Phoenix Xcelerator Announces 2025 Cohort, Innovative Defense Solutions
Arkansas becoming a hub of defense innovation
The Forge Institute is proud to announce the startups selected for the highly competitive Phoenix Xcelerator program. After an extensive review of applicants from across the nation, these early-stage innovators have been chosen for their cutting-edge solutions and potential to disrupt their categories.
The Phoenix Xcelerator is a no-cost, no-equity accelerator designed to fast-track promising startups tackling aerospace and defense challenges. Through a structured 12-week program, these companies will receive mentorship from industry experts, access to defense networks, technical guidance, and learn how to access potential non-dilutive funding to refine their business models, validate their technologies, and accelerate their growth. Each solution was selected based on its possible support to the warfighter.
Program Sponsors & Supporters
The Phoenix Xcelerator is sponsored in part by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) and the Walton Family Foundation.
Additional support is provided by both industry and industrial associations. Power Technology is the first Corporate Partner and will provide trapped Intellectual Property for development, providing tours of the manufacturing floor, mentoring, or sharing laser knowledge to the cohort. SPIE, The international society for optics and photonics will provide deep subject matter expertise on Photonics and Optics - critical technologies for many defense systems. The Arkansas Aerospace & Defense Alliance has agreed to allow select companies the opportunity to showcase their solution at the 2025 Mid-America Aerospace & Defense Summit.
Companies wishing to engage in the program and help support and fund these efforts can reach out to the team at phoenix@forge.institute.
Meet the Phoenix Cohort
These startups represent the next wave of innovation in national security and defense technology. While full company details will be unveiled at demo day, we are thrilled to introduce each one by designation:
Mod Tech Labs, Austin, TX– Delivering cutting-edge AI and automation tools designed to streamline content creation, optimize production pipelines, and enhance 3D workflows.
Tater Tek, LLC, Des Arc, AR– Innovative propulsion system that will revolutionize Mobility, Transportation, Logistics and Defense by enabling a single hydro-terrain vehicle to travel on land, afloat, and underwater to reach previously prohibitive locations.
Orion Edge Group, Lakewood, CO– Enabling the warfighter to disrupt and deny the communications and navigation networks of adversary robotics on the battlefield with wearable, individual electromagnetic warfare solutions.
FirewatchAI, Fayetteville, AR – Bringing advancements of AI and additive material manufacturing into defense applications to increase the survivability of the modern warfighter.
Gentry Professional Services, Little Rock, AR – Engineering solutions to enhance customer capabilities and provide a sustainable competitive advantage.
NextGen Lights, Fayetteville, AR– Creating a light powered by lasers for long range night visibility for Naval Ships.
Foresight Engineering, Rogers, AR – Developing advanced imaging solutions for small arms rifle scopes and hunting scopes.
Soteria Battery Innovation Group, Greenville, SC – Addressing thermal runaway at the root cause—the internal short circuit that releases the electrical energy.
FOG Systems, Fayetteville, AR – Developing a portable and offline AI model to assist in land navigation guidance in foreign territories.
“I’m looking forward to supporting the next generation of aerospace & defense innovators in Arkansas through this program, " said Walter Burgess, Entrepreneur-in-Residence for the Phoenix Xcelerator program. “Arkansas has been a leader in producing specialized components, electronics, and direct fires systems and we’re all excited to build on this legacy and ensure Arkansas remains the arsenal of democracy.”
Empowering Innovation for National Defense
Forge Institute’s defense programs are focused on supporting cutting-edge research and innovative entrepreneurial ventures that aim to increase warfighter capabilities and improve operational efficiencies.
“The Phoenix Xcelerator is more than an accelerator—it’s a mission-driven initiative to fuel innovation in defense and aerospace,” said Lee Watson, Chairman & CEO of Forge Institute. “The startups in this cohort are solving challenges and have the potential to support our nation’s warfighters, improve operations and enhance our national defense. We’re excited to support their journey and watch them scale.”
Phoenix Xcelerator participants will gain:
Expert mentorship from defense, technology and business leaders
Prototype and testing resources through federal and industry partnerships
Access to non-dilutive capital strategies and grant assistance
Engagements with DoD, prime contractors, and investors
Defense market validation to position their solutions for success
Opportunities to present at the Forge Arkansas Cyber Summit this September and the Mid-America Aerospace & Defense Summit
A Catalyst for Growth in the Defense Industrial Base
As Arkansas solidifies its position as a national hub for defense innovation, the Phoenix Xcelerator continues to strengthen the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) by empowering entrepreneurs to deliver cutting-edge solutions. The program is supported by strategic partners in defense, aerospace, and cybersecurity, ensuring startups receive high-impact guidance and connections that drive real-world adoption of their technologies.
"The Forge Institute’s Phoenix Xcelerator, through its focused approach on defense technology and its connection to Arkansas's growing aerospace sector, provides a critical pathway for innovative companies wishing to support our national defense. It's about bridging the gap between cutting-edge ideas and real-world defense applications, which is vital for both our national security and our state's economic future. This program is key to growing the state’s #1 export - Aerospace & Defense and we are excited to provide the opportunity for the top performers to showcase their solution at the annual 2025 Mid-America Aerospace & Defense Summit.” Chad Causey, Executive Director, Arkansas Aerospace & Defense Alliance
According to the Arkansas Future Mobility Report, “Arkansas is home to over 170 aerospace and defense companies, including Lockheed Martin, Dassault Falcon Jet, Raytheon, and Aerojet Rocketdyne. Aerospace products and parts are the State’s leading export, bringing in approximately $1.8 billion per year and employing more than 10,000 people in skilled technical jobs such as machinists, mechanics, engineers, and researchers.”
The selected startups have officially begun their journey with Phoenix Xcelerator. They will culminate their work in a Demo Day showcase scheduled for May 29th, where they will present their innovations to military, defense contractors, investors, and industry leaders.
Follow along and get engaged
For more information on the Phoenix Xcelerator, upcoming events, becoming a mentor, and getting involved, visit forge.institute/phoenix-xcelerator.
