AF CyberWorx officially stood up in 2016. An initial cadre of active duty, reserve, and USAFA staff began defining the future organization, tackling difficult problems, and teaching classes to introduce human-centered design to cadets.

AF CyberWorx served as an early beacon and exemplar for the Air Force. As a result, public-private partnership and a focus on the human side of requirements guided the fledgling organization. An army of alums, retired senior officers, and entrepreneurs massed to support AF CyberWorx. The Air Force Academy Foundation contributed to AF CyberWorx in very significant ways. Mr. McConn assembled a Cyber Committee to raise funds for a new facility. His co-chair Mr. Paul Madera, former F-16 pilot and venture capitalist, made a significant donation that solidified the construction of the Madera Cyber Innovation Center. Maj Gen Gene Lupia provided sage counsel for the military construction process, and Mr. Brad Feldmann donated the services of an industry expert in innovation and human-centered design to advise the organization’s innovation practice through Cubic Corporation.

The Madera Cyber Innovation Center will offer a multi-discipline workspace at the U.S. Air Force Academy, bringing cyber partners together to collaborate, research, and investigate technologies. Named after Paul Madera, a 1978 graduate, and his wife, Joan, the 44,000 square-foot facility overlooks Stillman Parade Field east of the cadet area.