Blue Sky Innovators plans to spend $7 million expanding its Northern Virginia operations and expects to create 175 new jobs. The defense technology company announced the project on March 30, 2026, with Virginia officials presenting it as a win for the state’s defense sector.
What SkyLab is
The money goes into about 20,000 square feet of new space above the firm’s existing Fairfax County office, in Reston. The space will house “SkyLab”, a secure, modular software innovation laboratory built so government customers can work alongside the company’s staff. CEO Tim Tkacz said it reflects a belief that “speed, security, and collaboration must coexist to meet today’s national security challenges.”
Blue Sky describes its work as technological and operational insight for government and commercial clients, covering prototyping, research and development, disruptive technologies, electromagnetic spectrum operations, integration and acquisition. It has staff in five states and counts the Department of War and the intelligence community among its customers.
Who backed it
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority to win the project for the state. Governor Abigail Spanberger approved an $840,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Fairfax County, and the Virginia Jobs Investment Program will fund and support employee training.
Spanberger said that by expanding aggressively in Reston, the company was showing the industry why Virginia leads in a changing economy. Commerce and Trade Secretary Carrie Chenery said SkyLab makes it easier for government and business to collaborate securely. Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey McKay called it a platform that will speed dual-use technologies. Senator Jennifer Boysko welcomed the 175 employees to the 38th District, and Delegate Karen Keys-Gamarra said the expansion sits in the heart of House District 7.
One trade outlet reported that construction was already under way.
Sources
- Blue Sky Innovators Expands Virginia Footprint with $7 Million Investment
- Blue Sky Innovators Expands Northern Virginia Operations with $7M Investment
