Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (MAC)

?? Employee Spotlight: Joshua Wills-King ?? As DoD Engagement Manager at SWMAC, Josh Wills-King plays a critical role in accelerating innovation for the warfighter. Since joining in November 2024, he has been instrumental in connecting defense technology startups with rapid solutions to meet the evolving needs of the DoD. With a background in portfolio management at Yellowstone Club and Lone Mountain Land Company in Big Sky, Montana, Josh brings a strategic approach to scaling innovation. As an active reservist in the United States Air Force with the 419th Fighter Wing at Hill AFB, he draws on his experience as a 5th Generation Avionics Specialist to help bridge the gap between emerging technologies and real-world military applications. He is set to promote to Staff Sergeant in the coming months, further solidifying his leadership in defense operations. Josh’s expertise is backed by a Master of Science in Intelligence Analysis from The Johns Hopkins University and intelligence research at University of Cambridge’s CSi. His ability to assess complex defense challenges and align startups with mission-critical needs has made a tangible impact on SWMAC’s initiatives. A Phoenix native, Josh spent much of his childhood exploring the red rock landscapes of Sedona, fueling a lifelong passion for adventure. He combines his analytical mindset and problem-solving skills with expertise in portfolio and asset management, driving innovation to the warfighter where it is needed most. #SWMAC #EmployeeSpotlight #DefenseInnovation #NationalSecurity #DoDEngagement #TechForDefense

Congressional Staffers Visit Southwest MAC to Engage with?Arizona’s Defense Ecosystem ?? Last Wednesday,?Southwest MAC?had the honor of hosting a group of?Congressional staffers, providing them with an inside look at the cutting-edge defense innovations being developed within our ecosystem. During their visit, staffers met with?Drew Trojanowski?and?Angela Roman Aspito, MBA, gaining valuable insights into Southwest MAC’s role in accelerating dual-use technologies. They also had the opportunity to engage directly with?startup founders?who are pioneering new advancements in defense tech. These emerging innovators showcased groundbreaking solutions designed to strengthen national security and enhance defense capabilities. This visit underscores the importance of fostering collaboration between policymakers and?Arizona’s?defense community. By connecting leaders in government with the entrepreneurs driving technological advancements, we continue to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation. We extend our sincere appreciation to the outstanding tech teams that joined us, including Crow Industries, Corvus Industries, ED2 Corporation, FreeFall 5G, Inc, New Use Energy Solutions, Inc. (NUE), Desert Rotor, Rayn Innovations, BKPK Power, and CI-PHER. Additionally, we are grateful for the support of the Arizona Technology Council and Samantha Hiller from the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). Your contributions and engagement are instrumental in driving innovation and advancing defense technology.

? Don’t miss your chance! ? We are excited to be a part of bringing this first-of-its-kind dual-use accelerator to Arizona, in partnership with Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Arizona and Fuel Accelerator! This program helps startups scale commercial and defense applications in cutting-edge technologies. With just one week left to apply, don’t miss your chance to join this prestigious accelerator focused on AI, Energy, and Advanced Communications. Seize the opportunity to be part of this transformative experience! Why Apply? ?? Revenue growth opportunities ?? Customer discovery ↗? Raise capital ?? Exclusive events & training ?? Marketing & branding support ?? Deadline: March 31st! ?? Apply Now: https://lnkd.in/gPKQfZah Darian Harris | Drew Trojanowski | Angela Roman Aspito, MBA | Tom Douglass | Kim Whaley | Albert Behr #FuelX #DefenseTech #Innovation #Spring25Cohort #SWMAC #FuelAZ #DIUOnRampHubAZ

?? SWMAC is heading to AUSA Global Force Symposium & Exposition! ?? We’re excited to have Luke Shabro, our Director of ISR Programs, representing SWMAC at the AUSA Global Force Symposium & Exposition (GFSE)! This premier event, hosted by the Association of the United States Army - AUSA, brings together leaders from the Army, industry, and academia to discuss the continuous transformation of combat formations in an era of rapid technological advancements. GFSE will feature keynotes, panels, and workshops on the Army’s adaptation to emerging threats, new technologies, and modernization. It’s a prime chance to network, gain insights, and shape the future of national security. ?? Want to connect with Luke? Shoot him a DM or find him at the event! Learn more about the event here: https://lnkd.in/gDRbEyWu #AUSAGlobal #DefenseInnovation #SWMAC #NationalSecurity #AUSA2025

?? Employee Spotlight: Thad Marshall ?? We’re excited to welcome Thad Marshall to SWMAC as our Consulting Engagement Manager! Thad joined us on February 1st and has already been making an impact. He brings a unique blend of experience in Sales Engineering, Product Portfolio Strategy, and Systems Development from his time at AT&T. Beyond the corporate world, he has dedicated 12 years as a career reservist, serving as both an Avionics Mechanic and Blackhawk Pilot. With a Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and an MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, Thad’s expertise in product development and road mapping makes him an invaluable asset in helping defense technology startups secure customers and partnerships. We’re thrilled to have Thad on board as he helps drive innovation and strategic growth. Welcome to the team, Thad! ???? #SWMAC #EmployeeSpotlight #WelcomeToTheTeam #Innovation #DefenseTech #Leadership

?? Phoenix Accelerator Alert! ?? Applications are officially open! We are thrilled to be participating in the first-of-its-kind dual-use technology accelerator in Phoenix! This groundbreaking program is designed to support startups innovating in AI, Energy, and Advanced Communications with both commercial and defense applications. Huge shoutout to Fuel Accelerator and Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Arizona for bringing this incredible opportunity together! Apply Here before March 31st! ?? https://lnkd.in/gPKQfZah #Innovation #Phoenix #AI #DefenseTech #Startups ??

?? Aerospace innovation is taking off in Arizona! Join us next week at the Aerospace Innovation Day on March 19th, hosted by Plug and Play Tech Center Arizona, to discover groundbreaking startups shaping the future of space technologies. We’re excited to be attending and look forward to connecting with industry leaders and innovators driving the next wave of space exploration. Jessica Sutton, Drew Trojanowski and Thad Marshall from the SWMAC team will be attending, so come meet them and connect with other leaders in the industry! ??? Tickets are going fast – grab yours here: https://lnkd.in/grV5pKrY Interplanetary Initiative at Arizona State University Arizona State University University of Arizona University of Arizona Space Institute Arizona Commerce Authority Plug and Play Tech Center Arizona Technology Council Greater Phoenix Economic Council Honeywell Honeywell Aerospace Technologies Raytheon Intel Corporation NXP Semiconductors Viasat Northrop Grumman Boeing Virgin Galactic Blue Origin Melissa Lamson Frederik Bohn Tina Phanmanivong Dave Corsaro Dean Simms-Elias #Aerospace #Innovation #Space #Startup #Technology #Arizona #SWMAC #AerospaceInnovationDay #SpaceTech

?? Founders Series: SBIR - Register NOW! ?? The Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Arizona is hosting this Founder Series event, featuring Brent Nichols from NBOUND! If you’re a small business or startup looking to break into the DoD SBIR ecosystem, this is for you! ?? Thursday, April 10th | ? 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM ?? Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (MAC) Learn how to navigate the SBIR process, prepare for new opportunities, and craft winning proposals to take your technology further! ?? Register Now! https://lnkd.in/givhkm8R #FounderSeries #SBIR #DefenseInnovation #TechForDefense #SmallBusiness #DIUHubArizona

?? Exciting Panel at LIFT AZ! ?? We’re thrilled to be part of the Forecasting Future Hotspots panel at LIFT AZ, an exclusive and immersive summit dedicated to taking Arizona’s investment industry to new heights! ?? ?? Happening this Thursday, March 13th, at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, AZ – this one-day event, presented by the Arizona Fund Manager Association, is designed for institutional investors, family offices, private fund managers, and dedicated investment professionals shaping Arizona’s financial future. ?? Don’t miss our panel discussion on why Arizona is the next major investment hotspot! We’ll explore the state’s pro-business climate, growing tech scene, and talent pipeline with insights from top industry leaders: ?? Featured Panelists: ?? Thomas Radic – RevTek Capital ?? Drew Trojanowski – Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (MAC) ?? Jack Selby – AZ-VC ?? Moderated by: ?? Jessica Pacheco – Arizona Board of Regents, AZ-VC ?? Register now to secure your spot: https://lnkd.in/dE6ewDfr We can’t wait to see you there! ?? #LIFTAZ #ArizonaInvestment #Finance #Networking #TechInnovation #SWMAC

?? Innovation, Networking, and Connections Await at the March after5 Tech Mixer!? ?? We’re partnering with the Arizona Technology Council to host the March after5 Tech Mixer in downtown Phoenix at the Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (MAC)! Join us for an exciting evening of networking with some of Arizona’s top innovators, featuring a Tech Rodeo where companies will be showcase their latest cutting-edge technologies. Enjoy great food, drinks, and conversations in our beautiful office. Don’t miss out – join us there! ??? Tech Rodeo Companies Include: Crow Industries - James Crowell Corvus Industries - Malin Crewse LeGrand Crewse ED2 Corporation - Ricardo Platt FreeFall 5G, Inc - Alex Rodriguez New Use Energy Solutions, Inc. (NUE) - Paul Shmotolokha Lee Feliciano John Webber Desert Rotor - Debin Ray Rayn Innovations - Nicole Ray ci-pher - Ryan Cross SpektreWorks, Inc. - Brandon Packman ?? Register now: https://buff.ly/43eh78r #AZTech #TechCommunity #after5TechMixer #ArizonaInnovation #SWMAC