MONTGOMERY, Ala. — August 28, 2026 — As thousands of defense, technology and government leaders gathered in Montgomery for the 2026 Department of the Air Force Information Technology & Cyberpower Conference (DAFITC), Montgomery TechLab (MTL) showcased the growing innovation ecosystem taking shape year-round in Alabama’s capital city.
Across two days, MTL hosted four signature events connecting senior executives, defense technology companies, high school students, ROTC cadets, military leaders and industry partners. Together, the events demonstrated MTL’s growing role as Montgomery’s premier economic development organization focused on technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and defense.
“DAFITC brings tremendous national visibility to Montgomery, but our focus is turning that visibility into year-round economic opportunity,” said Charisse Stokes, Executive Director of Montgomery TechLab. “We are building an ecosystem where companies can grow, entrepreneurs can access customers and capital, talent can develop, and industry, government and education can connect. That is how technology becomes an economic development strategy for Montgomery.”
Connecting Leadership, Innovation and Community
MTL kicked off its programming August 25 with the DAFITC Executive Leadership Luncheon, bringing together more than 120 leaders from defense, technology, government, academia and business around the theme CONVERGE: Where Mission, Innovation, and Community Meet.
The conversation explored artificial intelligence, digital transformation, workforce and the partnerships necessary to strengthen national security while creating new opportunities for regional economic growth.
Later that afternoon, innovation took center stage with the Montgomery TechLab Defense Accelerator Demo Day on the DAFITC exhibit floor.
Following 11 weeks of intensive programming powered by Treble One, Culper Systems, DDC-I, Moro Motion and Omega Security pitched emerging technologies addressing defense challenges before industry and government leaders. Moro Motion was selected as the Demo Day winner, receiving $10,000 in non-dilutive funding.
The accelerator, whose Summer 2026 cohort also included ARBK Series, is a cornerstone of MTL’s entrepreneurship strategy—helping emerging technology companies navigate the defense marketplace and build relationships with military customers, prime contractors, investors and other partners.
Developing Montgomery’s Next Generation of Talent
On August 26, MTL shifted the focus to the future workforce through the innovateDAFITC Hackathon & Cyber Challenge, where high school students from across Central Alabama competed in a hands-on Capture the Flag cybersecurity competition.
Students solved cyber challenges, cracked codes and worked alongside technology professionals while gaining exposure to high-demand careers supporting the nation’s cyber mission.
MTL concluded its DAFITC programming with an ROTC Mentoring Session, connecting cadets with senior military, civilian and defense professionals for candid conversations about leadership, service and career pathways.
Together, the programs reflected MTL’s belief that economic development requires both attracting and growing companies and intentionally developing the people who will lead, build and work within them.
Building an Ecosystem That Lasts Beyond DAFITC
While DAFITC provides a national platform, MTL’s work continues throughout the year through defense acceleration, entrepreneurship, STEM and workforce development, industry engagement and strategic partnerships.
The organization is building connections among Montgomery’s strongest assets—including Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex, universities, government, industry, entrepreneurs and emerging talent—to position the region to compete for technology companies, investment and jobs.
“Montgomery already has tremendous assets,” Stokes said. “Our opportunity is connecting them in ways that create measurable economic impact. We want companies to see Montgomery as a place to innovate and grow, students to see a future for themselves in technology, and industry and defense leaders to see Montgomery as a place where meaningful partnerships happen.”
One ecosystem. Four signature events. One strategy: develop talent, grow companies, strengthen partnerships and position Montgomery as a destination for technology and innovation.
About Montgomery TechLab
Montgomery TechLab (MTL) is Montgomery’s technology, innovation and entrepreneurship-focused economic development organization. Through accelerator programs, workforce and STEM initiatives, industry engagement and strategic partnerships, MTL connects talent, entrepreneurs, industry, government, academia and the defense community to create economic opportunity and strengthen Montgomery’s competitiveness in the technology-driven economy.