MONTGOMERY, Ala. (January 21, 2026) — Montgomery TechLab (MTL) announces the five companies selected for Cohort 2 of the MTL Defense Accelerator, an eight-week program designed to help early-stage companies scale dual-use technologies for defense and commercial markets.
The MTL Defense Accelerator supports founders from across the nation developing solutions aligned with national security priorities by providing direct access to defense expertise, strategic mentorship, and pathways into federal and prime contractor markets. Delivered in partnership with Treble One and the Montgomery Regional Chamber, the program positions Montgomery as a growing hub for defense-focused innovation and entrepreneurship.
Following a competitive selection process, the 2026 cohort includes startups advancing innovation in cybersecurity, advanced materials, artificial intelligence, autonomy, and energy infrastructure:
- Autonomous Federal — Delivers autonomy-enabled software solutions that support federal agencies in modernizing operations and deploying emerging technologies at scale.
- FibrX — Builds next-generation composite and fiber-based materials engineered for lightweight, high-performance defense and industrial applications.
- Moonbase AI — Leverages artificial intelligence to provide predictive analytics and decision-support tools for mission planning and operational efficiency.
- Petra Power — Designs resilient energy and power solutions to support critical infrastructure and defense operations in austere and contested environments.
- Xdown — Develops advanced cybersecurity and risk-mitigation tools that help organizations identify, assess, and respond to digital threats in complex operating environments.
Through the accelerator, cohort companies receive hands-on mentorship and strategic guidance from Treble One, a nationally recognized defense advisory firm with more than two decades of experience supporting startups and small businesses entering the Department of Defense market. Treble One works directly with founders on defense customer alignment, go-to-market strategy, business development, and positioning for federal and prime contractor opportunities.
“This cohort reflects the caliber of innovation we aim to cultivate through Montgomery TechLab,” said Charisse Stokes, Partner Liaison for Montgomery TechLab. “Our focus is on helping founders sharpen their defense use cases, strengthen execution, and connect with the people and institutions that can help move their technologies from concept to deployment.”
The second cohort builds on the momentum of the inaugural MTL Defense Accelerator, further establishing Montgomery TechLab as a convening force for founders, defense advisors, and mission-aligned partners. By combining targeted mentorship, market-driven programming, and direct exposure to defense stakeholders, the accelerator is designed to shorten the path from innovation to adoption—helping companies validate use cases, strengthen commercialization strategies, and prepare for federal engagement.
“These companies demonstrate strong technical depth and a clear understanding of real defense challenges,” said Brien House, Executive Director of Alabama Accelerators at Treble One. “Our work is focused on helping them translate innovation into adoption by clarifying mission relevance, strengthening market strategy, and accelerating their path into the federal marketplace.”
Kickoff Event
The program officially kicked off Tuesday, January 13th inside the KRESS building with the MTL Defense Accelerator Kickoff & Networking Reception, celebrating the cohort companies. The Montgomery business and tech community engaged with founders, mentors, and ecosystem partners supporting defense and dual-use innovation.
WATCH: Charisse Stokes, Partner Liaison for Montgomery TechLab shares more about the program benefits highlighting the valued assets that Montgomery, Alabama has to offer, including the proximity to the work that happens in the capital city. In partnership with Innovate AL, Alabama Power Company and Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Defense Accelerator offers a unique advantage for Montgomery TechLab to engage the community by investing in local academic institutions and partnering with Montgomery-based military organizations.
Learn more at Demo Day on February 25 where the public can hear from all five cohort companies about their readiness to invest in Montgomery.