Montgomery TechLab has selected five companies for its Summer 2026 Defense Accelerator, an 11-week program designed to help emerging technology firms connect with defense, government and industry partners.
The organization also announced a partnership with Troy University that will establish the university’s Montgomery campus as the future home of the accelerator, creating a new center for defense-focused entrepreneurship and technology development in Alabama.
The move gives the program a permanent base in downtown Montgomery and strengthens ties between higher education, entrepreneurs and the defense industry as the city continues to expand its technology and innovation efforts.
Beginning this summer, Troy University Montgomery will host workshops, networking events and other activities tied to the accelerator. University officials said the partnership will create opportunities for students and faculty to interact with technology startups working in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software development and national security.
“This partnership represents much more than a new location,” said Charisse Stokes, partner liaison for Montgomery TechLab. “It creates a visible and accessible center for innovation in downtown Montgomery where founders, students, faculty, industry, and government can come together to solve real-world challenges. By establishing a home at Troy University Montgomery, we’re building stronger pathways between talent, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity while continuing to grow Montgomery’s role as a hub for defense and technology innovation.”
The Summer 2026 cohort includes:
• ARBK Series, which develops technology related to rare-earth mineral recovery, supply-chain resilience and equipment disposition.
• Culper Systems, a company focused on secure communications and privacy technologies.
• DDC-I, which develops software used in aerospace, defense and other mission-critical systems.
• Moro Motion, which is building adaptive humanoid robots designed to operate in dangerous environments.
• Omega Security, which develops technology-enabled security and preparedness solutions for government and commercial organizations.
During the 11-week program, company founders will receive mentoring, business guidance, defense-market insights and introductions to investors, defense stakeholders and potential customers.
“The momentum we’re seeing in Montgomery is a reflection of what can happen when higher education, industry, government, and entrepreneurs intentionally work together,” said Brien House, executive director of Alabama Accelerators at Treble One. “The Defense Accelerator is creating a pathway for founders to access customers, capital, talent, and strategic partnerships while helping build a stronger defense innovation ecosystem for Montgomery and the entire state of Alabama.”
The accelerator is supported by Innovate Alabama, Opportunity Alabama, the City of Montgomery, Alabama Power and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.
“The partnership between Troy University and Montgomery TechLab reflects our shared commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Dionne Rosser-Mims, vice chancellor of Troy University Montgomery. “By bringing the Defense Accelerator to our downtown campus, we are creating meaningful opportunities for students and faculty to engage with emerging technologies, startup founders, and industry partners while contributing to the economic growth and innovation capacity of our region.”
The accelerator officially launched Tuesday with a networking reception at Troy University’s Montgomery campus.
The cohort will conclude with a Demo Day event held in conjunction with the Department of the Air Force Information Technology and Cyberpower Conference, where participating companies will present their progress to defense leaders, investors, industry partners and potential customers.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
