If you’re looking to join a company in the Washington, DC region then you’ve found the right place. We’ve scoured the local landscape to spotlight cutting-edge startups that are poised for growth. These companies aren’t just innovating in their fields – they’re gearing up to shape the future of their industries.
In order from smallest to largest in size, we’ll break down what makes each of these companies stand out and give you insight into where they’re headed next.
Whether you’re following emerging trends or planning your next career move, these are the DC innovators worth watching closely.
Scout Space
- Industry: Defense & Space
- Location: Hybrid (Office in Reston, VA)
- Company Size: 10-25
- Year Founded: 2019
What’s their mission?
Scout Space aims to enhance space safety and sustainability by providing advanced in-space observation services that deliver comprehensive Space Domain Awareness (SDA).
The company focuses on solving critical problems related to space security, such as collision avoidance, tracking space debris, and enhancing the visibility of space activities. Their technology is designed to ensure that operators can see, understand, and act on what’s happening in space, thereby preventing incidents that could lead to the loss of valuable assets or even human lives.
Want to learn more about the company? Tune into this interview with CEO, Philip Hover-Smoot.
What are they building?
Scout’s Plug & Play optical payload system packages integrate seamlessly with spacecraft and satellites for added on-orbit in-space visibility capabilities from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to the Cislunar Domain. They enable space missions to achieve satellite autonomy, space domain awareness, data analysis, and self protect.
Find out what their employees are saying:
“Scout Space is developing space situational awareness solutions during this time when the Earth’s orbital environment is rapidly becoming congested. I am excited to join the growing team at Scout ensuring a safer and more sustainable future.”
“Space sustainability is vital to the preservation of our modern lives, while the growing demand in space necessitates the urgent need for space domain awareness. Scout Space is driving innovation in SDA and pushing for a future I’d like to see. I am honored to join Scout Space and push for that future with them.”
“Space Domain Awareness is essential for maintaining safe and sustainable satellite operations. Space has always been my passion, and I’m looking forward to supporting Scout Space’s mission to pursue innovation and excellence in SDA!”
Interested in joining the team? Explore their open roles.
Varada Consulting
- Industry: Information Technology & Services
- Location: Remote, Hybrid, and In-Office opportunities available Nationwide (HQ in Vienna, VA)
- Company Size: 25-50
- Year Founded: 2019
About the company.
Varada Consulting (WOSB, SDB) is a dynamic force in federal solutions, utilizing data-driven strategies and emerging technologies across five key areas: Cloud Solutions, DevSecOps, AI/ML Data Analytics, Agile Software Development, and Cybersecurity. Serving the Department of Defense, Varada’s mission is to empower the government and military with innovative solutions that simplify, enhance, and enrich their work.
With deep expertise, Varada has developed proprietary products and methodologies tailored to federal agencies’ unique challenges. This includes the Tactical Edge Toolkit: BEDDE (on-demand cloud infrastructure for tactical operations) and BEDDE-IHX (portable hardware infrastructure with edge-ready capabilities), designed for secure, scalable cloud deployments. Additionally, products like SoftwareX (a customizable Software Factory as a Service), JIVA360 (an AI-powered data intelligence platform), and Limber (an agile project management tool) optimize front-line capabilities using automation, AI, and machine learning.
What problems are they solving?
Varada Consulting addresses the complex challenges in federal IT, particularly within military operations, by delivering cutting-edge technology and streamlined processes. They focus on providing scalable and agile solutions, ensuring that warfighters and federal personnel can access vital information anytime, anywhere—even in air-gapped or disconnected settings. By leveraging automation, AI, and machine learning, Varada strengthens operational capabilities, equipping military personnel with the tools needed for any mission. Their suite of products, which includes zero-trust security measures, supports secure, rapid deployments while safeguarding sensitive information. Working closely with clients such as the Army, Navy, Defense Health Agency, and Veterans Affairs, Varada customizes its services to meet the evolving demands of modern defense environments.
What’s the culture like?
Varada places a strong emphasis on valuing employees, ensuring they feel heard and empowered to pursue their passions. The company fosters a fun, family-like environment where team members can thrive together, driven by a shared mission to make an impact. This commitment is evident in initiatives like unlimited tuition reimbursement, which promotes career development and continuous learning.
A strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, Varada recognizes the unique perspectives that a diverse workforce brings to solving complex problems. With many team members being military veterans, the company values the experience and dedication veterans bring to the table, aligning with its mission-focused work in federal and defense sectors. This dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment ensures that every employee feels motivated to excel, understanding that investing in their team ultimately leads to greater success for their clients.
Here are just a few team highlights:
- 100% coverage of medical, dental, and vision benefits
- 35% of their workforce is comprised of veterans
- 78% of their workforce is diverse
Want to join? Take a look at their open roles and apply!
Origin AI
- Industry: Wi-Fi Sensing AI
- Location: Hybrid (Office in Rockville, MD)
- Company Size: 50-75
- Year Founded: 2012
What problems are they solving?
Origin AI is all about making homes smarter, safer, and more secure through innovative WiFi sensing technology.
Their product, TruPresence™, enables internet service providers and security companies to transform standard smart devices into advanced virtual sensors. This creates an intelligent home ecosystem that enhances security, connectivity, and convenience. TruPresence™ excels at verifying human presence while filtering out non-human motion, like pets or fans. This capability allows for reliable home security, automation, activity insights, and wellness monitoring – all without the need for costly additional hardware.
Origin AI is redefining what it means to live in a connected home. Find out how the product works:
About the company culture.
Origin AI is deeply committed to the professional development of its employees. They host weekly in-house Dev Trainings and have created an internal “Origin University” that educates employees on their company tech, tech stack, company history, and the WiFi sensing industry.
Employees also benefit from tuition reimbursement and an annual Continued Learning Stipend, which they can use to explore classes, seminars, or programs in areas relevant to their work or areas they’d like to develop further. The company also promotes a positive work environment through its monthly peer recognition program, where employees nominate one another to give ‘Kudos’ for exceptional contributions.
This team is also a strong proponent of employee health and wellness. They host an annual Mindfulness Month, offering tools and group engagements focused on mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and mental health. In their 2024 employee satisfaction survey, 100% of respondents stated that “Origin provides and promotes a healthy work-life balance” – a reflection of their ongoing commitment to employee well-being. They achieve this through benefits like their Flexible Time Off policy, hybrid positions, a “Summer Fridays” program, and a weeklong ‘Winter Shutdown’ from December 25th to January 1st.
Additionally, their parallel parental leave program ensures both gestational and non-gestational parents receive several weeks of fully paid leave to welcome new family members. And when employees are in the office, they can even bring their dogs, thanks to a recently instituted ‘Bring Your Dog to Work’ policy inspired by an employee who had just adopted a puppy – a fitting perk for a company involved in tech that monitors home environments!
Taking care of employees is a top priority at Origin AI. The company walks the walk by offering 85% paid health benefits, no-cost dental and vision, and a 5% company match for 401k, which is vested immediately. They also prioritize regular employee engagement through monthly activities, quarterly reviews, and a strong commitment to asking for and utilizing employee feedback to continuously improve the work environment.
Recent achievements.
Origin AI has recently made waves by participating in a Hubraum event focused on WiFi sensing. Their involvement showcases the company’s commitment to staying at the forefront of tech and positions them as a key player in advancing smart home technology. On top of that, they also have more than 130 filed patents and numerous industry awards.
With each milestone, Origin AI continues to push boundaries and redefine the standards of home security and automation.
Curious about joining the team? Check out their job openings.
CaryHealth
- Industry: Healthcare
- Location: HQ in Washington, DC
- Company Size: 50-100
- Year Founded: 2017
About the company.
CaryHealth’s mission is to empower healthcare professionals with the tools they need to deliver the best possible care. By leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies, CaryHealth tackles pressing challenges in the healthcare system.
They strive to ensure that clinicians can access critical information quickly and efficiently, enabling informed decision-making and optimizing patient outcomes. Their approach is not just about technology; it’s about transforming the healthcare landscape to make it more responsive, collaborative, and cost-effective.
Achievements and Milestones.
CaryHealth has recently made waves in the industry, earning recognition for its innovative impact. The company proudly ranks No. 82 on the Inc. 5000 Best in Business list, highlighting its rapid growth and dedication to enhancing patient care through optimized workflows. Additionally, CaryHealth clinched the No. 1 spot for best business in artificial intelligence in Washington D.C., and the No. 2 spot nationwide.
These achievements underscore the company’s leadership in developing cutting-edge AI solutions and its unwavering commitment to excellence within the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.
Where is the company heading?
Looking ahead, CaryHealth is poised for exciting growth. With a suite of advanced products like OneDash, Clair, CaryConnect, and CaryRx, the company is focused on forging partnerships with key players in the healthcare industry, including pharmaceutical manufacturers, health plans, and health systems. CaryHealth also aims to expand its technology to benefit students, educators, and professionals. Future initiatives may include tools for medical education and training, further revolutionizing the industry through AI-driven technology.
CaryHealth is committed to ongoing research and development, continuously refining its technologies to incorporate the latest advancements in AI and data analytics. By building strategic partnerships, the company is creating a robust network that enhances resource sharing and improves healthcare delivery. With a vision of shaping a healthier future for all, CaryHealth remains dedicated to transforming health outcomes and enriching lives on a global scale.
CaryHealth is hiring! Check out their career opportunities.
Here at hatch I.T., we’re passionate about helping tech professionals land their next role. If you’re looking for more technical openings at an exciting tech company, check out our collection of technical career opportunities.
