Latest news and announcements from Startup Central
Sep 8, 2025
Startup Central strengthens its technical capabilities with five key engineering hires, including Dr. Badri Tiwari (semiconductor/RF expert from Intel), Norbu Snow-Shiva (technical product manager from Equinix/Amazon), Duke Jones (privacy expert from Sony/Amazon/PGP), and mechanical engineers Cody Brown and Andrew Deros. This world-class team will support entrepreneurs building the future of American manufacturing in Arizona.
The new hires bring deep expertise across semiconductors, photonics, AI model development, enterprise software scaling, blockchain privacy, automation, robotics, and industrial product design. CEO Blake Spurgin emphasized that this engineering talent, combined with state-of-the-art facilities, will truly reindustrialize America by providing hard-tech entrepreneurs with unparalleled technical support.
Jul 28, 2025
Site 1A opens November 1, 2025 with a 40,000 sq ft facility featuring free training programs and strategic cybersecurity partnership with IdentiKey. Chris Morrison joins as first official hire, bringing deep machining expertise. The facility will offer completely free training in CAD design, CNC machining, industrial 3D printing, and fabrication to empower the next generation of builders.
The partnership with IdentiKey deploys quantum-resistant security including dCypher™ homomorphic crypto system, DAIDAM decentralized identity management, and physical security controls. Defense Company One (DCO), Startup Central's first spinout selected for elite international defense challenge, will use these technologies to protect AI-powered electronic warfare pod communications in quantum-threat environments.
Aug 15, 2025
Startup Central launches revolutionary ICO platform to replace archaic VC methods with blockchain-based venture capital solutions. The Start.fun platform represents a new paradigm for funding industrial startups, democratizing access to venture capital through cryptocurrency and smart contracts.
This innovative approach addresses traditional VC limitations by providing transparent, decentralized funding mechanisms for hard-tech entrepreneurs. The platform aligns with Startup Central's mission to reindustrialize America by removing barriers between builders and capital, enabling faster deployment of manufacturing innovations.
May 15, 2025
Startup Central's first spinout company DCO advances to prestigious international defense competition in Canada. DCO develops cutting-edge AI-powered, sensor-fused electronic warfare pods that represent the next generation of battlefield communication and defense systems.
Defense Company One's selection validates Startup Central's approach to nurturing defense technology startups. The company's electronic warfare pods integrate artificial intelligence with advanced sensor fusion, creating sophisticated systems capable of operating in contested electromagnetic environments. This achievement demonstrates the caliber of innovation emerging from Startup Central's ecosystem.
Jun 23, 2025
Opening September 2025, the 75,000 sq ft facility offers 24/7 access to advanced prototyping, private industrial spaces, and expert support. With $1 million in pre-seed funding, memberships start at $299/month, providing entrepreneurs access to CNC mills, welding stations, industrial 3D printers, and high-performance design software without costly equipment purchases.
The facility combines 20,000 sq ft of shared workspace with 35,000+ sq ft of customizable industrial space (1,000-10,000 sq ft units). Essential amenities include shared kitchens, modern restrooms, mini-golf, and dedicated lounge areas. Starting September, Startup Central will invest $25k monthly in No Strings Safe™ funding and $25k in hackathon events. CTO Clay Richardson emphasizes putting 'Adventure back into Venture Capital' to Make America Manufacture Again.