NOVA in NOLA is taking a dozen local startups to Collision

With SXSW in the books, economic development groups are looking toward the next chance to put local startups on a big stage.

To showcase Northern Virginia, groups from Arlington and Alexandria are joining up to take a group of companies to Collision later this month.

According to a news release, the groups will head to the big tech conference that attracts thousands of attendees under the banner of NOVA in NOLA. Formally, it’s a partnership between the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP) and Arlington Economic Development (AED).

They want 12 startups to join the delegation. Startups will be evaluated on “current status, future needs, and potential impact on the region.” The startups in the cohort receive a fully-sponsored startup booth at the conference.

“The goal at the conference is to match Northern Virginia emerging startups with the connections, funding, and partners they need to reach the next stage of their business,” a release from the two groups states.

Last year, startups including Ataata, Breezio and Upace, took part in a cohort from Alexandria. This year’s companies are expected to be announced in early April.