Aerospace & Defense

The purpose of the fund is to spur and accelerate the growth of defense innovation-focused companies at various levels of revenue and funding stages during the startup lifecycle. It’s designed to grow with the company as it scales, supplementing growth during the timeliest need in the startup lifecycle. Grants will be awarded through an application process and on a case-by-case basis for up to $50K.

Startups with a focus on defense innovation interested in having operations in Round Rock are encouraged to apply. Companies will be evaluated by a team of industry experts to determine grant amounts.

More than 159,000 veterans with security access live in the region. Companies have access to resources for hiring veterans, military and military spouses. The DOD SkillBridge program connects service members with industry partners for real-world job experiences during the last 180 days of their service.  Hiring Our Heroes connects the military community—service members, military spouses, and veterans—with businesses for on-the-job-training. The Texas Veterans Commission assists employers by serving as the link between companies and qualified Texas veterans.

Located only 50 miles from Round Rock, Fort Hood is the Army’s premier installation to train and deploy heavy forces. A 214,968-acre installation, Fort Hood is the only post in the United States capable of stationing and training two armored divisions. Round Rock’s proximity to Fort Hood offers companies access to an abundant workforce and access to the military. In addition, Camp Mabry, headquarters to the Texas Military Department and Air National Guard, is located 15 miles south of Round Rock.

Round Rock serves as a central location to access transformative research, testing and innovation programs. Austin Community College’s Army Futures Command Software Factory, the first soldier-led software factory for the Army, provides a training pipeline for soldiers. Less than two hours away, Texas A&M’s Rellis Campus is a education, research and testing institution which includes the Bush Combat Development Complex. With an office in Austin, the Defense Innovation Unit strengthens national security by accelerating the adoption of commercial technology throughout the military. Additionally innovation resources include AFWERX and Bunker Labs.

Headquartered in downtown Austin, Army Futures Command (AFC) leads the transformation and modernization of the Army. AFC works with entrepreneurs, scientists, academia and businesses to employ the best solution for soldiers. In addition to its headquarters in downtown Austin, AFC’s Resource Operations Center with more than 200 people is located in Round Rock on Dell Technologies’ campus.

Round Rock and the State of Texas offers a variety of economic incentives that are considered on a case-by-case basis for aerospace and defense companies considering a relocation or expansion into the market. Incentives are performance-based and tied to job creation, capital investment and average wages, among other factors.

Texas also imposes no corporate or individual income tax, allowing for companies to grow their bottom line and allowing employees to enjoy a high-value quality of life.