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.
Exhibitor opportunities are now open! Employers interested in participating in the Expo must submit an application for consideration. Click here to apply.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Arlington Economic Development (AED) is proud to sponsor Day Two of DC Startup & Tech Week 2024. A full day of programming curated to meet the needs of startups in National Landing on Tuesday, October 22.
This event is the largest gathering of entrepreneurs and startups in the D.C. area, featuring over 100 workshops, networking sessions, pitch competitions and expert-led discussions.
Along with funding from a group of National Landing partners, AED is sponsoring this event with Arlington Innovation Fund Tech Ecosystem Support Funds. The fund’s mission is to foster the growth of Arlington tech startups by enhancing the local ecosystem through unique initiatives and programming. Hosting a day of this widely known conference in National Landing highlights the innovation and collaboration that is happening in Arlington while making the content easily accessible to Arlington startups.
Whether you’re a seasoned founder, an aspiring entrepreneur or part of an innovative startup team, join us for an action-packed day designed to inspire, connect and drive growth within the startup community.
Day Two in Arlington will kick off at the JBG SMITH National Landing Experience Center. There, participants will hear founder stories and fireside chats. Later content tracks will focus on a variety of topics, including:
The Growth Stage
Tech for Non-Technical Founders
AI & Business
Web3 and Blockchain
Climate and Sustainability
The day will conclude with a meetup happy hour at National Landing’s Water Bar.
Arlington Economic Development (AED) is excited to be continuing its partnership with Citrine Angels, the largest female-focused angel investing organization in the mid-Atlantic region pledged solely to the support of women-led ventures.
With a shared goal to boost entrepreneurship and startup activity in Arlington, AED and Citrine Angels are hosting two free, educational events designed to tackle challenges facing entrepreneurs today.
The first of the two events will take place TODAY, Wednesday, September 25, and will feature a panel discussion amongst an experienced panel of VCs, entrepreneurs, and fractional/outsourced executives. These experts will discuss what it takes to build the optimal team to make your idea a reality.
We invite you to join us TODAY for Building Your Dream Team in Ballston at 5:30 p.m. Registration is now closed, but walk-ins will be welcomed!
In two weeks, we will also be holding an “ask me anything” event on the topic of turning your idea into a business. Come with questions and a group of experts will be available to share their insights. Experts currently work in the human resources, law, finance and accounting fields.
Learn more and register for our Ask Me Anything: Turning Your Idea into a Business event here to join us on Wednesday, October 9 at 5:30 p.m.
Spurring the region’s innovation and entrepreneurship engagement to a new level, the conference showcases our metropolitan region as a destination for innovation, venture investment, business development, and job creation.
Top venture firms from across North America participate in the Conference to attend top keynotes and industry panels. Eighty venture firms, plus local angel investors, participate as judges.
Attendees can watch 40+ high-growth tech, cyber, defense tech, healthcare, and life science companies pitch for their next round of capital. These cutting-edge startups compete for top prizes and are joined by 25 regional student teams presenting business concepts.
In addition to panels on AI, healthcare investment, VC trends, and defense-tech, this year’s lineup for keynote and fireside chat speakers includes:
Arun Gupta, CEO of NobleReach and author of the national bestseller “Venture Meets Mission”
Paul Misener, Former VP for Global Innovation Policy and Communications, Amazon
Tom Weithman, CIO, VIPC & Managing Director, Virginia Venture Partners
Registration is open at AccelerateDeals.org. Arlington patrons receive $100 off the ticket price before September 23 with the promotion code BIRD$100.
Accelerate sponsors and partners include Arlington Economic Development (AED), the Council for Innovation Promotion, Smart City Works, ManTech, AE Industrial Partners, Go Virginia, Fairfax City, King & Spalding, Fairfax County EDA, George Mason University, MAAN Ventures, NVTC, Prince William County, Sands Capital, Virginia Bio and Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation.
To learn more about Arlington Economic Development, AED’s contributions to growing the region’s tech and innovation ecosystem and locating in Arlington, please visit the AED website.
The city’s strong ties to the tech industry and entrepreneurial community make it a natural fit for coworking. This setting, rich with creativity and collaboration, is the perfect launchpad for startups and freelancers alike.
Take The AAKOMA Project, for example. Founded by Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble, the nonprofit is dedicated to the mental health of Youth and Young Adults of Color (YYAC). Drawing on her groundbreaking research at Duke and Georgetown Universities, Dr. Breland-Noble empowers YYAC and their caregivers to seek help and manage mental health, advocating for systemic changes to better serve their needs.
As Dr. Alfiee puts it, “The AAKOMA Project grew much faster than I expected. Our shared coworking space in Ballston was a great start, but it soon became clear we needed our own dedicated space. The Arlington Economic Development team and our commercial realtor helped us find a space that accommodates our growing team and aligns with our mental health mission. Staying in Ballston was an easy choice, — it’s an ideal location for us to continue expanding, close to key resources and has a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates diversity.”
Then there’s Cyberspatial, an emerging defense contractor led by Founder and CEO Lawrence Nunn. Starting in a simple coworking office, the National Landing-based company has since moved to a dedicated office space. Nunn had this to say when reflecting on the company’s choice to stay in Arlington: “Arlington’s vibrant community and strategic location made it the perfect launchpad for our growth, with its robust cyber nexus providing unparalleled access to talent and innovation.”
As organizations grow, their needs evolve. They may seek a traditional office setting to accommodate expansion, foster company culture and create a dedicated space where employees can thrive. Arlington Economic Development (AED) is here to support businesses at every stage, offering tools and resources to help you find the right space, whether it’s a coworking office or a larger, dedicated footprint.
If your organization is ready to take the next step, let the Business Investment Group provide the boost you need to flourish.
Get in touch with AED today to explore how you can maximize your potential in Arlington.
At the July 22, 2024, regular meeting, the Arlington County Board took action to close the Observation Deck at 1201 Wilson Blvd. in Rosslyn.
The Observation Deck will officially close on July 31, 2024. This closure marks the acceleration of a major reinvestment in Rosslyn Gateway Park during a transformative period for the Rosslyn community.
CoStar Group, a leading global provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics, purchased 1201 Wilson Blvd., a 560,000-square-foot office building known as Central Place Tower, in February 2024.
CoStar Group Funds Significant Investment in Rosslyn Gateway Park
As part of the economic development deal, CoStar Group will pay Arlington $13,951,900 to significantly expedite the redevelopment of Rosslyn’s Gateway Park, accelerating its completion by nearly a decade. This investment will transform Gateway Park into a vibrant, multifunctional public space and world-class destination that is a central anchor for the Rosslyn community.
The redevelopment of Gateway Park, led by Field Operations, the same group of designers responsible for Met Park, will introduce new amenities, green spaces and recreational opportunities, creating a welcoming environment for all.
A New Outlook for Rosslyn
In the CoStar Group deal, Arlington County recognized a unique and impactful opportunity to marry Rosslyn’s community benefits with significant economic gains. CoStar Group initially considered Arlington due to its prime location and premier trophy building in the heart of Rosslyn.
Throughout the site selection process, CoStar Group discovered more about Rosslyn’s business HQ-friendly environment as well as Arlington’s highly skilled workforce, accessibility to two international airports, strong Metro system, high quality of life and dynamic urban centers — key factors that ultimately influenced the company’s decision to purchase the building.
