National IQ Gateway Accelerator

The National Innovation Quarter (National IQ) Gateway Accelerator is where the world's most promising defense and dual-use innovators touch down in America. Through two 8-month cohorts, it opens the door for high-potential ventures from allied and partner nations to break into the U.S. market, plant roots as established businesses in Arlington's National Landing, and help power economic growth across the region.

<div anchor> Program Benefits </div>
Program Benefits

• A validated demand signal. Capability gaps confirmed with Pentagon and other national security agencies.‍
• Strategic partners. Connections to National Innovation Quarter and sustaining partners like Northrop Grumman and Amazon.‍
• Expert-led workshops. DoW contracting, ITAR/EAR, SAM.gov, NATO CAGE.‍
• A dedicated advisor. A former official, founder, or prime executive‍
• Investor readiness. Data room and pitch for U.S. investors.‍
• For top performers. Incorporation support and rent-free office space.‍
• Proven Methodology. FedTech has supported 110+ companies through soft-landing programs worldwide and has a proven track record of helping international companies build lasting DoW relationships.

<div anchor> Who Should Apply</div>
Who Should Apply

• Companies headquartered in an allied or partner nation.
• Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or higher, with a working product.
• Revenue in your home market. Investor-backed companies fit best.
• AI and autonomy, cyber, space, semiconductors, quantum, or biotech.
• U.S. presence planned in 12 to 18 months.

<div anchor>Why Here?</div>
Why Here?

77%+ Post-secondary education rate
The most highly educated talent pipeline in the U.S. Gain immediate access to software engineers, data scientists, and transitioning veterans who hold active security clearances.

0 miles to major defense hubs
Build face-to-face trust to support long federal sales cycles. Walk to critical stakeholder meetings with organizations including the Pentagon.

800K Sq. Ft. recent industry absorbtion
Unrivaled sector density and ecosystem momentum. Joining a critical mass of prime contractors and fast-scaling peers creates an instant network for partnerships, teaming agreements, and supply chains.

<div anchor> Why Now?</div>
Why Now?

• The current administration has proposed a historic $1.5 trillion total defense budget for FY27, demonstrating unprecedented demand for new capability.
• DoW procurement rules now favor working with non-traditional tech companies over legacy primes, opening real doors for new entrants.

This project was funded in part by GO Virginia, a state-funded initiative administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).