By Tim Ryan
Hey, Innovate Hampton Roads! We’ve got electrifying news straight from the heart of our region’s innovation ecosystem. The Mid-Atlantic Tech Bridge, in partnership with 757 Collab, launched the Defense Technology Accelerator—a game-changing opportunity for startups to shape the future of national security while putting Hampton Roads on the map as a defense tech powerhouse. If you’re an early-stage company with big ideas, this is your moment to shine!
The Mid-Atlantic Tech Bridge, a Department of Navy initiative based right here in Hampton Roads, is all about bridging the gap between cutting-edge innovators and the Department of Defense (DoD). They’re focused on accelerating technologies that solve real-world challenges for the Navy and beyond. Meanwhile, 757 Collab, our region’s premier innovation hub, brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors to fuel startup growth and collaboration across the 757. Together, they’re creating a launchpad for startups to scale their solutions and make a national impact.
So, what’s a startup accelerator? Think of it as a turbo boost for your company—a 12-week program (running from August 18 to November 6, 2025) designed to help early-stage businesses validate, refine, and scale their tech. This hybrid program includes in-person sessions in Norfolk, VA, $10,000 in non-dilutive funding per company, and a Demo Week to showcase your solutions to DoD stakeholders. With only 6-10 companies selected, you’ll get personalized mentorship and unparalleled access to government leaders.
The accelerator is seeking startups with dual-use technologies—think solutions that can serve both commercial markets and defense needs—in areas like Unmanned Surface Vehicles, Multi-Domain Targeting, Electromagnetic Spectrum Monitoring, Decision Advantage, Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures, and Autonomous Network Management. Backed by heavyweights like U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Fourth Fleet, NIWDC, NSWC Carderock, NSWC Dahlgren Dam Neck Activity, and Marine Corps Systems Command Combat Support Services, this program is your chance to solve critical national security challenges.
Applications are open from April 1-30, 2025, and we’re calling on Hampton Roads innovators to step up! While we expect applicants from across the country, we want our local talent to lead the charge. Ready to make history? Apply now at this link and join the defense tech revolution. Let’s show the world what Hampton Roads innovation can do!
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