Project Phoenix

Accelerating & Securing the Arsenal of Democracy

The Phoenix Xcelerator is a premier accelerator built for defense tech. We close the gap between promising tech innovation and active warfighter requirements, transforming serious startups into mission-ready partners. We are a force multiplier for the national security innovation base.

The Phoenix Xcelerator is an intensive, 14-week crucible designed to identify, vet, and hone high-potential startups (typically with dual-use technologies). We roll up our sleeves to do the hard work alongside founders, delivering unvarnished assessments, technical guidance, and direct access to the operators, primes, and mission owners who matter.

Startups int he program receive one-on-one coaching and access to mentorship, specialized content, and our extensive network.  Startups work to improve their acquisition readiness, focus on validating to mission and enhancing their business strategy. Each startup must demonstrate how it: increases readiness, enhances lethality, ensures survivability, or maximizes mission effectiveness. 

Key Technology Focus Areas

  • Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity

  • Autonomy, UAS & Counter-UAS (Mobility & Logistics)

  • Defense & Critical Manufacturing

  • Information & Electronic Warfare / Photonics & Directed Energy

  • Intelligence, Surveillance, & Reconnaissance (ISR)

  • Simulation, Training, & Mission Readiness

Engagement Pattern

  • Weekly CEO Roundtable

  • Weekly Content Webinar

  • Startup one-on-ones

Earned Opportunities

  • Founder Retreats

  • Partner Introductions

  • Congressional Roundtables

  • Demo Day

Register for Demo Day
Request Application

Why Sign Up?

Curated Mentorship

Direct DoD Mission Validation

Non-Dilutive Capital Pathways

Regulatory & Defense Compliance De-Risking

Serious founders don't come here for a pat on the back or a cocktail hour. Gain immediate access to top-tier mentorship, battle-tested infrastructure, and powerful capital networks—all without paying a dime in program fees.

Networking is a ceremony; Phoenix is battle-prep for your business. Validate your tech directly with Department of Defense (DoD) mission owners, warfighters, and tier-one defense contractors to ensure your solution delivers a decisive edge and survives contact with real-world requirements.

Gain hands-on guidance to prepare and submit high-impact proposals for federal non-dilutive funding, including SBIR/STTR grants, Broad Agency Announcements (BAA), and Other Transaction Authorities (OTA).125

Navigate complex federal acquisition and compliance hurdles with unvarnished guidance covering ITAR, FAR/DFAR, NIST, and CMMC requirements—de-risking your startup so you are prime-partner and contract-ready.

Program Graduates

Endorsements of Proven Performance

  • "Pitching happens so often online, but it's a great opportunity to get on a stage and work on big presence and commanding a room."

    Sarah Kneller

  • "Great hospitality! None of the programs I've attended in the past had this kind of hospitality. Thank you!"

    Sachin Junnarkar

Collaboration

Accelerating Innovation to Support the Warfighter

Rigorous Selection Criteria

Forge Institute applies a rigorous process to selecting cohort members for this program. Applicants commit to providing the requested information about themselves and their company.

  • High level of dedication to working on startup and commitment to program

  • Alignment to warfighter needs & national security priorities

  • Founders dedicated to expanding and growing a skilled workforce

  • Comprehensive Due Diligence process & security review to ensure alignment with future Investor & NatSec objectives

  • Readiness Assessment Process

Partners

 The Phoenix accelerator is supported by  numerous community, state and federal organizations including the Department of the Air Force Technology Transfer & Transition Program Office (DAF T3PO) and the Academic Partnership Engagement Experiment, SBA, AR APEX Accelerator, ARISE, the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, the Arkansas Aerospace & Defense Alliance, Startup Junkie, and notable private family foundations. The program has committed corporate partners who support the program through: (1) sponsoring ideas w/ IP; (2) providing subject matter expertise & mentors; (3) sponsoring additional supporting activities; and (4) providing manufacturing resources (helping make prototypes).

Are you ready to emerge as a Phoenix?

Request Application

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.