Arlington Innovation Fund

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The Arlington Innovation Fund (AIF), an initiative of Arlington Economic Development, drives the growth of Arlington's tech sector through two complementary programs: the Catalyst Grant Program and the Tech Ecosystem Support Fund. AIF supports early-stage startups with capital while also investing in programs and partnerships that expand resources, talent and visibility across the local innovation ecosystem.

Established with a $1 million allocation in the FY24 County Budget, the fund received funding in FY25 to further strengthen Arlington's position as a leading technology hub.

Tech Ecosystem Support Fund

The Tech Ecosystem Support Fund invests in local and regional programs that strengthen Arlington's innovation landscape and advance the broader technology ecosystem across Northern Virginia. Through this fund, AED supports initiatives that elevate our startup community, expand resources for founders and help position Arlington as a nationally recognized hub for technology and entrepreneurship.

One example of this impact is CrowdFuel, a community-driven pitch and feedback series supported by the fund.

If you or your organization are developing a program, event or initiative that could contribute to the region's innovation ecosystem, we'd love to hear from you. Please contact AED's Startup Ecosystem Manager, Tally Wolff, to explore partnership opportunities.

Catalyst Grant Program

The Catalyst Grant Program provided non-dilutive co-investment grants of $25,000 to $50,000 to nine early-stage Arlington-based startups during FY24. Funding supported activities such as hiring, research and development, commercial space needs and other critical business related expenses. Applications were evaluated through a competitive review process.

Cohort II Grantees

Data Parrot — AI solutions that help businesses deepen their understanding of customer data.
KnoNap — Health-tech tools designed to combat drink spiking through rapid beverage drug test kits.
Pryze App — HR-tech platform improving productivity and retention for deskless workers.
SportAI — AI-powered analytics that make fantasy sports and sports betting insights accessible to all.

Cohort I Grantees

Dispatchr Technologies — Cleantech software that lowers energy costs and carbon emissions for cogeneration plants.
Freely Payments — Fintech platform enabling vendors to accept credit card payments without processing fees.
GenLogs — AI-driven optimization of ground freight supply chains using distributed sensor networks.
Phalanx — Cybersecurity solutions focused on lightweight data loss prevention and document mapping.
Seamless Transition — Medical device company developing a prosthetic knee that mimics natural human movement for service members and civilians.