Biz Talk

Leaders in healthcare, technology and research gathered in Arlington last month to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of patient care.

The Healthcare + AI Forum, held March 26 at Arlington Economic Development (AED), brought together healthcare professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to discuss real-world applications of AI in healthcare, from clinical decision support to the responsible and ethical adoption of emerging technologies. The event was sponsored by AED, the Ballston Business Improvement District and Darwoft.

Panelists included Usman Akhtar of VHC Health, David Patric Werner Rastall of Johns Hopkins Medicine, Skye Donovan of Marymount University and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and Shavini Fernando, CEO of Arlington-based startup OxiWear. The discussion was facilitated by Ned Hayes of Darwoft.

Throughout the conversation, speakers highlighted how technology can support faster, smarter clinical decisions while keeping the focus on improving patient outcomes and making a meaningful impact on people’s lives. (more…)

Are you a small business operating in food, fuel, fitness or fun? Want to put your brand in front of corporate buyers and Arlington’s business community?

Applications are now open to exhibit at the Third Annual Small Vendor Showcase, taking place June 6, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport. Exhibit booths are on a first-come, first-served basis and we will fill them until the 100 slots are taken.

The Small Vendor Showcase is an annual event that brings together local entrepreneurs to highlight their products and services while connecting with buyers, community members and fellow business owners. The event also features keynote speakers and educational opportunities designed to help small businesses grow and scale. (more…)

Arlington’s economic momentum continues to build, with a steady stream of company relocations, expansions and ribbon cuttings signaling strong confidence in our business environment.

In recent months, a mix of cybersecurity firms, defense contractors, AI companies and startup builders have either established or expanded their presence here, drawn by Arlington’s proximity to federal decision-makers, deep talent pool and connected, walkable urban neighborhoods.

Human risk management company KnowBe4 is among the latest to plant a flag, opening an Arlington office to support its continued growth and closer engagement with federal clients. Similarly, Forterra, an autonomous systems company, has expanded into new office space, reinforcing the region’s position as a hub for defense innovation and dual-use technology. (more…)

The launch of National Innovation Quarter (National IQ) marks a major milestone in Arlington’s long-term economic strategy; one focused on competitiveness, diversification and sustained growth at a national scale. National IQ is an innovation district based in National Landing, designed to bring together industry, government, academia and entrepreneurs to accelerate breakthroughs at the intersection of national competitiveness and next-gen technology.

National IQ provides a formal platform for collaboration around technologies critical to the nation’s future, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and national security-related innovation. By aligning research, talent, capital and real estate within a defined district, National IQ strengthens the region’s ability to translate innovation into economic impact. (more…)

This article is written and sponsored by Arlington Economic Development.

In March, BizLaunch celebrates Women’s History Month. The month offers a powerful reminder of the essential role women play in driving economic growth, innovation and community resilience. Today, women own more than 42 percent of all businesses in the United States, contributing more than $1.9 trillion in annual revenue and employing 9.4 million workers. Their impact continues to expand. In 2024, women launched 49 percent of all new businesses, reflecting the fastest growth rate in five years.

Despite these gains, women entrepreneurs continue to face persistent challenges — access to capital, gender bias and disproportionate hurdles to scaling. While women own more than 42 percent of all businesses in the United States, they account for just 6.2 percent of total revenues and 9.6 percent of employment. This highlights a significant opportunity gap that organizations across the country are working to close. These disparities make community-based support networks — like Arlington’s BizLaunch — all the more critical. (more…)

Arlington business owners now have another tool to help upskill and retain employees through the Alexandria/Arlington Talent Investment Grants, a regional reimbursable training grant program offered by Virginia Career Works and the Alexandria/Arlington Regional Workforce Council.

The Talent Investment Grants provide up to $4,500 per business to reimburse a portion of incumbent worker training costs. Participating employers cover training up front and then receive reimbursement of 50% – 90% of costs, with exact reimbursement levels tied to employer size. A total of $60,000 in funding is available across both Arlington and Alexandria and awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

To qualify, companies must have been in operation in Virginia for at least a year, be current on state taxes and provide training to incumbent employees who have worked at the company for at least six months. (more…)

This April, Arlington will host founders from around the world working in cybersecurity, aerospace and dual-use technologies who are considering where to expand in the U.S.

Through its Arlington Tech Launchpad, Arlington Economic Development (AED) is welcoming 25 high-potential global security companies for a three-day immersion program designed to introduce them to the U.S. market and to Arlington’s growing innovation ecosystem. The goal is to turn a short visit into long-term economic impact.

The program connects founders with national security and industry leaders, local startups, universities and research institutions already active in Arlington. For many participants, it’s their first in-depth look at the U.S. market and a key moment in deciding where to locate, hire and invest.

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The Arlington Economic Development (AED) Business Investment Group wrapped up a milestone 2025 with investments and new programs that helped Arlington’s startup and tech ecosystem scale — and laid the groundwork for an even more ambitious 2026 focused on solidifying National Landing as a global hub for innovation and national security tech.

Central to this year’s accomplishments was the Arlington Innovation Fund (AIF), AED’s strategic initiative to position Arlington as a nationally recognized destination for startups, investors and innovators. In 2025, emphasis shifted to the Tech Ecosystem Support Fund, which directs resources to ecosystem-building events and partnerships that strengthen the regional innovation landscape.

Two high-profile collaborations highlighted Arlington’s growing influence:

• DC Startup & Tech Week hosted its second full day of programming in Arlington at Amazon HQ2, drawing nearly 1,500 attendees and showcasing National Landing’s transformation into a vibrant startup destination.
• George Mason University’s Accelerate Conference welcomed record participation — 480 attendees including 72 active investors — where 48 selected startups pitched directly to investors. The program also awarded $10,000 in non-dilutive funding to the top finalist, creating new pathways for early-stage company growth.

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This article is written and sponsored by Arlington Economic Development.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Arlington Industrial Development Authority (IDA) has invested $20,000 in the BizLaunch Transformational Challenge and PitchFest, boosting the prize fund for the annual small-business competition.

At its Dec. 1 meeting, the IDA approved the contribution to support entrepreneurs competing for more than $20,000 in cash prizes. “The IDA is pleased to support the BizLaunch program. Small businesses account for over 45 percent of private sector employment, and drive the majority of net job creation. Supporting small business in Arlington spurs economic growth and helps diversity the County’s economic base, which are core to the IDA’s mission,” says Edwin Fountain, Chair Arlington Industrial Development Authority.

The BizLaunch Transformational Challenge and PitchFest is a five-week program designed to help small businesses and startups sharpen their strategies for 2026. Participants attend workshops on business planning, marketing, finance, artificial intelligence and pitch development. After completing the program, they work one-on-one with mentors to refine their pitch decks before presenting to judges.

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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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This article is written and sponsored by Arlington Economic Development.

BizLaunch is proud to present the 2026 BizLaunch Transformational Challenge and PitchFest for a third year, a five-week journey designed to help small businesses and startups refine their models, strengthen their marketing and prepare to pitch its business with confidence. Hosted in partnership with SCORE and the Industrial Development Authority, this event is more than a workshop series — it’s a launchpad for growth. Past participants have seen their business grow after participating in the program.

Beginning Jan. 30, 2026, participants will dive into sessions covering business planning, marketing strategies, financial projections and leveraging AI for business success. Each week builds toward the ultimate goal: The PitchFest in April 2026, where entrepreneurs will present their business to a panel of judges for a chance to win up to $12,000 in cash prizes.

What makes this challenge unique is its transformational approach. By combining expert instruction with hands-on practice, BizLaunch teaches entrepreneurs to compete and thrive in today’s competitive marketplace. Registration fees directly fuel the investor pool, meaning every participant contributes to the high-stakes pitch competition that could redefine their business future.

Whether you’re a startup looking to validate your idea or an established small business aiming to scale, this event offers the tools, mentorship and exposure you need. Set aside time for homework, bring your best ideas and prepare to transform your business.

Early bird registration ends Dec. 15, for this transformational experience to set your business up for success in 2026. Sign up today!

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.