Arlington Welcomes Starburst’s National Landing Launchpad
March 31, 2025
Starburst’s National Landing Launchpad to Fuel Growth of Northern Virginia’s Aerospace and Defense Startups
Arlington Economic Development (AED) Department, the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), the National Landing Business Improvement District (BID), JBG Smith and Starburst, are proud to announce the opening of Starburst’s National Landing Launchpad. The initiative, supported by a $200,000 grant from VIPC’s Regional Innovation Fund (RIF), will further position Arlington as a premier hub for aerospace and defense startups, reinforcing the region’s leadership in national security innovation.
Building on Arlington’s strong foundation in defense, technology and research, this accelerator will provide emerging aerospace and defense companies with critical mentorship, industry access and investment opportunities. Starburst, a global leader in aerospace and defense startup acceleration, will leverage its proven model —successful in cities like Los Angeles — to support up to 10 early-stage companies in its inaugural year.
“This accelerator is another example of how Arlington is positioning itself as a leader in aerospace and defense innovation,” said Ryan Touhill, Director of Arlington Economic Development. “By connecting entrepreneurs with the right resources, industry partners and funding opportunities, we’re not just supporting startups — we’re strengthening the entire ecosystem that drives national security advancements.”
VIPC’s investment in this initiative underscores Virginia’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurship.
“Supporting high-growth startups in aerospace and defense is essential to maintaining Virginia’s competitive edge,” said Conaway Haskins, Vice President of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems at VIPC. “Through this collaboration, we are not only investing in companies with transformative potential but also strengthening the region’s ability to lead in national security innovation.”
National Landing has rapidly emerged as a leading destination for technology and business growth, thanks to strategic investments from public and private companies, organizations and groups.
Starburst, which operates accelerator programs worldwide, sees Arlington as an ideal location for the launch of a new accelerator. “The combination of National Landing’s infrastructure, Arlington’s innovation-friendly policies, Arlington and the Commonwealth’s unique business environments, and the region’s deep talent pool set the stage for the area to be a launchpad for the next generation of transformative A&D technology,” said Starburst CEO and Founder Francois Chopard. “We are excited to connect our global network of investors, industry leaders and entrepreneurs with Arlington.”
With strong backing from key players in the region, Starburst’s National Landing Launchpad will drive startup growth and reinforce Arlington’s role as a center for emerging technology.
“National Landing is rapidly becoming our region’s innovation hub, and Starburst’s Launchpad will further enhance our ability to attract cutting-edge companies,” said Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, President and CEO of the National Landing BID. “With partners like JBG Smith, Microsoft and Virginia Tech investing in this ecosystem, this initiative will help cement National Landing as a premier destination for technological advancement.”
“Strategic real estate investments play a critical role in fostering innovation. Through the dedicated creation of the right spaces, infrastructure and street-level environments we are cultivating an ecosystem where aerospace and defense startups can grow, collaborate and drive technological advancements,” said Brian Cotter, Executive Vice President at JBG Smith. “Starburst’s Launchpad is an exciting addition to National Landing, further solidifying Arlington’s position as a leading destination for cutting-edge industries and forward-thinking talent.”
With the launch of this accelerator, Arlington County is taking a bold step toward shaping the future of aerospace and defense entrepreneurship, ensuring that the region remains a global leader in innovation.
Visit Starburst’s National Landing Launchpad for more information.
About Starburst
Founded in 2012, Starburst is an innovation catalyst in the global aerospace and defense (A&D) industry. Combining three complementary activities–startup accelerators, strategy consulting and venture investments–they help A&D stakeholders innovate, navigate and invest in the dynamic ecosystem. With offices in Los Angeles, Paris, Munich, Singapore, Seoul, Tel Aviv, Madrid and Washington, D.C., the team has built a robust community with 60+ partners and a portfolio of 140+ startups. Starburst’s leading Flagship Accelerator program helps startups scale their business in aviation, space and defense, as well as enabling technologies, with access to one of the largest groups of corporate representatives, government stakeholders and private investors in the world to help startups win their first contracts. Learn more at https://starburst.aero.