Phoenix Xcelerator names cohort for aerospace and defense startups
The Forge Institute announced the startups selected for the Phoenix Xcelerator program, 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.
The selected startups 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.
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.
Following are the startups in the cohort.
Mod Tech Labs, Austin, Texas
Delivers AI and automation tools designed to streamline content creation, optimize production pipelines, and enhances 3D workflows
Tater Tek, LLC, Des Arc, Ark.
A 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, Colo.
Enables troops to disrupt and deny the communications and navigation networks of adversary robotics on the battlefield with wearable, individual electromagnetic warfare solutions
FirewatchAI, Fayetteville, Ark.
Provides advancements of AI and additive material manufacturing into defense applications to increase the survivability of the modern warfighter
Gentry Professional Services, Little Rock, Ark.
Provides engineering solutions to enhance customer capabilities and provide a sustainable competitive advantage
NextGen Lights, Fayetteville, Ark.
Creates a light powered by lasers for long range night visibility for naval ships
Foresight Engineering, Rogers, Ark.
Develops advanced imaging solutions for small arms rifle scopes and hunting scopes
Soteria Battery Innovation Group, Greenville, S.C.
Addressing thermal runaway at the root cause – the internal short circuit that releases the electrical energy
FOG Systems, Fayetteville, Ark.
Develops 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.”
“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.”
Arkansas is home to more than 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.