Montgomery TechLab is building on growing momentum in Alabama’s defense and technology sectors with the launch of the second cohort of its MTL Defense Accelerator, welcoming five early-stage companies focused on dual-use technologies ranging from artificial intelligence to cybersecurity, advanced materials, autonomy, and energy infrastructure.
Announced Jan. 21, the eight-week accelerator is designed to help startups scale technologies for both defense and commercial markets, while positioning Montgomery as a growing hub for defense-focused innovation and entrepreneurship.
The MTL Defense Accelerator supports founders from across the nation who are developing solutions aligned with national security priorities. Participants gain direct access to defense expertise, strategic mentorship, and pathways into federal and prime contractor markets. The program is delivered in partnership with Treble One and the Montgomery Regional Chamber.
“This cohort reflects the caliber of innovation we aim to cultivate through Montgomery TechLab,” said Charisse Stokes, partner liaison for Montgomery TechLab. “Our focus is on helping founders sharpen their defense use cases, strengthen execution, and connect with the people and institutions that can help move their technologies from concept to deployment.”
Following a competitive selection process, five companies were chosen for the 2026 cohort, representing innovation across several critical defense and infrastructure technology areas: Autonomous Federal, FibrX, Moonbase AI, Petra Power and Xdown.
- Autonomous Federal — Delivers autonomy-enabled software solutions that support
federal agencies in modernizing operations and deploying emerging technologies at
scale. - FibrX — Builds next-generation composite and fiber-based materials engineered for
lightweight, high-performance defense and industrial applications. - Moonbase AI — Leverages artificial intelligence to provide predictive analytics and
decision-support tools for mission planning and operational efficiency. - Petra Power — Designs resilient energy and power solutions to support critical
infrastructure and defense operations in austere and contested environments. - Xdown — Develops advanced cybersecurity and risk-mitigation tools that help organizations identify, assess, and respond to digital threats in complex operating environments.
Through the accelerator, cohort companies receive hands-on mentorship and strategic guidance from Treble One, a nationally recognized defense advisory firm.
“These companies demonstrate strong technical depth and a clear understanding of real defense challenges,” said Brien House, executive director of Alabama Accelerators at Treble One. “Our work is focused on helping them translate innovation into adoption by clarifying mission relevance, strengthening market strategy, and accelerating their path into the federal marketplace.”
The second cohort builds on the momentum of the inaugural MTL Defense Accelerator, further establishing Montgomery TechLab as a convening force for founders, defense advisors, and mission-aligned partners.
By combining targeted mentorship, market-driven programming, and direct exposure to defense stakeholders, the accelerator is designed to shorten the path from innovation to adoption—helping companies validate use cases, strengthen commercialization strategies, and prepare for federal engagement.
The accelerator officially kicked off Jan. 13 inside the KRESS building with the MTL Defense Accelerator Kickoff & Networking Reception, where members of Montgomery’s business and tech community gathered to engage with founders, mentors, and ecosystem partners supporting defense and dual-use innovation.
The public will have another opportunity to engage with the cohort during Demo Day on Feb. 25, when all five companies will share more about their technologies and readiness to invest in Montgomery.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
