Biz Talk

This article is written and sponsored by Arlington Economic Development.

Arlington’s diverse talent, strong innovation ecosystem and collaborative business community are making it a top landing destination for global technology companies expanding into the U.S. market.

Earlier this year, Arlington Economic Development (AED) launched the inaugural Arlington Tech Launchpad — a bold new initiative that brought 15 high-growth technology companies from 12 countries directly into the heart of Arlington.

These companies — innovators in cybersecurity, aerospace and advanced computing — connected with more than 100 local community members who are shaping the future of technology right here. They met with industry leaders at Amazon HQ2 and Microsoft, collaborated with academic partners at Virginia Tech, George Mason and Northeastern Universities, explored coworking spaces like WeWork and business studios like Unstuck Labs and got a true sense of what makes Arlington special.

For many founders, this was their first direct connection to Arlington’s business ecosystem and it made a lasting impression. Many of these firms are now considering Arlington not just as a place to visit but as a place to grow and hire.

Programs like the Arlington Tech Launchpad build local job opportunities in fast-growing industries, strengthen global-local ties and drive sustainable growth for years to come.

From Argentina to Armenia, Brazil to the United Kingdom and Singapore to South Korea, the visiting companies saw firsthand what makes Arlington a magnet for global talent. They toured innovation hubs and experienced our community’s vibrant quality of life — riding the Metro and ART bus, dining at neighborhood restaurants and exploring the walkable streets that make Arlington an exceptional place to live and work.

“Everyone wants to help you. You can smell the innovation here,” said Marcello, General Manager of Kreitech (Uruguay).

“The ambition and community here are impressive — they’re already building the future,” shared Camellia, CEO of X-PHY (Singapore).

“It’s clear Arlington is betting on technology and building a thriving, multicultural ecosystem,” added Eric Michel, CTO of Oysterable (South Korea).

“My company sits at the intersection of robotics, aerospace, and data analytics — and Arlington feels like the epicenter for these technologies,” said Pedro Meneses, CEO of Ecuador-based Aerialoop.

Momentum is already building. Companies are returning to strengthen connections, hire local talent and explore long-term investments. One founder even shared, “We’re actively looking to open an office in Virginia — the concentration of talent here is incredible” said Adrian Figueroa of FLEXIO in Puerto Rico.

At Arlington Economic Development, we believe innovation thrives when people feel connected — ideas, opportunities and to each other. That’s why we continue to invest in programs like Tech Launchpad that fuel innovation, attract global talent and position Arlington as a top destination for technology and entrepreneurship.

Looking ahead, AED is planning a second Tech Launchpad cohort for spring 2026 — another chance to showcase Arlington’s welcoming business climate and drive for what’s next.

Stay connected with Arlington Tech Launchpad and learn more about future opportunities. Visit our website, sign up for updates or follow us on LinkedIn. Arlington is ready to welcome you — let’s build the future together.

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This article is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development.

Trustible, an artificial intelligence governance startup based in Arlington, has raised $4.6 million in seed funding to grow its platform and support responsible AI adoption across industries.

The company is building tools that integrate AI governance into enterprise workflows, helping organizations manage risk and stay compliant with emerging regulations. As the use of AI accelerates across sectors, Trustible is positioning itself as a leading solution for companies that want to deploy the technology responsibly.

Trustible’s platform is designed to make regulatory and ethical compliance a competitive advantage, rather than a hurdle. By embedding governance from the start, the company enables innovation that is both fast and accountable.

Gerald Kierce, co-founder and CEO of Trustible, said Arlington offers the right mix of resources and opportunity to scale.

“Arlington is the ideal place to build the company,” Kierce said, pointing to the region’s technical talent, access to policymakers, and strong cybersecurity ecosystem. “Our success is possible because of the unique blend of expertise and regional connectivity AED has built.”

The company’s network of collaborators includes major technology players such as Google and Microsoft, Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s AI Safety Institute Consortium.

With its new funding, Trustible plans to double the size of its Arlington-based team, enhance the capabilities of its platform, and expand its global partnerships.

Kierce said the company is part of a broader wave of mission-driven innovation growing in the D.C. region.

“We see a coming wave of startups that blend public-sector DNA with commercial speed,” he said. “Trustible aims to help anchor that ecosystem and prove that innovation and governance can thrive side by side on the Potomac.”

This article is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development.

Arlington continues to be a hub of opportunity for job seekers across a range of sectors. From cloud computing and healthcare to consulting and public service, local employers are actively hiring to support ongoing growth. According to recent data from JobsEQ, the following organizations posted the highest number of new job listings in Arlington over the past month:

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

AWS is expanding its operations in National Landing, with a focus on cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity and federal sector solutions. Current openings include cloud infrastructure engineers, solutions architects and security analysts. Learn more at the AWS Careers page.

Amazon

Beyond AWS, Amazon’s broader operations in Arlington are growing, with opportunities in logistics, human resources, and public policy. The company’s HQ2 development has led to increased hiring for corporate roles, including program managers and data analysts. To see current postings, visit Amazon’s Arlington Area jobs page.

VHC Health

Virginia Hospital Center (VHC Health) is a cornerstone of Arlington’s healthcare system. Recent postings include positions for a Director of Occupational Health, registered nurses, and administrative staff, reflecting the organization’s commitment to comprehensive community care. Visit VHC Health’s career page for more information.

Deloitte

Deloitte’s Arlington office is actively recruiting professionals in areas such as cybersecurity, risk management, and technology consulting. The firm seeks individuals to support its government and public sector clients with innovative solutions. Explore opportunities on Deloitte’s career page.

Booz Allen Hamilton

With a strong focus on defense and intelligence consulting, Booz Allen Hamilton has numerous openings in Arlington. Positions range from cybersecurity policy analysts to software engineers, supporting various federal agencies. Learn more on Booz Allen Hamilton’s career page.

Arlington County Government

The local government is hiring across multiple departments, including public safety, public works, and health services. Opportunities are available for firefighters, transportation planners, and public health nurses, among others. Learn more on Arlington County’s Career page.

Guidehouse

Guidehouse, a management consulting firm, is expanding its Arlington team with roles like Commercial Financial Services Consultants. The company focuses on serving public sector clients with strategic and technological solutions. Check out the latest opportunities on Guidehouse’s careers page.

Accenture

Accenture’s Arlington operations are growing, with job postings for consultants specializing in digital transformation, data analytics, and federal services. The firm is seeking talent to drive innovation in government projects. Explore opportunities on the company’s career page.

Nestlé USA

Nestlé’s U.S. headquarters in Rosslyn is hiring for roles in marketing, supply chain management, and product development. The company is looking for professionals to support its diverse portfolio of food and beverage brands. Find available opportunities on Nestle’s career page.

Motion Recruitment

As a staffing agency, Motion Recruitment is actively seeking candidates for various tech positions in Arlington, including software developers, IT support specialists, and project managers. They partner with numerous companies to fill critical roles in the tech sector. Check out opportunities on their careers page.

Arlington’s evolving job market reflects the strength of its innovation economy and its role as a regional leader in technology, healthcare and public service.

Job seekers can also take advantage of career resources through the Arlington Employment Center (AEC), including resume support, job fairs, career counseling and free access to job search tools. Whether you’re just entering the workforce or planning your next move, AEC is a trusted partner in your employment journey. Learn more at the AEC website.

This article is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development.

Arlington Economic Development (AED) is teaming up with Springboard Enterprises and Deloitte to bring Dolphin Tank® back to Arlington — offering an exciting platform for women entrepreneurs to pitch, connect and grow. Sponsorship of this event is part of AED’s broader efforts to support the tech ecosystem through the Arlington Innovation Fund (AIF).

The 2025 DMV Dolphin Tank will be on Wednesday, June 11, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at Deloitte’s Rosslyn offices and is free to attend with advance registration. This interactive pitch session offers more than just exposure — it is designed to provide constructive feedback and connections that help women founders refine their business strategies and accelerate their paths to success.

The event invites women-led, early-stage tech companies from any sector to apply to pitch. Selected founders will receive pre-event coaching and gain access to Springboard’s powerful network of investors, industry experts and startup advisors. Pitches will be followed by collaborative discussions with an expert panel, focused on helping founders move their ventures forward.

Unlike traditional investor pitch events, Dolphin Tank is noncompetitive and supportive by design, an approach that aligns with the region’s focus on inclusive innovation and community building.

Applications to pitch are now open and founders are encouraged to apply by the May 20 deadline. Whether you are building in tech, health, consumer goods, sustainability or something new entirely, Dolphin Tank is a powerful launching pad.

And for those not pitching, the event is just as valuable. Join the audience to watch top-tier founders present bold, innovative solutions and gain a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a startup.

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This article is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development.

DC Tech Meetup is a monthly event that brings together startups, technologists and professionals from across the Washington, D.C., region. The series has become a reliable space for showcasing emerging tech and fostering collaboration in the area’s growing innovation ecosystem.

This May, the event comes to Arlington.

Arlington Economic Development (AED) is partnering with DC Tech Meetup to present its 90th event — Big Compute in Arlington — on Thursday, May 8. The meetup will be held at the National Landing Experience Center and will feature live tech demos from companies working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, big data and next-generation computing.

This event is funded through AED’s Arlington Innovation Fund Ecosystem Support Fund, which was created to enhance Arlington’s tech ecosystem and support the growth of local technology startups.

The evening will feature tech demos from some of the region’s most innovative companies.

• ​Chris Hamoen of Data Parrot (Arlington): Data Parrot transforms messy CRM data into clear revenue signals, enabling revenue leaders to spot risks and seize opportunities — all powered by your AI analyst working 24/7.
• Juan Manuel Contreras of Aymara: Aymara builds dev tools to measure and improve the alignment of generative AI products and models.
• Ashley Sherry & Jacob Tucker of Empathix AI (Arlington): EmpathixAI is a full-cycle market research firm powered by AI. Our flagship product, CultureChat, delivers meaningful insights from AI-conducted interviews with representative samples – in hours.
• Amit Mehra of NOVI (Arlington): NOVI is building multi-sensor satellites and hardware with integrated edge-processing to generate quick and cheap space-based intelligence using on-board AI applications.

A panel discussion, “The Capital Region’s Role in the Future of Compute,” will follow the demos. Featured expert speakers include:

• ​PJ Maykish, Sr Advisor at the Special Competitive Studies Project
• ​Alla Seiffert, Sr Manager of AWS Public Policy
• ​Jonathan Burley, AI Director at Bloomberg Industry Group
• ​Sanmay Das, Professor & Associate Director of AI for Social Impact at Virginia Tech

DC Tech Meetup #90: Big Compute in Arlington will take place Thursday, May 8, at 5:30 p.m. The evening includes networking and refreshments. Interested? Learn more and register to attend.

Learn more about upcoming events and subscribe to DC Tech Meetup’s newsletter at DC Tech Meetup or follow on LinkedIn.

Why Arlington?

Proximity to policymakers, talent and research institutions makes Arlington an ideal environment for technology companies. AED continues to invest in programs that attract founders, scale innovation and support a competitive local economy. Subscribe to AED’s Innovation Ecosystem emails to learn about upcoming sponsored events and exclusive innovation ecosystem opportunities. For more information on AED, please visit arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com.

This article is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development.

On Saturday, April 5 from 1-5 p.m., the Leadership Center of Arlington will host a Leadership, Career and Volunteer Fair for job seekers in the Arlington and D.C. region.

This free event is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development and will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC — Crystal City

“With the federal landscape and regional economy shifting, it’s more important than ever to create opportunities for career growth, leadership development and civic engagement. Arlington Economic Development is proud to sponsor this Expo, which connects job seekers and volunteers with meaningful opportunities to grow, strengthen our community, and further sustain our economy,” said Ryan Touhill, Director, Arlington Economic Development.

Join us for the Keynote Leadership Seminar at 1:00 p.m., featuring nationally recognized leader Kate Ebner, CEO, Founder and Leadership Coach at The Nebo Company.

From 2-5 p.m., explore additional leadership seminars, including “Own Your Narrative: Rebranding Yourself for the Private Sector,” with Mary Ellen Payne, retired Senior Vice President at Verizon.

Connect with influential leaders from the business, nonprofit and local government sectors, and take advantage of a job and volunteer expo. Plus, enjoy free professional headshots and resume reviews to enhance your career opportunities.

Learn more and register to attend the Expo.

Exclusive Opportunity for Employers

Exhibitor opportunities are now open! Employers interested in participating in the Expo must submit an application for consideration. Click here to apply.

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

In the dynamic world of medical technology, innovation thrives where necessity meets opportunity.

OxiWear, an Arlington-based company, is leading the charge in preventing silent hypoxia — dangerously low oxygen levels that often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Founded by Shavini Fernando, a pulmonary hypertension patient who experienced the life-threatening risks of undetected oxygen drops, OxiWear is committed to providing a life-saving solution through its continuous oxygen monitoring wearable device.

Pioneering Medical Innovation in Arlington

OxiWear’s wearable device is a game-changer in health technology. Unlike traditional pulse oximeters that offer intermittent readings, OxiWear ensures continuous oxygen tracking with real-time alerts, offering peace of mind to individuals at risk of hypoxia. The company’s recent FDA clearance as a prescription medical device marks a significant milestone, paving the way for widespread adoption and transforming patient care.

Why Arlington is the Ideal Launchpad for MedTech Innovation

Arlington Economic Development (AED) plays a crucial role in fostering innovation, providing businesses like OxiWear with unparalleled access to resources, talent and opportunities. Arlington’s thriving healthcare and technology ecosystem, bolstered by top-tier universities, research institutions and a vibrant entrepreneurial community, creates an environment where groundbreaking ideas become reality.

Proximity to Washington, D.C. offers a strategic advantage, enabling direct engagement with national healthcare organizations, policymakers and regulatory bodies. AED’s support through international business development, government funding resources and networking opportunities have been instrumental in OxiWear’s growth and success.

Expanding Horizons: What’s Next for OxiWear?

With FDA clearance secured, OxiWear is set to revolutionize the medical landscape through strategic partnerships with organizations like the COPD Foundation, expanding its reach to patients with pulmonary hypertension and interstitial lung disease across the U.S. Future plans include collaborations with major healthcare distributors, ensuring accessibility through hospital networks, home healthcare providers and online platforms.

Beyond the medical sector, OxiWear is exploring applications in fitness, aviation and high-altitude sports, offering continuous oxygen measurement to athletes, climbers and professionals in high-risk environments. As the company scales production and enhances its technology, Arlington remains the cornerstone of its journey.

Arlington Economic Development: Your Partner in Innovation

OxiWear’s story highlights how AED empowers businesses to innovate, grow, and thrive. If you’re looking for a dynamic environment to bring your groundbreaking ideas to life, Arlington is the place to be. Contact Arlington Economic Development today to discover how we can support your business journey.

Arlington Tech Launchpad: A Global Invitation for Tech Founders to Thrive in Arlington

This article is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development.

Arlington, Virginia, continues to step up as a leader in tech innovation with the introduction of the Arlington Tech Launchpad, an ambitious program designed to attract tech founders from around the world to one of the most dynamic business hubs in the United States.

More than just a business destination, Arlington is a launchpad for success. With strengths in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, aerospace, defense, machine learning, cloud computing, and big data, Arlington offers fertile ground for high-tech ventures. The Arlington Tech Launchpad aims to connect international and domestic founders to this vibrant ecosystem, making it easier than ever for companies to establish and grow in the U.S.

Arlington is home to a rapidly growing tech ecosystem. With global tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing and Accenture calling it home, the region is quickly becoming a recognized hub for innovation, collaboration and growth. Through the Arlington Tech Launchpad, founders will gain access to the region’s extensive resources, business networks, and partnership opportunities — whether they’re entering the U.S. market for the first time or scaling an existing business.

Know a tech founder who could benefit from this program? Whether they’re based domestically or internationally, encourage them to seize this opportunity. Together, we can shape Arlington into a globally recognized tech hub and the premier destination for tech innovation.

“Arlington is committed to making our community even better by bringing new ideas and technologies that fuel growth and innovation. With the Arlington Tech Launchpad, we’re connecting global tech founders with our thriving business ecosystem, helping us stay at the forefront of progress and create more economic opportunities,” said Michael Stiefvater, Director of Business Investment at Arlington Economic Development.

The Arlington Tech Launchpad will host Discover Arlington: Virtual Business Engagement on February 26. Additionally, the exclusive Explore Arlington: 3-Day Immersion Program will provide up to 12 tech founders the chance to tour Arlington, engage with the local business community, and explore opportunities for funding, customer discovery, and partnerships from May 14–16, 2025.

With its diverse and welcoming community, robust infrastructure and extensive network of partners, Arlington is an ideal location for tech startups and established businesses to expand and thrive. The Arlington Tech Launchpad is dedicated to providing the tools, connections, and support necessary for companies to achieve success.

Stay up to date on the Arlington Tech Launchpad by subscribing to email updates, following Arlington Tech Launchpad LinkedIn or follow Arlington Economic Development on LinkedIn.

This article is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development.

Data Community DC (DC2), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to connecting and supporting data professionals in the National Capital Region.

The organization fosters education, opportunities, and professional development through high-quality, community-driven events, resources, products, and services. Founded in 2012, DC2 was established to serve the growing data science community in Arlington and Washington, D.C.

The organization is led by Board Chair Janet Dobbins, a long-time Arlington resident, with daily operations managed by Executive Director William Angel, an Arlington native.

Arlington Economic Development (AED) is proud to partner with DC2 to host at least 18 data-focused meetup events across Arlington and the region over the next six months. These events are funded through AED’s Arlington Innovation Fund Ecosystem Support Fund, which was created to enhance Arlington’s tech ecosystem and support the growth of local technology startups.

DC2’s 2025 programming will spotlight the work of local data practitioners, with a focus on machine learning, artificial intelligence, and large language models. The events will also provide learning opportunities for Arlington residents.

The Data Viz DC Meetup group, a DC2 initiative, will host a free event on Building Data Visualization Portfolios on Wednesday, January 22, at 5:30 p.m. The event, held at Excella in Courthouse, will include food and networking opportunities. Learn more and register to attend.

Learn more about upcoming events and subscribe to DC2’s newsletter at DC2.org or follow on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to AED’s Innovation Ecosystem emails to learn about upcoming DC2 events as well as other sponsored events and exclusive innovation ecosystem opportunities.

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

Arlington Economic Development (AED) is celebrating a banner year in 2024, one that solidifies Arlington’s reputation as a global hub for innovation, collaboration and economic opportunity.

From fostering local entrepreneurship to forging international partnerships, AED’s achievements are driving lasting economic benefits while showcasing Arlington as a premier destination for business and technology.

Elevating Arlington on the Global Stage

This year, Arlington joined the prestigious Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE), a global economic development and innovation network with more than 40 participating nations. Through its participation in events in Detroit and Yerevan, Armenia, AED highlighted Arlington’s thriving business ecosystem, groundbreaking initiatives and sustainability efforts. These engagements fostered deeper relationships with international partners, creating new avenues for local businesses to expand their reach.

Arlington also welcomed delegations from countries such as Argentina, Armenia, Germany, Guatemala and Spain, engaging in forward-looking discussions on sustainable growth, smart cities and innovation driven by the private sector. These collaborations cement Arlington’s position as a global leader in economic development while infusing fresh perspectives and investment opportunities into the local economy.

Fostering Local Innovation and Inclusion

On the local level, AED launched the #LaTech community, which now includes more than 30 Latino tech entrepreneurs. This dynamic network celebrates diversity and innovation, demonstrating Arlington’s commitment to creating opportunities for entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. Initiatives like #LaTech strengthen Arlington’s tech ecosystem while ensuring that economic growth benefits the entire community.

One standout moment of the year was the visit from Ernesto Kruger, CEO of Ecuador-based Kruger Corporation. During his trip, Kruger explored Arlington as a potential hub for global expansion, meeting with leading organizations such as AWS Skills Center, Excella, and local startups Trustible and Pryze, as well as universities like George Mason and Northeastern. These engagements showcased Arlington’s collaborative spirit and its appeal to businesses seeking innovation and growth opportunities.

Showcasing Arlington’s Cutting-Edge Tech Ecosystem

AED’s #TechShowcase at Genetec’s U.S. Experience Center was another highlight of the year, bringing together entrepreneurs, academic leaders, and international dignitaries to explore the latest advancements in technology. Events like these bolster the strength of Arlington’s tech ecosystem and its ability to connect local businesses with global opportunities. The showcase celebrated Arlington’s leadership in technological innovation while setting the stage for future partnerships and collaborations.

A Year of Progress and Promise

“2024 has been a year of significant progress for Arlington,” said Adriana Bonilla, International Business Investment Lead at AED. “We’ve expanded our global connections while driving economic growth that will benefit our local businesses and community for years to come.”

AED’s strategic efforts to attract international investment, nurture local innovation and promote inclusivity are ensuring that Arlington remains a vibrant place to live, work and thrive.

As AED looks ahead to 2025, the department is eager to build on this year’s successes, driving initiatives that connect Arlington with the world, create jobs and deliver economic opportunities that benefit the entire community.

To stay up to date on Arlington expansion opportunities and updates, subscribe to AED’s email list and be the first to hear about news and announcements for international and domestic companies interested in exploring Arlington as a business location.

This article was written by Michael Stiefvater, Director of Business Investment for Arlington Economic Development.

Arlington stands out for its thriving business climate, and Arlington Economic Development (AED) took advantage of these strong fundamentals to invest in our startup ecosystem in 2024.

This year, Arlington was named the Country’s Best Mid-size Metro for Business while being the CNBC Best State for Business, recognizing our educated workforce, top-notch education system and business-friendly policies that support long-term growth and success for businesses.

However, despite these great fundamentals, Arlington is still experiencing challenges with office vacancies, which impacts Arlington’s commercial tax base. With large U.S. companies making fewer big moves or expanding less frequently to new markets, we looked to foster “homegrown” businesses and talent in 2024.

Arlington’s economic development strategy focused heavily on investing time and resources into Arlington startups and the startup ecosystem through the Arlington Innovation Fund (AIF). AIF encouraged the growth and success of Arlington technology startups by providing access to capital and enhancing the local tech ecosystem through sponsoring unique initiatives and programming. New hires at AED helped execute the strategy and supported new partnerships with Citrine Angels, Unstuck Labs and DC Startup Week.

Through the AIF Catalyst Grant program, Arlington awarded nine eligible Arlington-based startups non-dilutive coinvestment grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000. Qualifying companies were early-stage ventures, and their grant funds can be used for hiring employees, conducting research and development, occupying commercial real estate, and other business-related expenses.

AED is closely tracking the success of this program. Still, early wins include AI trucking logistics startup GenLogs expanding from five employees to nearly 30 in the past nine months and HR-tech company Pryze scaling its platform and gaining traction with large customers.

Other significant moves and investments this year include:

• CoStar Group Chooses Arlington for HQ
• Venture Global LNG Invests in Arlington HQ with Building Purchase
• 2U Headquarters Moves to National Landing
• Shield AI Leases 42K Square Feet in National Landing
• National Association of Corporate Directors Moves Headquarters to Rosslyn
• Relational New Approach to International Business Attraction

Looking ahead to 2025, AED expects continued growth in our tech ecosystem, especially in the Advanced Computing (AI, cloud computing, etc.), Cybersecurity and Defense Tech industries. We’re also excited to see Virginia’s 2018 investments in our tech talent pipeline come to fruition with the opening of two new higher education tech and entrepreneurship programs, George Mason’s FUSE in December and the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in February.

Arlington will continue to grow as an innovation hub thanks to Amazon and Virginia’s investments in the area. Exciting things are in the pipeline for the County in the new year.

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

Arlington Economic Development (AED), in partnership with key regional players like JBG Smith, the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation, National Landing BID and the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, celebrated a major step forward for Arlington’s entrepreneurial ecosystem with DC Startup and Tech Week in October.

More than just an event, this initiative highlighted the strategic role Arlington plays in fostering a supportive and innovative environment for founders and entrepreneurs across the region.

With around 1,500 attendees, Day 2 of DC Startup and Tech Week transformed National Landing into a buzzing festival-like hub for tech and innovation, channeling the energy of an East Coast SXSW. The day started with engaging sessions on growth strategies, artificial intelligence, Web3 and climate tech.

Highlights included a fireside chat on the future of work, where JBG Smith’s Evan Regan-Levin and Seema Alexander shared insights into ways their organizations are actively investing in innovation, and a compelling panel organized by the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation on how the region can grow its reputation as a top technology ecosystem.

This day of inspiration and connection, funded by the Arlington Innovation Fund, underscored AED’s mission: to connect startups with the resources, networks, and capital they need to succeed. The Innovation Fund, backed by over $1.2 million from the Arlington County Board, is a cornerstone of AED’s economic growth strategy, designed to attract and retain entrepreneurs who drive innovation, create jobs and contribute to the local economy.

Additionally, the remarks delivered by AED Director Ryan Touhill further emphasized Arlington’s commitment and championed the region’s collaborative spirit and shared resources that make Arlington an ideal place for tech startups to flourish.

DC Startup and Tech Week also highlighted Arlington’s commitment to fostering connections across the DMV. “We’re breaking down barriers and thinking regionally,” Touhill said. “This event is a testament to our belief that no community stands alone in building a thriving tech ecosystem. Our collaboration with partners from Alexandria to Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation and National Landing BID strengthens our collective goal of making this area an innovation powerhouse.”

For those interested in learning more or getting involved with Arlington’s innovation initiatives, AED offers services through its Business Investment Group. From strategic guidance and network-building to funding resources, AED is helping to shape a thriving future for Arlington and the broader region.

Additionally, National Landing, a rapidly evolving area, is increasingly becoming a preferred location for entrepreneurs to both live and work. Events like DC Startup and Tech Week reinforce Arlington’s role as a vibrant hub, advancing the vision of AED’s strategic plan to drive regional economic success through innovation and collaboration.

To stay connected with upcoming opportunities, visit AED’s website or reach out to Tally Wolff ([email protected]) for partnership opportunities. Whether you are a founder looking to take your idea to the next level or a business leader eager to support the growth of the local tech ecosystem, Arlington is here to welcome you.

About Arlington Economic Development

Arlington Economic Development (AED) is committed to helping Arlington thrive as an economically vital, competitive and sustainable community by providing leadership and services to Arlington’s business, real estate, tourism and cultural affairs sectors. We’re here to help your business get the tools and resources you need to grow and succeed in our community. Interested in learning more? Visit our website.