Forge Institute of Little Rock has launched the Phoenix Xcelerator, a 12-week program aiming to grow startups across the defense and aerospace sectors. The program is funded in-part through a grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
A press release from Forge Institute stated that the program combines “startup accelerator fundamentals with key defense principles,” offering technical guidance on compliance and defense standards, as well as insights into government procurement.
Participants in the program will have access to a network of industry veterans, government procurement experts and entrepreneurs with defense experience. Site visits to defense and aerospace manufacturing facilities, networking events with military and industry leaders and specialized partner activities will also be part of the accelerator’s curriculum.
Additionally, participants will receive support to validate business models, develop go-to-market strategies and create prototypes, as well as submit proposals for funding.
For established companies, the Phoenix Xcelerator aims to help transform underutilized intellectual property into profitable products and services. The program will assist in evaluating dual-use markets, crafting capabilities statements and implementing targeted growth strategies.
The accelerator will focus on technology themes such as defense manufacturing, photonics, directed energy, mobility, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and direct fires.
The release stated that Arkansas is home to more than 178 aerospace and defense sector companies, employing 10,900, but that the amount of defense businesses, contractors and vendors is shrinking.
The Phoenix Xcelerator aims to reverse this trend by supporting startup businesses dedicated to addressing challenges in the defense sector.
“The Phoenix Xcelerator builds on Forge Institute’s proven track record of developing high-quality, purposeful programs to meet our business and mission partner needs, and my experience in building national and internationally recognized accelerator programs,” Lee Watson, chairman and CEO of Forge Institute, said in the release. “With this initiative, we are bringing world-class expertise and resources to entrepreneurs, equipping startups to tackle critical national security challenges all while solidifying our state’s leadership in defense innovation and economic growth.”
According to the AEDC, aerospace and defense exports made up more than 13% of the state’s total exports in 2023, making it the state’s leading export.
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