# Houston Startup HTX Labs Secures $5.8M Air Force Contract for | TX Biz News | USLege

> Houston Startup HTX Labs Secures $5.8M Air Force Contract for AI-Powered Training

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# Houston Startup HTX Labs Secures $5.8M Air Force Contract for | TX Biz News

Houston Startup HTX Labs Secures $5.8M Air Force Contract for AI-Powered Training

TXBIZNEWS May 1, 2025

This article is preserved from the TXBIZNEWS archive. [Read the complete original issue](https://uslege.beehiiv.com/p/txbiznews-1e00b5363b8f4e11). For current coverage, read [The Political Spotlight](/newsletters).

[HTX Labs](https://htxlabs.com/?utm_source=www.txlege.news&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=txbiznews&_bhlid=5a28c33dd78d24bcd89629d3b0b25ebf210448a7), 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!

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