In an effort to drive innovation, strengthen the defense sector, and fuel regional growth, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Montgomery TechLab (MTL) and Treble One.  The Chamber announced the launch of the innovative Defense Accelerator, set to begin this summer. This cutting-edge initiative will solidify the region’s position as a hub for emerging technologies and national defense innovation.

Leveraging the Innovate Alabama Tax Credit Program, the Defense Accelerator enables local 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 (FIET). By redirecting these funds locally, the program aims to foster growth and investment in the small business defense industrial base.

“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. “Keeping 50% of tax dollars local ensures direct investment into the growth of our defense sector and the industries that support it. We are especially grateful to partners like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama and Alabama Power for their dedication to advancing this important work.”

The MTL Defense Accelerator will conduct two cohorts during the 2025-2026 program year, each featuring five early-stage companies. Selected companies will participate in an intensive eight-week program tailored to scaling innovative products in artificial intelligence, mobile application development, and cybersecurity for both defense and commercial markets.

Applications will open on February 18 and interested companies can apply by visiting the Montgomery TechLab website at montgomerytechlab.com. Recruitment efforts will extend beyond Alabama, aiming to attract top-tier talent and companies to Montgomery.

The program’s ambitious goal is for 75% of participants to achieve one of the following milestones within a year of completion:

• 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 (OEM).
• Raise at least $100,000 in private capital funding.

“This Accelerator is about cultivating the next generation of small businesses that will define the future of defense technology,” said Marcus Shaw, Founding Director of MTL. “We’re building a pipeline of innovation that strengthens both our local economy and our national security.”

Treble One, with over two decades of experience in the defense market, brings unparalleled expertise to the program. The company specializes in leveraging technology to address critical national security challenges and maximize the impact of federal research investments.

“Our adversaries are advancing their defense capabilities at an alarming pace,” said Chris Wimmer, Vice President of Business Development at Treble One. “The Defense Accelerator will unite startups, government, investors, and prime contractors to accelerate innovation. Montgomery’s unique blend of state incentives, a vibrant tech ecosystem, and visionary leadership make it the perfect launchpad for this initiative.”

Montgomery has rapidly emerged as a leading center for technology and innovation. Home to the groundbreaking Air University Innovation Center (AUiX) and the Air Force’s cutting-edge mobile application development center, Business Enterprise System Product Innovation (BESPIN), the city is already making waves in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and defense technology. The Defense Accelerator further solidifies Montgomery’s reputation as a hub for transformative innovation.

Innovate Alabama’s support has been instrumental in driving this momentum.

“Our tax credit program is designed to cultivate a thriving ecosystem where accelerators and tech businesses flourish,” said Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama. “We are excited to see the impact of this public-private partnership in Montgomery and beyond.”

The MTL Defense Accelerator represents an unparalleled opportunity to drive economic growth, foster innovation, and strengthen national security. To learn more about the program or discuss allocating your tax liability, please contact Charisse Stokes, MTL Partner Liaison, at [email protected].

Montgomery is leading the charge in defense innovation—and the world is noticing.