Applications open for Spring 2026 Cohort

Where the Future Gets Built

The premier innovation incubator 28 miles from power. Connecting founders, investors, and mentors in AI, Quantum Computing, and Defense Tech.

0% of world's internet traffic
0 data centers in Loudoun
0mi to Washington DC
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Partnering with industry leaders

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🚀

Founder

Launch and scale your venture with world-class support

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💎

Investor

Access deal flow in emerging tech verticals

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🧭

Mentor

Guide the next generation of tech leaders

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🏢

Corporate Partner

Discover innovation and talent pipelines

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Focus Areas

Building the Technologies That Matter

Three verticals. Maximum impact. Deep expertise in the domains shaping tomorrow.

01

Artificial Intelligence

From foundation models to enterprise AI applications. LIFT founders are building the next wave of intelligent systems—with access to the compute infrastructure that makes Loudoun the AI training capital of the world.

  • Access to 150+ MW of AI-ready compute
  • Partnerships with major cloud providers
  • Federal AI procurement pathways
Build in AI at LIFT
02

Quantum Computing

The quantum era is here. LIFT is the East Coast launchpad for quantum startups— with direct connections to IonQ, Amazon Braket, and federal quantum initiatives just 28 miles away.

  • Quantum hardware access programs
  • Defense & intelligence pathways
  • Research partnerships with GMU
Build in Quantum at LIFT
03

Defense Technology

LIFT's proximity to the Pentagon, intelligence community, and defense contractors creates unmatched pathways for dual-use startups. Our Federal FastTrack program accelerates government procurement.

  • SCIF-capable meeting facilities
  • SBIR/STTR application support
  • DIU & AFWERX connections
Build in Defense at LIFT

Expanding Capabilities

🛰️ Space Tech
🧬 Biotech
💳 Fintech
🤖 Robotics
Programs

From Idea to Impact

Structured programs designed to accelerate your journey, plus the community and resources to sustain your growth.

Flagship

LIFT Accelerator

12-week program | Spring & Fall cohorts

Our intensive accelerator takes founders from product-market fit to Series A readiness. Mentorship from 50+ industry experts, $25K in cloud credits, and Demo Day in front of 100+ investors.

  • Weekly office hours with domain experts
  • Dedicated workspace at LIFT HQ
  • $25K AWS/Azure/GCP credits
  • Legal & accounting support
Investment $50K for 4% equity
Apply by Jan 15, 2026

Federal FastTrack

8-week program | Rolling admission

Navigate the federal procurement maze. Learn SBIR/STTR applications, meet contracting officers, and connect with DIU, AFWERX, and In-Q-Tel scouts.

  • SBIR/STTR proposal workshops
  • Federal buyer introductions
  • Compliance & security guidance
Learn More

Quantum Launchpad

6-week program | By invitation

For quantum-native startups. Access IonQ and Amazon Braket hardware, connect with NIST and DOE, and prepare for the quantum commercialization wave.

  • Quantum hardware access
  • Research lab partnerships
  • Investor introductions
Express Interest

Community Membership

Annual membership

Join the LIFT community without a formal program. Access coworking space, attend events, and connect with founders, mentors, and investors.

  • Coworking access 24/7
  • Member-only events
  • Mentor matching
Starting at $299/month
Join Community
Community

Built by the People Who've Done It

Our mentor network includes founders who've exited, investors who've deployed capital, and operators who've scaled teams.

"LIFT gave us the federal connections we couldn't have built on our own. Within 6 months, we had our first DoD contract."

SR
Sarah Reynolds CEO, SecureAI (LIFT '24)

"The quantum hardware access was a game-changer. We validated our algorithm on real systems, not just simulators."

MK
Michael Kim CTO, QuantumEdge (LIFT '24)

"I mentor at 3 accelerators. LIFT has the best founder-mentor matching I've seen. Quality over quantity."

AP
Anika Patel Partner, Amplify Ventures

"Loudoun's infrastructure is the secret weapon. 70% of internet traffic means we're literally where the data lives."

JW
James Wilson Founder, DataMesh (LIFT '23)
50+ Active Mentors
$47M Capital Raised by Alumni
89% 3-Year Survival Rate
23 Federal Contracts Won
Events

Connect. Learn. Launch.

JAN 24
Demo Day

Fall 2025 Cohort Showcase

12 startups. 100+ investors. One evening. Watch our Fall cohort present their progress and plans.

Register to attend →
FEB 06
Workshop

SBIR 101: Your First Federal Contract

Learn to navigate federal innovation programs with experts from SBIR.gov.

Save your spot →
FEB 20
Summit

Quantum Commerce Summit

Industry leaders discuss the path from quantum research to commercial applications.

Get tickets →
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Apply

Ready to Build the Future?

Applications for the Spring 2026 cohort close January 15. We're looking for ambitious founders in AI, Quantum, and Defense Tech who are ready to scale.

⏰ Applications close January 15, 2026
🎯 12 spots available in Spring cohort
👥 Join 47 founders already building at LIFT