Avionics and Aerospace Engineering Company Turns Innovation into Opportunity

Arinc Instruments Inc. of Hillsborough County

For more than two decades, Sammy Cartright built a career developing advanced technologies for some of the nation’s largest defense and aerospace companies. But when he launched Arinc Instruments Inc., his vision extended beyond creating another product for the market. He wanted to solve problems that had long challenged the aerospace industry.

Today, the Florida-based startup is gaining traction with innovative avionics technology while leveraging the guidance and connections provided by the Florida APEX Accelerator at Pinellas County Economic Development to expand its reach and capabilities.

“We were aiming at creating a product that actually helps other aerospace products regardless of the platform,” Cartright said. “A product that does a lot of different things.”

Unlike many startups that begin with outside investment, Arinc Instruments was launched without investor backing. To generate revenue while developing its technology, the company initially provided engineering services to organizations awarded federal Small Business Innovation Research, or SBIR, contracts.

Over time, those efforts helped support the development of the company’s own product line. Today, Arinc Instruments manufactures a ground support station product that is already being sold commercially and is preparing to introduce a flight-certified version attracting significant interest from military and aerospace organizations.

Cartright describes the company’s technology as a versatile solution designed to help aircraft operators modernize existing systems without replacing expensive equipment.

One example is flight data recorders. When operators need to add new sensors or capabilities, existing recorders often lack sufficient inputs, forcing costly equipment replacements. Arinc Instruments’ technology provides a way to expand those capabilities while preserving current systems.

“With Arinc Instruments’ product, you can actually put in our products. It will allow the flight recorder to connect to a lot more inputs than it already has,” Cartright said. “You can preserve your existing avionics, preserve your existing products, and actually grow it without throwing it away.”

While building cutting-edge technology comes naturally to Cartright, navigating government contracting and business development required additional support.

“As an entrepreneur, I’m very technical. I’m not as much of a businessperson,” he said. “I rely on the Florida APEX Accelerator to actually help me along with that.”

Working closely with APEX Accelerator consultant Yolanda Goodloe, Cartright gained access to resources and opportunities that would have been difficult for a small company to find independently. The assistance helped Arinc Instruments identify government contracting opportunities, locate regional manufacturers and connect with organizations that support innovation and technology commercialization.

“The business has made some great advancement working with the Florida APEX Accelerator at Pinellas County Economic Development,” Cartright said.

One of the most valuable benefits has been the ability to tap into local manufacturing resources. “If you’re running a small business, you are focused on the technology, especially if you’re making something new,” Cartright said. “The APEX Accelerator has allowed us to get manufacturers and resources around the area for that purpose.”

The organization also facilitated introductions to regional innovation partners, including the USF Institute of Applied Engineering and the Florida High Tech Corridor, helping the company identify additional services, quotes, and technical resources to support its growth.

“I think our biggest success has been perseverance,” Cartright said. “We have produced a product that is very innovative, a product that has multi-use.”

The company’s achievements have already drawn industry attention. Cartright noted that Arinc Instruments was featured in an avionics industry publication for its novel approach to solving longstanding technical challenges.

“When they look around, most companies are doing pretty much the same thing or slightly different versions of the same thing, where we came up and did something completely new,” he said.

As Arinc Instruments continues to grow, Cartright sees the Florida APEX Accelerator as an ongoing strategic partner. Current efforts are focused on connecting the company with engineers, technical specialists and decision-makers who best understand the value of the company’s technology.

“Moving forward, the Florida APEX Accelerator and Pinellas County Economic Development will be used in every possible way we can because they are valuable resources, they have valuable connections and they’re local,” Cartright said.

For other entrepreneurs considering government contracting or looking to accelerate growth, Cartright’s advice is simple: engage early. “You should engage as early as you can,” he said. “The earlier you do this, the better it is for you because they can get you connected to the right people.”