Project Phoenix

Accelerating & Securing the Arsenal of Democracy

Project Phoenix is a hyper-intensive, outcome-driven initiative dedicated to transforming America's most promising defense-aligned technology startups into industry ready Department of War partners. We are a force multiplier for the national security innovation base.


We do this by offering our Members one-on-one coaching and access to mentorship, specialized content, and our extensive network.  Each Member will improve their acquisition readiness, focus on validating to mission and enhance their business strategy by leveraging our expert-driven program. Each Member’s startup must demonstrate how it: increases readiness, enhances lethality, ensures survivability, or maximizes mission effectiveness. 

Key Technology Focus Areas

  • Defense Manufacturing

  • Information & Electronic Warfare

  • UAS/C-UAS (Mobility/Logistics)

  • Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity

  • Simulation & Training

  • Other

Request Application

Program details will be shared during the interview process.

Why

The United States faces a strategic imperative to incorporate commercial, dual-use technology at speed to maintain decisive overmatch. However, non-traditional defense vendors routinely fail to navigate the “Valley of Death”—the gap between early-stage R&D funding and securing a long-term contract. This systemic lack of acquisition readiness slows the fielding of mission-critical technology, undermines the defense industrial base, and directly impedes the Warfighter's ability to innovate at the pace of modern conflict.

The Mission: Accelerate the transitioning of innovation into the hands of the warfighter that creates an unfair advantage. 

Trusted Agent: Forge Institute is the non-profit that forges purposeful private-public partnerships and enable greater collaboration between innovators and defense and national security partners.

Collaboration

Accelerating Innovation to Support the Warfighter

Are you ready to emerge as a Phoenix?

Request Application

Sponsors

To Be Announced Soon!

Partners

Inaugural Program Wins

  • Strong engagement across Arkansas, including University of Arkansas, UA Little Rock, Winrock International, Startup Junkie, Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, Northwest Arkansas Council, Bentonville Chamber, and numerous other industry, economic developers, community leaders, and defense manufacturers.

  • Meaningful participation from Warriors, including those from the Arkansas National Guard, NGB Professional Education Center, and Little Rock Air Force Base. 

  • Facilitated a Defense Innovation Roundtable with Congressman French Hill, engaged Attorney General Tim Griffin, AR Adjutant General BG Chad Bridges, and Col. (Ret.) Rob Ator, Secretary of the AR Department of Veterans Affairs.

  • As of June ‘25, the Phoenix Xcelerator program had a 56% completion rate, resulting in one corporate spin-out that has formed a new startup. Members submitted four SBIR's or OTAs.

  • The inaugural program was funded by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) and was awarded a $200,000 matching grant from the Walton Family Foundation.

  • Member, Orion Edge, won the 2025 Army xTechDisrupt competition.