Author: Business Investment Group

Arlington’s position at the center of the nation’s defense, security and technology ecosystem is attracting a growing number of companies choosing to display and demonstrate their most advanced products locally. From autonomous systems to next-generation infrastructure and cybersecurity tools, Arlington has steadily become a hub for experience centers designed to put innovation directly in front of government, industry and commercial customers.

The newest addition is Teledyne FLIR Defense, which opened its office and “Crystal City Experience Center” at 1550 Crystal Drive in the fall of 2025. Just minutes from the Pentagon and within close proximity to major defense primes, Capitol Hill and Reagan National Airport, the center is designed to give federal decision-makers hands-on access to the company’s unmanned systems, detection technologies and imaging sensors.

“As one of America’s leading defense technology companies, we’re excited to open this new office close to our largest customers in the U.S. military,” said Dr. JihFen Lei, president of Teledyne FLIR Defense. “We’ll be able to leverage the space to demonstrate many of our advanced unmanned platforms, detection systems, and imaging sensors, which is why we’ve named it the Experience Center.” She added that the company looks forward to “hosting customers, partners, friends and colleagues in the months and years ahead.”

Teledyne FLIR Defense joins several other companies that have long recognized Arlington as an ideal location to showcase technology.

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Arlington Economic Development (AED) is extending its thanks this season to the community partners that have played a central role in strengthening Arlington’s business environment — from corporate collaborators and universities to coworking operators and the County’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).

Together, these organizations have helped AED to bolster workforce training, support startups, showcase Arlington to an international audience and build the kind of environment where companies want to stay and grow.

Corporate Partners Fuel Workforce Development

The AWS Skills Center, which celebrated its third anniversary in Arlington this fall, continues to serve as a regional hub for training, upskilling and professional development, much of which is free for the community. Its workshops, GameDay and networking events attract businesses, students and jobseekers from across the region. This year, AWS also briefed a cohort of international companies hosted by AED, sharing insights on U.S. business legalities and customer outreach and hiring practices.

Partners such as JBG SMITH and Crystal & Clark also stepped up in major ways. JBG’s Experience Center hosted events ranging from Arlington Tech Launchpad pitch sessions to Missions + Markets events and the Starburst Accelerator kickoff. Crystal & Clark also hosted Missions + Markets and Starburst events and will soon host DCA Live’s Capital Capital Dual Use in December. Amazon HQ2 also supported the local tech community by hosting and sponsoring programming during DC Startup & Tech Week.

Strengthening Business Districts

Arlington’s three BIDs —National Landing, Ballston and Rosslyn — continue to play a key role in making each corridor attractive to employers and employees. As a part of Arlington Tech Launchpad, the National Landing BID sponsored a networking reception at El Mercat, connecting visiting companies with stakeholders such as Unstuck Labs, Smart City Works, the Virginia SBDC and local founders.

In October, the Ballston BID welcomed a delegation of more than 30 tech companies from Uruguay, giving a presentation on the neighborhood’s business ecosystem and leading a tour of neighborhood assets.

The Rosslyn BID supported several AED initiatives throughout the year, including a joint lunch-and-learn session at WeWork and assisting with OPSWAT’s grand opening.

Universities Anchor Innovation

Arlington’s higher-education partners — George Mason University, Virginia Tech, Northeastern University and Marymount University — remain central to the County’s tech ecosystem. This year, George Mason University hosted DC DevFest at the Fuse at Mason Square, featuring speakers from Google, IBM, Microsoft and Qualcomm. Universities also regularly collaborate with AED on research, technology transfer and small-business support.

Coworking Spaces Showcase Arlington

WeWork offices in Rosslyn and Ballston continued to host tours, offer space for visiting companies and support AED programs — with the Rosslyn location becoming a “must-stop” on prospect visits. Life Time Work in Clarendon also hosted a fall lunch-and-learn with AED, generating new connections among members.

AED is proud to collaborate with partners that exemplify the collaborative spirit that drives Arlington’s economic success.

Organizations interested in becoming an AED community partner can contact the Business Investment Group to explore opportunities to work together.

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Arlington’s startup scene is getting another major boost this fall. Arlington Economic Development (AED) is sponsoring the 2025 Accelerate Investor Conference, coming to George Mason University’s Arlington campus Nov. 5–6, bringing together investors, founders and innovators from across the Mid-Atlantic for two days of connections, capital and conversation.

Hosted by Mason Enterprise at George Mason University, Accelerate is all about bridging the gap between startups ready to scale and investors looking for the next big thing. Expect a mix of company pitches, industry panels, networking sessions and awards — all focused on helping founders move from the late Seed stage to Series A funding.

“The Accelerate Investor Conference came about as the result of input from the tech community, investors, and entrepreneurs, acknowledging a market gap – the need for capital at the late Seed to Series A funding stage and opportunities for the tech community to convene,” said Paula Sorrell, Associate Vice President of Innovation & Economic Development at Mason Enterprise.

Entrepreneurs Welcome

This year, Accelerate is opening part of its program to the wider entrepreneur community. A limited number of complimentary tickets are being offered to founders and startup supporters to attend a Venture Capital Fireside Chat, Silicon Valley Investment Panel and networking reception on Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 3:30 to 6 p.m., tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

What’s Happening at Accelerate

Throughout the conference, attendees will hear from investors, university innovation leaders and founders who’ve successfully scaled their businesses. The agenda includes sessions on dual use technologies and the new era of the venture capital industry, among many others, company pitches and networking meetups designed to connect startups directly with venture capitalists.

The event wraps up with a gala dinner and awards celebration, sponsored by AED, recognizing standout startups and student teams from across the region.

Register to attend today.

Building Arlington’s Innovation Hub

For AED, the sponsorship is part of a larger effort to strengthen Arlington’s innovation ecosystem — connecting entrepreneurs with the resources, investors and partners they need to thrive.

“The energy around events like Accelerate shows just how much momentum Arlington’s startup community has,” said Michael Stiefvater, Arlington Economic Development’s Director of Business Investment. “We recently saw an Arlington startup get the final investment check to close their round at an Accelerate event, which tells us these events are bringing together the right people to fuel results.”

Want to stay in the know about Arlington’s innovation scene?
Subscribe to AED’s Innovation Newsletter for updates on upcoming events, funding opportunities and exclusive opportunities.

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This article is sponsored by the Arlington Economic Development Business Investment Group.

This month, DC Startup & Tech Week (DCSTW) marks its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of entrepreneurship, collaboration and innovation across the D.C., Maryland and Virginia tech ecosystem. The annual event, running Oct. 20–24, 2025, will once again unite thousands of founders, investors and innovators for a week of sessions, workshops and networking opportunities.

This milestone year carries special significance for Arlington. On Thursday, Oct. 23, for the second time, DCSTW will host a full day of programming in Arlington. This year will take place at Amazon’s HQ2 in Arlington’s National Landing — a symbolic nod to the region’s rise as a global innovation hub.

The day is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development (AED), which worked with DCSTW to bring programming to Arlington. The partnership underscores Arlington’s growing role as a magnet for startups, investors and enterprises driving the future of technology, defense and artificial intelligence.

“Celebrating our 10th anniversary at Amazon HQ2 in Arlington is a defining moment that showcases the DMV’s transformation into a thriving epicenter of innovation globally — and this is only the beginning,” said Rachel Koretsky, co-founder and co-chair of DCSTW. “By bringing together the brightest entrepreneurs, boldest investors, and most passionate builders from across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, we’re proving that when our region unites, we don’t just compete with other ecosystems — we redefine what’s possible.”

Thursday at Amazon HQ2: Panels that Define the DMV Advantage

Thursday’s sessions at HQ2 will spotlight why the DMV has become one of the nation’s most dynamic places to build and scale a company.

At 10:10 a.m., the first panel, held on the Merlin Large Main Stage, will explore why founders are choosing to build and grow in the DMV region. Moderated by Matt Gittleman of VC in DC, the discussion will feature Gerald Kierce of Trustible, Ivan Jackson of WriteHuman.ai, and Haley Bryant of Hustle Fund. Together, they’ll examine what sets the region apart for startups — from its deep talent pool and access to federal partners to a growing network of investors and accelerators.

At 1:45 p.m., don’t miss “The $100B Defense Tech Opportunity: Why AI & Autonomous Startups Are Winning in the DMV.” Moderated by AWS Defense, the discussion will feature Blake Souter of AeroVironment, Christian Seifert of Forterra and Dr. Jenny McArdle of Helsing, among others. The session will examine how the DMV’s defense and intelligence ecosystem is fueling breakthroughs in AI, autonomy and dual-use technologies.

Arlington’s Moment

For Arlington, hosting DCSTW’s 10th anniversary reflects its growing influence in the region’s innovation economy. We hope you’ll join us as Arlington takes center stage during D.C.’s biggest week for entrepreneurs.

Tickets for DC Startup & Tech Week are available at dcstw.com. Attendees can receive 20% off with the promo code AED20OFF.

This article is sponsored by the Business Investment Group of Arlington Economic Development.

When Arlington Economic Development (AED) launched its $1 million Arlington Innovation Fund (AIF) in 2023, the goal was to accelerate high-growth startups in critical sectors. A year later, the results are coming into focus. As Technical.ly recently reported, AIF is part of Arlington’s broader strategy to cement its position as a hub for tech entrepreneurs. Now, grantees like Phalanx, KnoNap and GenLogs are showing how that strategy translates into traction.

Cybersecurity startup Phalanx has built momentum around SendTurtle, its secure file-tracking tool. “We recently passed 4,000 users on SendTurtle, which shows people when their documents are opened, what pages are viewed and what actions they should take next,” Ian Garrett, CEO and co-founder of Phalanx said. Phalanx also points to Arlington’s innovation ecosystem as a key driver: “Being part of the Arlington tech ecosystem has given Phalanx access to a community of mission-driven founders, early adopters and strategic partners who prioritize innovation and security.”

For KnoNap, a female-founded safety tech company combating drink spiking, the Arlington ecosystem offers both resources and influence. “The region’s commitment to inclusivity, innovation and entrepreneurship has provided us with the resources and community support needed to scale confidently,” Danya Sherman, founder and president of KnoNap shared. Additionally, proximity to Washington, D.C. keeps the team plugged into conversations on equity, innovation and regulation that directly impact its mission.

KnoNap’s milestones since receiving a Catalyst Grant include joining the Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship, expanding its operations, and advising Pernod Ricard’s CSR team on responsible marketing and sustainability. “We’re proud to represent Arlington as a female-founded company making waves in both the tech and nighttime industries,” Sherman said.

Meanwhile, GenLogs, which builds logistics intelligence software, is scaling rapidly. In just its first year on the market, the startup grew from zero to more than 70 customers and projects 12 times its previously reported revenue growth in 2025. Additionally, the company’s total headcount has surged from three co-founders to 60 employees in under two years, with expansion into law enforcement use cases.

“Being headquartered in Arlington means having access to some of the best talent in the world,” said Ryan Joyce, CEO of GenLogs. “It also affords immediate access to the nation’s capital — which is critical for any company touching the public sector.” One high-impact example: GenLogs’ platform recently provided the tools police needed to rescue a minor from a truck involved in sex trafficking.

The Arlington Innovation Fund was built to fuel exactly these outcomes — startups scaling with purpose to drive economic resilience. AED is now extending this impact through the AIF Ecosystem Support Fund, which invests in local programming to strengthen the regional startup community and elevate Arlington’s profile as a nationally recognized tech hub. If you’re developing an event or resource that supports the innovation ecosystem — or want to learn more about AIF — we’d love to connect.

This article is sponsored by the Arlington Economic Development Business Investment Group.

Arlington continues to thrive as a cybersecurity hub, home to nearly 200 cyber-focused companies employing approximately 5,000 professionals in cybersecurity services, products and research.

This fall, Arlington Economic Development (AED) is proud to support several cybersecurity events and conferences — many of which are open to the public and take place right here in Arlington. These events provide valuable opportunities for AED and Arlington businesses to connect with influential leaders from the private sector, government and international partners.

Upcoming Cybersecurity Events

• 16th Annual Billington Cybersecurity Summit
  Sept. 9 –12 | DC Convention Center
  This event will bring together over 2,500 attendees and more than 200 top speakers participating in more than 40 sessions and breakouts. Registration is open and includes free registration for federal employees in transition.In conjunction with the summit, AED is partnering with the Embassy of Canada and the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) to host a delegation of Canadian cybersecurity firms. These companies are exploring U.S. market opportunities and potential partnerships with system integrators. Arlington continues to be a top choice for Canadian cyber companies, like Genetec, thanks to its talent pool and proximity to key federal customers.
• Uniting Women in Cyber Conference by TheCyberGuild
  Oct. 9 | Amazon HQ2 Conference Center, Arlington
  This dynamic conference will feature prominent panelists, interactive sessions, networking opportunities and resources dedicated to building and supporting a diverse cybersecurity workforce. Registration is open.
• Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) Cyber Summit
  Oct. 28 | McLean, VA
  Bringing together top minds in cyber and national security, this summit will cover emerging trends, technologies and federal policy insights. AED will spotlight Arlington-based companies such as Interos, GRVTY, WIZ and OPSWAT, who are slated to speak and serve as panelists.

The Summit will also feature the announcement of the NVTC Cyber50 awards, recognizing excellence across three categories: Cyber50 Executive, Cyber50 Company/Government Contractor and Cyber50 Rising Star. Nominations are open through Sept. 12.

For more information about Arlington’s cybersecurity ecosystem, visit our Cybersecurity page and sign up for our Innovation Newsletter.