The Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) announced it has awarded a Regional Innovation Fund (RIF) grant to Arlington Economic Development (AED) to catalyze the launch of the Starburst National Landing Launchpad (SNL Launchpad), a new startup accelerator dedicated to aerospace and defense (A&D) technology companies. The SNL Launchpad will create new opportunities for entrepreneurs, startups, investors, industry experts, and government partners to grow and thrive within Northern Virginia’s innovation ecosystem. AED and VIPC worked together through a collaborative public-private partnership effort along with JBG Smith, Microsoft, and National Landing Business Improvement District (BID) stakeholders to successfully attract Starburst and to leverage matching funds and resource support.

Starburst is a globally recognized A&D innovation firm that combines startup accelerators, venture investments, and strategy consulting to help stakeholders innovate, navigate, and invest in the dynamic A&D ecosystem. Starburst has successfully implemented A&D startup accelerator programs in other major cities in the United States and internationally, and leverages a global network of 15,000+ startups, investors, and industry partners.

The SNL Launchpad will offer a 14-week accelerator program tailored for early-stage A&D technology companies. With an inaugural startup cohort launching in early June, Starburst’s accelerator program will provide founders and entrepreneurs with direct mentorship, industry resources, and access to capital opportunities. Additionally, Starburst will host open community entrepreneur educational and networking events in National Landing throughout the year.

“VIPC’s grant underscores our commitment to successfully growing Virginia’s innovation and entrepreneur ecosystems through public-private partnership and strategic industry alignment,” said Joe Benevento, VIPC President and CEO. “With the launch of Starburst’s National Landing Launchpad, VIPC is helping expand opportunities in the region for high-growth, aerospace and defense startups, while also further strengthening Virginia’s position as an innovation leader in critical national security technology sectors where Virginia has a right to win.”

“Arlington has long been at the heart of aerospace and defense innovation, and this partnership with Starburst will help ensure that our region remains competitive on a national and global scale,” Arlington Economic Development Director Ryan Touhill said. “This initiative will not only support startups but also attract new talent and investment to Arlington, Virginia, and the region as a whole.”

“With our expansion into Arlington, Virginia, Starburst is excited to partner with AED and VIPC to help establish National Landing as a powerhouse for aerospace, defense, and emerging technology startups,” Starburst CEO and Founder Francois Chopard said. “This Launchpad will create new opportunities for entrepreneurs and companies driving the future of national security and dual-use technologies.”

“National Landing is emerging as a top destination for technology, innovation, and business growth,” said Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, President and CEO of the National Landing BID. “The launch of Starburst’s National Landing Launchpad further catalyzes the region’s transformation. We look forward to supporting this initiative and strengthening the aerospace and defense ecosystem in our fast-growing community.”

“VIPC’s grant is a key catalyst for the Starburst’s National Landing Launchpad and for bolstering economic development opportunities through a robust innovation ecosystem,” said Conaway Haskins, VIPC’s Vice President of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems. “By investing in this inaugural launch, VIPC is not only connecting entrepreneurs with new resources to succeed but also enabling Starburst to establish a sustainable network across the local ecosystem, strengthening collaboration between startups, industry, and academia for lasting impact.”