A program operator for a new tech startup accelerator will be selected in mid-April after the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership received numerous applications through its request for proposals process.
AEDP is launching the accelerator program to support new tech startups based in the city — the first direct support the organization has provided for startups in these industries. Attracting high-growth industries and boosting support for entrepreneurs is one of the strategies in ALX Forward, a roadmap for the city’s future economic growth recently approved by City Council.
The Alexandria Business Accelerator program will provide mentorship, coaching, technical support, capital connections and structured founder engagement to 15 startups over four to six months. The focus is on startups in high-growth sectors such as robotics, aerospace, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, energy tech, computer services, cybersecurity and defense.
AEDP accepted proposals from potential program operators through March 25. A spokesperson told ALXnow the organization received more than 20 operator proposals and is currently evaluating them.
According to AEDP, the program should include an in-person component, though applicants were permitted to propose a hybrid format. The request for proposals said the operator should leverage “local innovation assets” and partner sites like the Virginia Tech campus, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Northern Virginia Community College, National Science Foundation, National Innovation Quarter and local coworking spaces.
Participating startups will be selected by July on a date chosen by the program operator. AEDP says the program could begin this summer and wrap up by the end of the year.
The anticipated budget for the program is $200,000. According to a Washington Business Journal report, AEDP could pursue additional funding beyond 2026 if the program succeeds.
