Defense & Security Technology Accelerator Opens Its Doors In Fayetteville

Defense & Security Technology Accelerator

, a new business incubator, formally opened its doors on Wednesday.

A variety of state, local and congressional officials were on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The incubator occupies 15,000 square feet of space at 455 Ramsey St. in Fayetteville.

The DSTA has received funding support from both the state of North Carolina and Congress. The incubator will help new companies focused on defense- and security-related technology commercialize their products and technology. It will provide grants as well as services, office space, lab space and office support.

“The DSTA is the beginning of a statewide defense and security cluster in North Carolina,” said Rep. Robin Hayes, a Republican, who has been a strong advocate for the DSTA. “The Accelerator will help our troops and intelligence capabilities and grow jobs here in Fayetteville and Cumberland County.”

Hayes helped secure $1 million that is being used to develop a wireless technology lab.

The N.C. General Assembly has also provided $2 million in funding secured in part through the efforts of State Sen. Tony Rand, a Democrat.

The DSTA recently began accepting applications for companies to occupy incubator space.

The North Carolina Technology Association and the Partnership for Defense Innovation, which is a coalition of people and organizations, are the primary supporters of the DSTA. Other backers include the Fayetteville City Council, Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, and the Cumberland County Business Council.

Scott Perry, the general manager of the DSTA, is a retired Special Forces veteran.

“The potential for this thing is unlimited,” Perry recently told WRAL Local Tech Wire. “We are spreading the message, reaching out to the military and the academic community and the private sector. The complexion of Fayetteville is about to change.”