plan switching operations for scheduled and unscheduled power outages, minimizing risks to personnel and the chance for operational error.

Project Viper

Project Viper

To ensure hot refueling capabilities on any airfield, project VIPER is a small-footprint equipment kit that seamlessly pairs with existing R-12 refueling vehicles to support 2 lanes of hot pits for 2 separate aircraft with a single fuel truck.

Project Venom

Project Venom

To meet the specific fuel needs of military aircraft, this system utilizes existing equipment inventory items to create a fuel additive injection cart. Using the same technology as commercially available additive injection carts, project VENOM costs just $7,000 versus $64,000 for off-the-shelf alternatives. Additionally, the Venom kit is designed to be paired with the VIPER kit to meet hot pit refueling needs.

Project kinetic cargo

Project Kinetic Cargo

A modernized cargo deployment solution that utilizes commercially available, off-the-shelf technology to create a 98% reduction in man-hours needed to measure and weigh cargo for deployment.

Expand List item 4280Collapse List item 4280  Our Team

Director, Wing Innovations

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Senior Enlisted Leader, Wing Innovations

TSgt. Vincent Barrington

Section Chief, Innovation Operations

TSgt. Allan Noveras

NCOIC, Innovation Support

SSgt. Barbara Walker

Innovation Additive Manufacturing Manager

SSgt. Ruben Escobar-Pena

Expand List item 4281Collapse List item 4281  Volunteer Team

3D Printing

SSgt. Andrei Rieger
SSgt. Dylan Gelinas

Cloud Architecture
Data Analysis

Mr. Rafael Tokashiki

Metals

TSgt. Justin Sprinkel
TSgt. Ace Fa'atuai

Software and Programming

Amn Nathan Nolan
Mr. Rafael Tokashiki

Expand List item 4282Collapse List item 4282  18 Wing Group Representatives

TSgt. Justin Ferrel

18 MXG

TSgt. James Crenshaw

18 MSG

SrA. Joel Cholette

18 MDG

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18 OG

1LT. Vladislav Zhukov

18 CEG

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18 WSA

TSgt. Aaron Shy

353d SOW

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353 SOAMXS

Submit your idea

Ready to Build Your Vision?

Change begins with you. Our team works directly with you to develop a problem and get your solution realized. SHOGUN SPARK partners with local agencies like CE, contracting, legal, and others to help you navigate the obstacles along the way.

Contact Us

Visit Us

Building 3151, Kadena Air Base

From Gate 1, Turn left at the housing office, go through the stop sign, second building on your Left

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Call Us

315-634-0230
315-634-0404
315-634-5589
315-634-5590

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