Startup Central Sets Soft Launch for Tempe Hub with Free Training and Quantum-Resistant Defense Tech Partnership
Site 1A set to open November 1 to reindustrialize America through hands-on innovation, next-gen manufacturing, and secure infrastructure.
TEMPE, Ariz., July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Startup Central, the nation's first fully integrated startup manufacturing hub and technical venture accelerator, will open its Tempe facility with a soft launch in October to a select group, followed by a grand opening on November 1, 2025. While the site will initially launch at ~40,000 square feet (adjusted from earlier plans due to building modifications) its mission remains unchanged: to reindustrialize America by equipping builders with the tools, space, and systems to take hardware from prototype to production.
Aligning with its mission, Startup Central has named Chris Morrison as its first official hire. A seasoned machinist, he brings deep experience to our training, operating, and building regimen. His appointment underscores the company's commitment to hands-on capability and rigor as we bring this vision to life.
Continuing with its mission to lower the barrier to innovation, Startup Central will launch a completely free in-person training program this fall. Open to engineers, makers, and aspiring founders, the program initially will be for machine operators but eventually will offer hands-on instruction in CAD design, CNC machining, industrial 3D printing, fabrication and more - empowering participants with real-world skills and direct pathways into Arizona's growing hard-tech economy.
The program is designed not just to educate but to activate the next generation of builders - offering practical experience in a professional manufacturing environment, with access to industry-standard tools and mentorship from working engineers.
To further enable safe and scalable innovation, Startup Central and its first startup spinout, Defense Company One (DCO), have announced a strategic cybersecurity partnership with IdentiKey, a post-quantum cryptography company with offices in Tempe and Berkeley.
Through this collaboration, Startup Central will deploy IdentiKey's suite of quantum-resistant identity and access control technologies, including:
- dCypher™ - a fully homomorphic crypto system that enables proxy Recryption™ for secure data, storage, exchange, and processing.
- DAIDAM - Decentralized Agent Identity and Dynamic Access Management.
- Physical security and identity access controls for sensitive manufacturing and defense applications
- Fully Homomorphic Computation.
These tools will protect both Startup Central's industrial infrastructure and DCO's advanced defense technologies. DCO - recently selected for an elite international defense technology challenge in Canada - develops AI-powered, sensor-fused electronic warfare pods, and will rely on IdentiKey's platform to safeguard its battlefield communications in quantum-threat environments.
Startup Central's Tempe site combines communal prototyping space with private industrial suites, amenities for growing teams, and a long-term plan to scale alongside Arizona's manufacturing and defense innovation corridors.
Memberships, leasing inquiries, and apprenticeship applications are now open. Interested founders, engineers, and product developers can learn more at www.startupcentral.build, or follow @startupcentral.build on Instagram and @1startupcentral on X for updates.
Media Contact:
Mary Elizabeth Elkordy
[email protected]
SOURCE Startup Central
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