Montgomery launches Defense Accelerator

The accelerator will focus on 10 early-stage companies

The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Montgomery TechLab and Treble One, has launched the Defense Accelerator.

The accelerator will conduct two cohorts during the 2025-2026 program year, focusing on five early-stage companies for each cohort. Selected companies will participate in an eight-week program aimed at scaling products in artificial intelligence, mobile application development and cybersecurity for the defense and commercial markets.

“This initiative is a transformative moment for our region, strengthening our capital region’s position as a leader in defense innovation,” said Anna Buckalew, president of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.

The accelerator is leveraging the Innovate Alabama Tax Credit Program, enabling companies and individuals to keep 50% of their state tax liability in the community. This includes Alabama income tax, state insurance premium tax, state public utility license tax, and the state portion of the financial institution excise tax. By redirecting these funds, the program aims to foster growth and investment in the small business defense industry.

“Keeping 50% of tax dollars local ensures direct investment into the growth of our defense sector and the industries that support it,” Buckalew said.

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The goal of the Defense Accelerator is for 75% of participants to achieve one of the following milestones within a year of completing the program:

  • Secure a prime contract with the U.S. federal government.
  • Obtain a subcontract with a federal government prime contractor.
  • Partner with a prime contractor or original equipment manufacturer.
  • Raise at least $100,000 in private capital funding.

“The accelerator is about cultivating the next generation of small businesses that will define the future of defense technology,” said Marcus Shaw, founding director of Montgomery TechLab.

Treble One brings two decades of experience in the defense market, particularly in leveraging technology to address national security challenges and maximizing the impact of federal research investments.

Applications for the Defense Accelerator open on February 18. Interested companies can find out more by visiting Montgomery TechLab’s website at montgomerytechlab.com.

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