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Houston Startup HTX Labs Secures $5.8M Air Force Contract for AI-Powered Training
HTX Labs, a Houston-based extended reality startup, has been awarded a $5.8 million U.S. Air Force contract to deliver AI-enabled immersive training for the Maine Air National Guard’s 101st Air Refueling Wing Maintenance Squadron, the company announced on April 17, 2025. The project focuses on maintaining the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker’s F-108 engines.
The Details:
Training Scope: HTX Labs will use its Empact platform to create a virtual classroom with AI-driven analytics for personalized training.
Partnership: The initiative builds on prior work with the KC-135, following a Small Business Innovation Research Phase 2 project.
Funding Type: The contract, a Strategic Funding Increase (STRATIFI), supports mission readiness for complex repairs.
DoD History: HTX Labs has secured 30 contracts since 2019, totaling $45 million.
Why It Matters:
Defense tech remains a stable sector amid government spending cuts, with Texas firms increasingly pivoting to this space. HTX Labs’ AI tools help optimize high-skill training, enhancing operational preparedness.
Bottom Line:
HTX Labs’ latest contract strengthens Houston’s role in defense tech, leveraging AI to modernize Air Force training.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
🎙️ New Bills & Business Podcast Episode Drops Tomorrow! 🎙️
Get ready for a powerful and urgent conversation as Laura Carr, Co-Founder of USLege sits down with Andrea Sparks, Co-Founder of Not on Our Watch Texas and Director of Government Relations at Buckner International. 🚨👩⚖️
— USLege (@USLege_ai)
9:00 PM • Apr 30, 2025
🤝 Texas Venture Forum & Gala May 28–29
USLege is headed to the Texas Venture Forum & Gala May 28–29, sponsoring, speaking, and podcasting live from the floor. Join us for the conference and gala at the intersection of tech and government.
🎙️We Have a Podcast! 🎙️
Bills and Business is your go-to podcast for conversations related to Texas legislation and business. Hosted by Laura Carr, Co-Founder of USLege—an AI-driven legislative tracking software—we bring you in-depth analysis on economic trends, impactful legislation, and key developments shaping Texas business.

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USLege helps you track legislation and find what you need faster from bills, committee hearings, floor debates, and state agency meetings faster.
Say goodbye to tedious tasks!
🤝 Texas Association of Business 📈

Texas Association of Business (TAB) is the Texas State Chamber, representing companies of every size and industry. TAB’s purpose is to champion the best business climate in the world, unleashing the power of free enterprise to enhance lives for generations.