AED Earns Global Recognition for Economic Development Innovation
August 20, 2026
Arlington Tech Launchpad and National Innovation Quarter recognized for excellence in innovative programming and public-private partnership.
Arlington Economic Development (AED) has received two Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), recognizing Arlington Tech Launchpad for excellence in innovative programming and National Innovation Quarter (National IQ) for excellence in public-private partnership.
“These awards recognize two distinct initiatives, but they also reflect a larger ambition: to turn bold ideas into economic impact and position Arlington at the forefront of building the economy of the future,” said Anna Nissinen, Arlington’s Chief Economic Development Officer and Director of Arlington Economic Development. “Arlington is advancing a more connected model of economic development, bringing government, industry, academia, and entrepreneurs together to move promising ideas further and faster. We are intentionally building the partnerships, programs, and pathways that create the conditions for innovation to grow and translate into economic opportunity. We are proud to see this work recognized globally and are especially grateful for the many partners and our Team Arlington whose commitment and collaboration make it all possible.”
IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize transformative projects that create lasting community impact and advance the practice of economic development. The 2026 awards carry additional significance as IEDC celebrates its 100th anniversary and recognizes the people, partnerships and approaches helping prepare the profession for its next century.
“Arlington Economic Development is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its Arlington Tech Launchpad and National Innovation Quarter initiatives. This award shines a spotlight on the organization’s commitment to its community and highlights the significant impact of economic development,”said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO.“IEDC is honored to present these awards to Arlington Economic Development to celebrate their leadership and innovation in the field.”
Arlington Tech Launchpad and National IQ reflect two complementary approaches to building a more connected, globally competitive innovation economy. Launched in 2025, Arlington Tech Launchpad creates a customized pathway for international technology companies seeking to enter and grow in the U.S. market, connecting founders directly with prospective customers, major employers, universities, investors, government partners, and business support organizations. The program has generated 45 business-attraction projects from companies across more than 20 countries, while engaging more than 300 local businesses and strategic partners. More than a recruitment program, Launchpad is designed to shorten the distance between promising companies and the relationships, market intelligence and opportunities that can turn international interest into long-term economic investment.
National IQ, spanning Arlington and Alexandria, applies that same connective approach at the ecosystem level. AED helped initiate and shape the district alongside Alexandria Economic Development Partnership and National Landing Business Improvement District, building a public-private platform anchored by nine founding organizations, including Amazon, Northrop Grumman, SAIC, Virginia Tech and the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC). Nearly 30 sponsoring companies were represented at National IQ’s launch earlier this year, demonstrating broad private-sector engagement in the initiative. Since then, AED has secured approximately $3.9 million in GO Virginia funding for National IQ, with matching support from more than a dozen regional stakeholders, to accelerate commercialization, company formation, talent development, and innovation in areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, and advanced hardware. The investment represents a significant next step in translating the partnership into measurable economic outcomes, from growing companies and attracting capital to creating high-quality jobs and strengthening the region’s position at the intersection of technology and national competitiveness.
Together, National Innovation Quarter and Arlington Tech Launchpad demonstrate how intentional partnerships can turn existing strengths into new economic opportunity and position Arlington at the forefront of building the economy of the future. To learn more about Arlington Tech Launchpad, visit the Arlington Economic Development website. To learn more about National IQ and its growing public-private partnership, visit the National IQ website.