PenFed Names September 2026 Veteran Startup Cohort

The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes has named 12 businesses for its September 2026 Veteran Entrepreneur Program cohort, spanning healthcare, AI, consumer products, housing and workforce training. The free accelerator starts with four days of in-person programming in San Antonio, Texas, followed by six weeks of virtual mentorship. Founders receive guidance on marketing, brand strategy, communications and investor pitching, while the foundation takes no equity in participating businesses. The cohort includes companies led by veterans and military spouses at different stages, from early prototypes to commercial expansion.

Free Support For Founders

The program is designed for veteran and military spouse founders who own or lead companies. Its San Antonio location brings the cohort together in a city with a large veteran community before the virtual mentorship period begins.

“San Antonio has one of the largest veteran communities in the country, making it a natural place to bring together veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs who are building businesses that are making a positive impact,”

“Over the next several weeks, we’re giving these entrepreneurs the tools, connections and guidance they need to strengthen their businesses and take the next step toward growth.”

Products And Technology

Budee Systems, founded by U.S. military veteran Freddy Ali, developed Bottle Budee, a U.S.-made modular carry platform for military personnel, first responders, tradespeople and outdoor enthusiasts. The product supports sling, waist, holster and mounted carry configurations without changing bags, and the company is in final production validation and quality assurance ahead of commercial expansion.

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Jordan Clayton created Capiro, an AI-native operating system for government affairs firms. It can automate preparation, submission, tracking and management of congressional funding requests, appropriations packages and advocacy campaigns. The company has increased engagement with advocacy organizations and generated early investor interest.

ClearPath IP Holdings, founded by U.S. Air Force veteran Justin Mahan, runs the CompassIP and CaptureIP AI platforms. The tools help entrepreneurs evaluate ideas, navigate intellectual property, develop patent strategies and identify commercialization paths.

Air Force spouse Kristina Spencer founded Essential EA + AI Storm OS, which brings information from email, calendars, customer databases and financial tools into one system. It is intended to help organizations identify priorities, assign ownership and plan next steps.

Health And Care Services

U.S. Navy veteran Dr. Craig Coleman started Coleman Health Services to support continuity of care for people managing chronic conditions. The company combines clinical expertise with responsible AI, patient conversations and nurse-led follow-up to help care teams identify health changes that may need attention between appointments.

Air Force veteran Michael Bankowski founded Prosperous Robotics, which is developing rehabilitation robotics and software for patients, caregivers and healthcare providers. Its products are intended to provide more personalized support for mobility and independence.

U.S. Coast Guard and combat veteran Kashyap Patel co-founded Safe Haven Senior Advisors, a no-cost service for families considering senior living communities. The company assesses care needs, lifestyle preferences and financial considerations, and has built relationships with more than 30 senior living communities. It continues to grow its presence in the Charlotte, North Carolina, market.

Founded by U.S. Army veterans Thomas Lambert and Braydon Welch, Venora AI automates insurance checking for dental practices. The platform provides coverage and benefits information before appointments, with the aim of reducing staff administration, identifying eligible care and avoiding claim issues.

Operations And Workforce Tools

Army spouse Emi Kordenbrock founded CuraTech Outdoor Systems, which is developing connected-sensor technology for outdoor property maintenance. The system uses existing irrigation infrastructure to manage watering, fertilizing and pest control. CuraTech has five systems in production and reserved by irrigation contractors, three signed letters of intent and an end-to-end prototype ahead of a planned first-quarter 2027 launch.

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Garrett Connolly founded Connolly Aerial Services and its Drone Ace Academy, an FAA Part 107 training program. The company trains students in practical drone operating skills for field work, drawing on Connolly’s experience with military, government, public safety and commercial operators.

U.S. Army veteran Mike White started Point Ref, which is developing computer vision and court-side systems to review pickleball line calls. The company has used its technology at four live events, including the Tennessee State Games, USA Pickleball Golden Ticket in Seattle and PickleCon in Kansas City.

TDY Rentals, founded by U.S. Army Reserve veteran Steve Buchanan, lets business travelers customize temporary living arrangements around their needs, preferences and budget while the company manages stay logistics. After building its model in the government temporary-duty market, it is expanding to long-term business travelers nationwide.

Applications Are Open

The Veteran Entrepreneur Program is free for participants, and the foundation does not take equity in their companies. Veterans and military spouses interested in future cohorts can apply through the program’s website.