Governor in Herndon Today to Celebrate Launch of New 'Cybersecurity Accelerator'

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell will be in Herndon Thursday to attend a special event celebrating the launch of Mach37, a new "cybersecurity accelerator" based at the Center for Innovative Technology.

In essence, Mach37 is an incubator of sorts, that will host eight to 10 companies twice a year for 90-day sessions, helping them to develop and hone their presentations for potential investors.

Being located so close to the federal government, and in the tech-savvy area of the Dulles Corridor, Mach37 will help foster the creation of new companies devoted to cyber security and defense.

"The Mach37 Accelerator is an intensive, 90-day program that transforms innovative cybersecurity product ideas into validated, investment-grade, early-stage companies that are positioned to provide the next generation of cybersecurity technologies," the company explains on its website. 

"Acceptance into the Accelerator is highly competitive, with only a handful of companies achieving acceptance for each of the spring and fall cohort sessions."

The company promises to deliver "strong development value" for early-stage companies "through access to an extensive network of cybersecurity professionals, investors and early technology adopters who are committed to improving cyber defense and security through innovation."

At the completion of each session, the "cohort companies" will present to professional investors to secure company funding.

The company adds, "Mach37 companies are members for life, with ongoing access to network resources and growth support."

Earlier this year, Virginia's General Assembly, supported by Gov. McDonnell, appropriated $2.5 million to the Center for Innovative Technology to start and operate Mach37 for two years, after which the accelerator will secure private funding.

According to a news release, Mach37 is the nation’s first public-private sector cyber accelerator program. 

What do you think of the concept behind Mach37? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

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