Tampa Bay Wave receives grant for new DefenseTech accelerator
August 26, 2026 - Tampa Bay Wave has received a $1.38 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to launch the Tampa Bay DefenseTech Innovation Accelerator. According to a prepared statement, the initiative is "designed to address the most urgent capability gaps facing the U.S. military." Tampa Bay Wave has also received financial support from Hillsborough County, Pasco County, the City of Tampa, University of South Florida Institute of Applied Engineering and the National Center for Responsible Government Contracting for the effort. The "full project is expected to cost over $1.7 million."