Defense Accelerator technology, national defense initiative in Montgomery announced

The Defense Accelerator initiative for emerging technology and national defense has been announced by the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC), in partnership with Montgomery TechLab (MTL) and Treble One.

A recent press release said that the program will allow local companies and individuals to keep 50% of their state tax liability through the Innovate Alabama Tax Credit Program and includes Alabama income tax, state insurance premium tax, state public utility license tax, and the state portion of the financial institution excise tax (FIET).

"Our tax credit program is designed to cultivate a thriving ecosystem where accelerators and tech businesses flourish,” said Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama. “We are excited to see the impact of this public-private partnership in Montgomery and beyond.”

It is hoped that the program will promote investment in the small business defense industrial base.

“This initiative is a transformative moment for our region, strengthening our capital region’s position as a leader in defense innovation,” said MACC President Anna Buckalew.

“Keeping 50% of tax dollars local ensures direct investment into the growth of our defense sector and the industries that support it. We are especially grateful to partners like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama and Alabama Power for their dedication to advancing this important work.”

More from this section

NASA unveils plans for base on moon and nuclear Mars mission

Grieving families hail court victory against Instagram, YouTube

Cyclone triggers outages at major Australian LNG plants

During the 2025-2026 program year the Defense Accelerator will conduct two cohorts featuring five selected early-stage companies that will participate in an eight-week program tailored to "scaling innovative products in artificial intelligence, mobile application development, and cybersecurity for both defense and commercial markets."

Applications are set to open on Feb. 18 and can be accessed by visiting the Montgomery TechLab's website at montgomerytechlab.com.

The program aims to have 75% of participants achieve these goals:

• Secure a prime contract with the U.S. federal government.
• Obtain a subcontract with a federal government prime contractor.
• Partner with a prime contractor or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
• Raise at least $100,000 in private capital funding.

“This Accelerator is about cultivating the next generation of small businesses that will define the future of defense technology,” said Marcus Shaw, Founding Director of MTL. “We’re building a pipeline of innovation that strengthens both our local economy and our national security.”

“Our adversaries are advancing their defense capabilities at an alarming pace,” said Chris Wimmer, Vice President of Business Development at Treble One. “The Defense Accelerator will unite startups, government, investors, and prime contractors to accelerate innovation. Montgomery’s unique blend of state incentives, a vibrant tech ecosystem, and visionary leadership makes it the perfect launchpad for this initiative.”