Phoenix Xcelerator

Apply to our Aerospace & Defense startup tech accelerator to unlock resources, mentorship, and opportunities that can help take your business to the next level.

The Forge Institute Phoenix Xcelerator, a no-cost, no-equity program, identifies and cultivates promising early-stage entrepreneurs through corporate partnerships and innovative solutions tailored to meet national defense needs. Through structured programming—including a rigorous curriculum, mentorship, and coaching—the Phoenix Xcelerator and its partners advance industry-led innovation. 

How It Works

Program Details

  • Onsite: Little Rock & Northwest Arkansas

  • Each Participant Signs the Forge Institute NDA & Program Participation Agreements

  • Weekly

    • Wednesday (Building Your Startup)

    • Thursday (Defense Workshops & Offsites)

    • Friday (One-on-Ones & CEO Roundtable)

    • Some Weekends

Key Dates

Nov. 15 - Applications Open

Jan. 31 - Applications Close

Mar. 11 - Cohort Welcome

Mar. 12 - Program Begins/Kickoff Event (RSVP)

May 29 - Demo Day

May 30 - Program Ends

Alumni Program Begins for Selected Startups

Example Defense Workshops

1. Intro to Non-Dilutive Funding

2. Intro into AR Innovation Ecosystem

3. AEDC AR Intro Visit

4. Defense Ecosystem

5. Preparing Preparing Yourself for Gov Contracts

6. Building Your Capabilities Statement

7. Successful TTPs to Engage the Defense Computer

8. Thoughts from a Program Manager

9. How to Gov Contracting

10. Intro to Federal Labs

11. DoD Innovation Ecosystem

12. Defense Procurement

13. Contract Types

14. Building a Contract Strategy

15. Sourcing GovWin

16. Intro to Classifications

17. CUI & CMMC

18. Submitting SBIR Phase I

19. Building a SBIR Phase II & III Strategy

Location

Visiting Forge Institute HQ

Information on Downtown Little Rock

Relocation Support

  • LR Apartment Hunters (furnished monthly apartments)

  • Downtown Hotel Long-Term Stays

Funding Partners

Supporting Partners

Program Objectives:

  • Accelerate your business success and identify quality talent and strategic partners 

  • Validate your Business Model and Go-to-Market plan

  • Craft your Capabilities Statement and supporting marketing materials

  • Submit at least one written non-dilutive funding proposal (BAA, SBIR, OTA, etc.)

  • Develop and test your MVP/Prototype

  • Accelerate your company’s growth by evaluating dual-use technology markets

  • Enhance your company’s credibility through purposeful growth strategies

Technology Themes

  • Defense Manufacturing

  • Photonics & Directed Energy

  • Mobility / Drone & Counter Drone

  • Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity

  • Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)

  • Direct Fires

  • Other Technologies for Mission Readiness

Program Speakers

Featured
Mark Cheng
Mark Cheng

(Ret.) Senior Intelligence Service, CIA

Michael Orlando
Michael Orlando

Senior Director, Global Physical Security for Micron Technology

Walter Burgess
Walter Burgess

Tiffany Pressler
Tiffany Pressler

Security Advisor

Col. (Ret.) Rob Ator
Col. (Ret.) Rob Ator

Director, Military Affairs Council
State of Arkansas

Wes Nickels
Wes Nickels

Chief of Staff, Forge Institute
Ret. US Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI)

Chad Causey
Chad Causey

Executive Director
Arkansas Aerospace & Defense Alliance

Dawn Meyerriecks
Dawn Meyerriecks

Former Deputy Director CIA for Science and Technology

Accelerating Innovation to Support the Warfighter

What We Provide

  • Business Growth: Receive expert advice on product development and go-to-market strategies and receive access to market intelligence on defense and aerospace sectors.

  • Mission Validation: Gain validation from experienced defense sector professionals who will assess and provide real-world defense requirements.

  • Access Prototype and Testing Resources: Access to advanced testing facilities, specialized equipment, technology, facilities and expertise for assistance with product design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing.

  • Access to Capital: Gain access to capital networks, grant assistance, and non-dilutive funding opportunities.

  • Expand Your Network: Gain access to a collaborative ecosystem and attend lunch or dinner meetings with trusted partners, tier-one defense contractors, leaders from defense companies, and defense mission partners.

  • World-Class Curriculum: A 12 week curriculum combining startup accelerator fundamentals, key defense principles, and technical guidance on compliance and defense standards, designed to equip ventures for growth within the defense and aerospace sectors.

  • Commercialization: Transform unused or under-utilized IP into revenue-generating products or services or develop spin-off companies, teaming agreements or other partnerships that can yield financial returns.

  • Workforce Development: Enhance your team’s skills in defense procurement, leadership, and problem-solving through experience. 

  • Tax Incentives & Economic Benefits: Potential access to tax credits, grants, and cost-saving initiatives tied to program participation.

  • Dual-Use Technology: Adapt IP for civilian and military applications to diversify risk and expand market opportunities.

Partner Benefits

Are you ready to emerge as a Phoenix?

Why Arkansas?

Arkansas is a prominent hub for defense and aerospace expertise, with aerospace and defense products as the state’s leading export, generating approximately $1.8 billion annually.

  • The sector supports over 10,000 skilled technical jobs in Arkansas, from machinists and mechanics to engineers and researchers.

  • It is home to major defense companies such as: Lockheed Martin, Dassault Falcon Jet, Raytheon, and Aerojet Rocketdyne, alongside a strong ecosystem of small business suppliers and innovators.

Defense Ecosystem Collaborators