Cummings Research Park (CRP) is set to launch a DefenseTech Accelerator this fall, aiming to strengthen Huntsville’s defense industry by fostering the growth of small businesses focused on innovative technology solutions.

The initiative, a collaboration between CRP, the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, and Treble One, will leverage the Innovate Alabama Tax Credit program to keep vital tax dollars within the local economy.

The Innovate Alabama Tax Credit program allows local companies and individuals to allocate 50% of their state tax liabilities—including Alabama income tax, state insurance premium tax, and others—toward supporting local initiatives.

This mechanism is designed to bolster the growth of the small business defense sector in Huntsville.

“This initiative is a fantastic opportunity to expand the small business defense industrial base right here in Huntsville,” said Erin Koshut, Executive Director of CRP. “By donating 50% of your tax liability, you’re directly contributing to the growth of our local industrial base. We’re grateful to Synovus Bank, SimTech, and Regions Bank for their participation, and we’re actively seeking more tax credit donors.”

The CRP DefenseTech Accelerator will run two cohorts during the 2024-2025 year, each consisting of five early-stage companies with innovative products.

These companies will undergo a 12-week program designed to help them scale their technologies in both defense and commercial markets. Although the accelerator is open to all technologies, it has a particular interest in dual-use technologies that can serve both military and civilian needs.

The program will recruit companies from within Alabama and across the nation, encouraging them to establish operations in Huntsville.

“Our goal is for 75% of program graduates to secure at least one prime contract with the U.S. federal government, a subcontract with a federal prime contractor, or raise at least $100,000 in private capital within 12 months of participation,” Koshut added.

The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber and Treble One are integral partners in this effort. Chamber President & CEO Chip Cherry emphasized the importance of the Chamber’s small business programs, which will be available to all companies in the accelerator. Each participating company will receive a one-year Chamber membership to fully utilize these resources.

Treble One, with over 20 years of experience in the defense market, will serve as the execution partner for the accelerator. Their mission is to help small businesses apply technology to solve critical national security challenges, ensuring that both the government and taxpayers get the maximum return on federal research investments.

“Our adversaries are developing major weapons systems nine years faster than the United States, often by appropriating intellectual property,” said Chris Wimmer, Vice President of Business Development at Treble One. “It’s crucial that government, investment communities, startups, and primes come together to accelerate the defense ecosystem. Alabama’s unique blend of state incentives, a dynamic defense ecosystem, and the visionary leadership at CRP and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber make this the ideal environment to launch a DefenseTech Accelerator.”

Innovate Alabama, a key partner in the initiative, has been instrumental in driving innovation-led efforts across the state. Their tax credit program is designed to support tech accelerators and businesses, helping to cultivate a thriving ecosystem in Alabama.

“We are thrilled to see these public-private partnerships come to life and make a significant impact,” said Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama. “Our tax credit program empowers entrepreneurial support organizations, and we are proud to support the economic development organizations driving these efforts.”

As the DefenseTech Accelerator gears up to launch, plans are underway to hire a director, secure office space in CRP East, and begin recruiting companies.