September 3, 2025
Inaugural Defense Accelerator Demo Day Showcases Innovation and National Security Impact in Montgomery
MONTGOMERY, AL – The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Montgomery TechLab (MTL) and Treble One, proudly hosted its inaugural Defense Accelerator Demo Day on Tuesday, August 26, during the 2025 Department of the Air Force Information Technology & Cyberpower Training and Education Event (DAFITC).
The high-energy event, held at the AUiX Innovation Space in the historic KRESS Building, showcased five cutting-edge startups selected for the first-ever MTL Defense Accelerator cohort. After eight weeks of intensive mentorship, customer discovery, and engagement with government and industry leaders, the companies took the stage to pitch dual-use solutions designed to meet emerging national security needs.
Demo Day Cohort:
- Analytical AI – Advanced threat detection and predictive data intelligence
- Lineaje – Full lifecycle software supply chain security
- XO Armor – Smart protective wearables for defense and industrial sectors
- Generational Systems – Scalable metal 3D printing for operational use
- GuidePad – AI-powered frameworks for managing complex operations
Over 75 attendees—including leaders from the Department of the Air Force, federal agencies, venture firms, and defense primes—attended the event. Each company presented a high-impact pitch and demonstrated how its technologies could be deployed across both defense and commercial sectors.
“The energy in the room was electric,” said Brien House, Director of Alabama Accelerator Programs for Treble One. “This cohort showed not only the technical potential of their solutions, but the real-world readiness to scale and support mission outcomes. Events like this are proof that Montgomery is ready to lead in dual-use innovation.”
The MTL Defense Accelerator was made possible through support from Innovate Alabama’s Tax Credit Program, which empowers individuals and companies to allocate 50% of their state tax liability to support innovation-focused programs across Alabama. The initiative has brought together public and private partners to expand opportunities for startups tackling defense sector challenges through AI, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and mobile technologies.
“As Partner Liaison for Montgomery TechLab, it’s been an honor to guide these companies through the accelerator journey,” said Charisse Stokes, Executive Director of Montgomery Chamber’s TechMGM and MTL Partner Liaison. “Montgomery has the assets, the talent, and the community to support emerging companies in this space—and this Demo Day was a clear signal that our ecosystem is ready to scale.”
With Montgomery’s growing reputation as a hub for government innovation, national defense, and emerging technology, including entities like AUiX, BESPIN, PEO BES, and the 26th Network Operations Squadron, the success of the first Defense Accelerator Demo Day adds fuel to the region’s momentum.
Plans are already underway for the next accelerator cohort, expected to launch in early 2026. To learn more about the MTL Defense Accelerator or to support future cohorts, visit www.montgomerytechlab.com or contact Charisse Stokes at cstokes@montgomerychamber.com.
Photos from the event: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCsNeE
ABOUT THE MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
With a mission to drive economic prosperity and build a greater life for all in the capital region, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce is a full-spectrum economic development public-private partnership representing 1,400 businesses and organizations with over 90,000 employees throughout Central Alabama.
ABOUT MONTGOMERY TECHLAB:
Montgomery TechLab is a premier innovation hub located in Alabama’s capital city, supporting technology startups through accelerator programs, industry partnerships, and defense innovation initiatives.
ABOUT TREBLE ONE:
Treble One is a national leader in defense sector innovation and startup acceleration, helping emerging companies bring transformative technologies to government and mission-critical markets.
###
