Federal Laboratory Consortium Partners With the National APEX Accelerator Alliance to Increase Collaboration Between Federal Labs and Small Businesses
(WASHINGTON, DC - January 29, 2026) –The Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer (FLC) recently established a strategic partnership with the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX). The FLC’s mission — promoting federal laboratory technologies, providing professional development opportunities for federal laboratory employees, and offering industry networking events — aligns strategically with NAPEX’s role as the national organization representing APEX Accelerators, the Department of Defense-funded program that helps small businesses and industry navigate government procurement and strengthen the nation’s supply chain.
Through its national network, NAPEX serves as a key interface between industry and government acquisitions, working to help companies find and pursue opportunities via market research, outreach, and business advising and training. The goal of this partnership is to strengthen the connection points between federal laboratories and innovators supported by NAPEX, creating new avenues for collaboration and technology commercialization.
“The FLC is overjoyed to partner with NAPEX,” says FLC CEO Paul Zielinski. “Our interest in providing a public benefit and boosting economic development in the federal technology transfer space is complemented by the work of NAPEX to make those essential connections in our industry. We are excited to build on our partnership and improve the strength of the federal technology transfer innovation ecosystem.”
“NAPEX is uniquely positioned to shape the future of the nation’s government contracting landscape,” says NAPEX President Frank Dixon. “Through an unmatched national ecosystem, NAPEX serves as a critical conduit between government and business while delivering strategic insight, advanced training, and powerful advocacy for its members and partners. This platform unlocks opportunity, strengthens public-private collaboration, and builds a more resilient and competitive industrial base. In doing so, NAPEX contributes to accelerating innovation, fueling economic growth, and reinforces the foundation of America’s national and economic security.”
The partnership is outlined in a three-year Memorandum of Understanding that details mutually constructive initiatives, including the FLC attending NAPEX’s Annual Conference in Orlando in 2026.
About the FLC:
The FLC is a formally chartered, nationwide network of more than 300 federal laboratories, agencies, and research centers that foster commercialization best practice strategies and opportunities for accelerating federal technologies from out of the labs and into the marketplace. To learn more, visit www.federallabs.org.
About NAPEX:
The National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) and its members are the nation's leading interface between small businesses, industry, and government acquisitions — matching companies, and their products and services to all domestic government needs via market research, outreach, and business advising and training. Funded in part by the Department of Defense, APEX Accelerators serve as the axis for existing and new businesses to strengthen the defense industrial base by accelerating innovation, fostering ingenuity, and establishing resilient and diverse supply chains. No-cost services include procurement technical assistance, government contracting trainings, and connect events with government and industry representatives. The national association coordinates procurement development initiatives, promotes high professional standards, collaborates with strategic partners, and champions a shared mission, vision, and core values across the entire APEX Accelerator network. Learn more at www.napex.us.