FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cedar Park Expands Partnership with Plug and Play Tech Center to Launch Aerospace & Defense Vertical

Cedar Park, Texas — April 24, 2026 — The Cedar Park Economic Development Corporation (EDC) today announced the renewal and expansion of its strategic partnership with Plug and Play Tech Center, adding Aerospace & Defense as a second industry vertical within its innovation platform. This expansion builds on the success of the existing program and positions Cedar Park as a leading hub for next-generation technologies supporting national defense and the rapidly evolving space economy.

The addition of Aerospace & Defense comes at a pivotal time for Cedar Park, as the region experiences accelerated growth in advanced manufacturing, aerospace innovation, and defense-related industries. Through this enhanced partnership, Cedar Park will serve as a central node for startups, corporate partners, and investors focused on dual-use technologies, national security applications, and space commercialization.

“This expansion represents a strategic evolution of our innovation ecosystem,” said Arthur Jackson, Chief Economic Development Officer for the City of Cedar Park. “By adding Aerospace & Defense as a dedicated vertical, we are aligning our platform with the industries that are not only shaping the future of our economy but are also critical to national security. Our partnership with Plug and Play allows us to attract and scale high-impact companies while directly supporting the infrastructure and innovation pipeline we are building through the Central Texas Spaceport Development Corporation.”

The enhanced program will directly complement the mission and development of the Central Texas Spaceport Development Corporation (CTSDC), which is actively working to establish a premier space and defense innovation campus for the region. The integration of Plug and Play’s global network with Cedar Park’s physical infrastructure strategy creates a comprehensive ecosystem—from early-stage innovation to advanced testing and commercialization.

“This next phase of our partnership with Cedar Park reflects the city’s commitment to building a world-class innovation environment,” said Kevin Farjallah, Director of the Cedar Park Plug and Play office. “The addition of Aerospace & Defense strengthens our ability to connect startups with industry leaders, capital, and real-world deployment opportunities. Cedar Park is uniquely positioned to lead in this space, and we are excited to continue accelerating innovation alongside the EDC and corporate partners.”

Through this expanded vertical, Cedar Park and Plug and Play will focus on sourcing and scaling companies across key sectors including aerospace systems, defense technologies, advanced materials, AI-driven security applications, and space infrastructure. The program will also deepen engagement with corporate partners, government stakeholders, and research institutions to drive commercialization and job creation.

As Cedar Park continues to build momentum in the space and defense sectors, this partnership reinforces the city’s long-term strategy to develop a globally competitive ecosystem anchored by innovation, infrastructure, and talent.

About the Cedar Park Economic Development Corporation
The Cedar Park Economic Development Corporation is dedicated to promoting economic growth and enhancing quality of life in Cedar Park, Texas. Through strategic partnerships, targeted incentives, and innovation-driven initiatives, the EDC supports the recruitment, retention, and expansion of high-impact industries.

About Plug and Play Tech Center
Plug and Play is a global innovation platform that connects startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Plug and Play operates programs across multiple industry verticals worldwide, helping to accelerate innovation and drive meaningful partnerships.

Media Contact:
Contact: Dan Sousa, Community Affairs Assistant Director

737-222-0098, daniel.sousa@cedarparktexas.gov

Cedar Park Economic Development Corporation