VEI accelerator selects its initial cohort of 9 veteran-led firms

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An Orlando-based incubator program geared toward veteran-led or supported tech companies has named its inaugural cohort.

Among the nine businesses set to take part are those in robotics automation, asset management, brain health tracking, AI-driven insights for patient care and more.

SPEAR Accelerator, a program of the Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative, launches formally in early 2025.

Among the nine businesses selected are two based in Orlando, one in Satellite Beach and Punta Gorda and five others from across the country.

The first version of the no-cost, no-equity SPEAR will focus on businesses in the health industry.

Here are the businesses that will navigate the first cohort:

The accelerator’s stated goal is to help veteran-led businesses scale. More than 30 companies applied.

“The response to this program was more than we had anticipated, as there are so many veterans supporting innovation in so many incredible ways,” said Ricardo Garcia, VEI co-founder and director of programs. “Selecting this group of companies was not easy considering the types of businesses who submitted.”

SPEAR represents a collaboration of the VEI and Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Bioengineering, Innovation and Design. It will provide curriculum, mentorship and resources.

“We’re honored to support these remarkable veteran-led startups as they push the boundaries of health technology,” said Adler Archer, principal investigator of ARCHER Lab at Johns Hopkins University. “Through this partnership, we’re not only giving back to veterans but also advancing healthcare by supporting pioneering ideas in AI, neurotechnology, and digital health.”

The first cohort has representation from veterans of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps.

The program will kick off with a two-day bootcamp in Orlando on Feb. 6 and 7. A 12-week run of virtual workshops will lead into a two-day demo event on May 7 and 8.

Orlando Tech News will be covering the group closely as the cohort moves forward.

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