ROME, N.Y. — May 1, 2026 — Griffiss Institute (GI) awarded $550,000 in innovation funding on April 30, 2026 during its HUSTLE Defense Accelerator Pitch Day hosted at the Innovare Advancement Center, supporting startups developing next-generation capabilities for the U.S. Air Force’s Command, Control, Communications, and Battle Management (C3BM) mission.
HUSTLE: Helping Upstate Science and Technology Leaders and Entrepreneurs is designed to connect early-stage dual-use technology companies with operational defense needs. Through direct collaboration with Air Force Research Laboratory Information and Spectrum Warfare Directorate (AFRL), the program provides founders with access to technical expertise, mission context, and pathways to transition technology into defense applications.
GI’s HUSTLE Defense Accelerator is supported through funding from Empire State Development and National Grid, with additional support from AFRL.
“New York is uniquely positioned at the intersection of innovation and national security,” said Hope Knight, President, CEO, and Commissioner of Empire State Development. “By supporting programs like Griffiss Institute’s HUSTLE accelerator, we are helping emerging companies translate cutting-edge technologies into real-world applications while building a stronger, more resilient innovation economy across the state.”
The Cohort 5 accelerator focused on two priority areas identified by the Air Force:
- Artificial intelligence supporting human decision-making in command and control
- Command and control of AI-enabled autonomous systems
Five companies, selected from a national pool, completed the program:
Archangel Response Corp. (Syracuse, New York)
Develops AI systems to support decision-making in contested and communication-degraded environments.
AugSense (Aurora, Colorado)
Builds AI-enabled sensor and edge computing platforms for real-time situational awareness.
Full Spectrum Research (Taberg, New York)
Designs secure, hardware-integrated AI systems for resilient command-and-control operations.
QuantumAstra (Frisco, Texas)
Develops compact quantum sensing technologies for defense and navigation applications.
Vigilare AI (Syracuse, New York)
Creates AI-driven systems to support real-time drone operations and mission guidance.
During the program, companies worked directly with AFRL subject-matter experts while advancing customer discovery, refining technical applications, and preparing for defense acquisition pathways. The accelerator culminated in live pitch presentations evaluated by defense, industry, and investment stakeholders.
“Accelerating the transition of emerging technologies into operational capability is critical to maintaining our nation’s advantage,” said Dr. Michael Hayduk, Deputy Director of the Air Force Research Laboratory Information and Spectrum Warfare Directorate in Rome, NY. “Programs like HUSTLE strengthen the connection between innovators and the mission, enabling us to evaluate, refine, and advance technologies that directly support the warfighter.”
Funding awards were distributed to participating companies following a technical evaluation and pitch review.
As part of the program, participating companies commit to establishing a presence in New York State for at least one year, thereby reinforcing regional economic development and strengthening the Mohawk Valley’s role in national defense innovation.
“HUSTLE accelerates more than companies; it accelerates capability,” said Seth Mulligan, Chief Ventures Officer at Griffiss Institute. “By connecting founders directly with AFRL and mission partners, we are advancing technologies that matter to the mission and positioning them for real-world impact.”
Since its launch in 2022, HUSTLE has supported 37 startups, with several companies establishing operations in Rome, New York, and others gaining national and international recognition, including participation in NATO’s DIANA program.
Companies will continue working with AFRL and regional partners to mature their technologies and pursue Department of War opportunities following the accelerator.
Funding Awards
Following live pitch presentations and technical evaluation, awards were distributed as follows:
AugSense (Aurora, Colorado): $155,000
Vigilare AI (Syracuse, New York): $150,000
QuantumAstra (Frisco, Texas): $125,000
Archangel Response Corp. (Syracuse, New York): $75,000
Full Spectrum Research (Taberg, New York): $45,000
Media Contact:
Carrie Klepadlo
Communications Strategist
Griffiss Institute
cklepadlo@griffissinstitute.org
