VTCRC’s President & CEO Brett Malone said, “COgro Labs is poised to fill the national demand in biotechnology for space and commercialization support. It’s a hub for innovation and on the forefront of world-changing new biotech businesses.”

This is just one example of why Virginia outranked rivals Georgia and North Carolina to be named the #1 in the best business climate by Site Selection Magazine in November. Site Selectors’ top 5 criteria included workforce skills, state and local taxes, workforce development, transportation infrastructure, and ease of permitting.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has been vocal about his priorities in making Virginia a desirable location for business and industry and is bringing his experience as a business leader to the effort. “Companies make location decisions not for one or two or three years, but for 30 or 40 or 50 years, if not longer,” he said. “They have to have confidence that they are in an environment that will provide them long-term stability, a long-term partnership. Step one for me is to make sure we are putting in place frameworks around a tax-friendly world, a business-friendly regulatory environment, an education system that supports the development of the best workforce, safe communities and finally a set of principles about how government is run so that it works for efficiency. We’ve been working on all those fronts.”

According to Site Selection Magazine, Gov. Youngkin is focused on long-term stability, business friendly policies, and economic development partnerships. He recently unveiled the 2022 Virginia Energy Plan which aims to make Virginia the world’s leading nuclear innovation hub. In addition, he’s dedicated to nurturing and retaining a world-class workforce by creating attractive opportunities for students and veterans.

The forward-thinking community in Roanoke and Blacksburg are a big piece of the momentum that’s found statewide with the opening of both COgro Labs and bigger infrastructure projects on the horizon.

Back in Blacksburg and Roanoke, the confidence is palpable. Roanoke City Director of Economic Development Marc Nelson agrees. “With their the strong, statewide partnerships, stellar educational pipeline, and affordability in terms of business and cost-of-living, Roanoke and Blacksburg are truly ideal environments for companies to thrive,” he said. 

COgro Labs is the first in a long list of current projects aimed at nurturing the innovation ecosystem in the Roanoke-Blacksburg region. From low cost of living, proximity to 25 higher education institutions, and access to rail, highways and ports, The Roanoke and New River Valleys have long been a great place to start or relocate a business. Now, a cross-regional coalition is working to make the area even more friendly to life science startups and businesses.

• $90M investment by Commonwealth for the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
• $1.5M combined investment by Commonwealth and partners for the RAMP program
• VTCRC collaboration with Johnson & Johnson Innovation -- JLABS accelerator
• RBTC innovation studio and talent pipeline programs
• VTC Innovation Fund, VTC Seed Fund, Carilion Clinic Innovation, and VT/Carilion Clinic POC

“Incubators, accelerators, and affordable lab space really drive success in the biotech industry,” said Verge President and RBTC Executive Director Erin Burcham. “We have an environment that doesn’t exist anywhere else. It’s unique to the assets of the region and offers innovation powerhouses like Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Western Community College, and Radford, just to name a few.”

The series of events – Sept. 13-15 in Roanoke and Blacksburg – is a celebration of our innovative ecosystem and is designed as a place where big ideas and technology can collide. There will be more than 50 speakers focusing on everything from biotechnology to cyber tech to workplace leadership in workshops, panel discussions, and during networking events.

See the full schedule and register today.

Highlights of the week include:

• Keynote talk with Jason Feifer, editor of Entrepreneur Magazine, and author of “Build for Tomorrow” and host of a podcast of the same name (he’ll also meet with students in another session and entrepreneurs in a third event)
• Biotechnology deep dive with sessions on the fast-growing life sciences sector and its future in this region with a keynote talk from Dr. Michael Friedlander, executive director of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute
• Talk about inclusive economic growth with NASA and entrepreneurs that are collaborating to commercialize ideas and innovation
• Interactive discussion with Melissa Doman about mental health in the workplace
• Entrepreneurial sessions to help you grow your business with case studies from founders and companies that have already done it
• Learn to create and mint an NFT or participate in a cybersecurity capture the flag event
• Networking and happy hours to help you connect with regional innovators at every level
• Block party with live music, food, and games at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center

See the full schedule and register today.

The intent of the week is to inspire innovative thinking and connect the regional innovation ecosystem. You might learn about a new technology being developed right here, engage with leaders to help advance your startup (or career), and walk away with tips and skills to make you better at work today.

“We developed Game Changer Week to help connect the dots between all of the innovations and thought leadership happening in this region,” said Brett Malone, President and CEO of the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center.

“Whether you come for one event or 10, we can practically guarantee you’ll learn something, find new inspiration, or meet someone that can help push your professional path forward,” said Erin Burcham, President of Verge and Executive Director of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council. “The future of innovation in this region is starting now.”

Game Changer Week is a collaborative effort organized by technology leaders from across Virginia, including the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council, Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, VIPC, the Virginia Tech Entrepreneur Club, Tech Center Research Park, Virginia Bio, and other organizations.   

This year the event is in multiple locations throughout the region. We encourage you to register, download the app, and plan to move back and forth between Roanoke and Blacksburg for different experiences. Even better, share the event with your team, and encourage their participation as well.

Game Changer Week is free to attend and designed for everyone from the mentor/CEO looking to connect with innovative thinkers to working professionals looking to level up their careers to college students that want to network with industry pros. Join us for networking events, engage with thought leaders in action, and leave with real-world connections and new knowledge to be inspired.

See the full schedule and register today.

The university’s proposal, which includes a coalition of more than 150 public, private, and nonprofit partners from across the region, is among 60 finalists out of an initial pool of 529 applications that advanced to Phase 2 of the federal Economic Development Administration’s Regional Challenge. Twenty to 30 of the bids are expected to be awarded implementation funding of up to $100 million each.

“I’m excited so many experts across the region have come together to find innovative solutions to improve transportation and logistics, especially around delivery by autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, and drones,” Kaine said. “Their work will be path-breaking for Virginia and the nation as we continue to strengthen our economy.”

The proposal is seeking $75 million in federal funds. John Provo, director of the Virginia Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement, which is leading the coalition, said that investment could generate more than $5 billion in economic impact and 5,000 local jobs.

“This grant would elevate Southwest and Southern Virginia as an emerging global tech hub while also establishing a resilient economy across the region by training the future workforce to adapt to the changing manufacturing environment,” Provo said.

An established EDA University Center, the Center for Economic and Community Engagement is part of Outreach and International Affairs. It provides research and university connections to help organizations and communities identify and tackle challenges in the urban-rural continuum across the commonwealth.

“This project is a prime example of the good that can happen when you convene such a remarkable group of partners from so many different sectors,” said Guru Ghosh, vice president for Outreach and International Affairs. “It also catalyzes the engagement of historically marginalized institutions and economically distressed communities across our region of Virginia in order to equitably develop a diverse and technically ready workforce.”

Dan Sui, senior vice president for research and innovation, said the proposal builds on Virginia Tech’s strengths in autonomous systems, power systems, vehicle dynamics and safety, additive manufacturing, and building materials, as well as wireless connectivity and cyber-physical security, sensing, and data analytics.

“This project brings together diverse expertise that transcends traditional discipline boundaries," Sui said. "It also demonstrates Virginia Tech’s commitment as a land-grant university to meet the technology workforce needs of the commonwealth and beyond.”

During his stop Thursday, Kaine saw examples of the proposal’s three major components.

The first features an initiative to develop an autonomous-electric testbed along Interstate 81. Zac Doerzaph, executive director of the transportation institute, as well as representatives from Volvo Trucks and Torc Robotics, explained how a segment of connected highways around Blacksburg would be developed as a heavy-vehicle automated driving systems test corridor that extends 40 miles from Dublin to Salem. This would enable new industry partnerships across the region and also address some of the logistics challenges currently impacting the country.

Listen to more from Doerzaph on the future of transportation on the Start Disrupting podcast. 

The second component would develop a similar corridor for unmanned aircraft systems. Tombo Jones, director of the Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership, explained how this 130-square-mile testbed would allow drone operators to test and conduct flights beyond an operator’s visual line of sight. Two local companies, Cowden Technologies and NAVOS Air, shared how advancement in this field would support the UAS industry. The project would build on MAAP’s record of leading research and development efforts that transition to commercial operations.

“Drones are part of a constellation of autonomous technologies that will introduce tremendous efficiencies into the way businesses currently operate," Jones said. "We’ve seen that firsthand through our work as an FAA-designated test site. As we move toward what the industry calls ‘advanced air mobility,’ where uncrewed aircraft will efficiently and safely transport a wide variety of cargo, those economic benefits will scale dramatically. This grant will help establish the initial infrastructure to move Virginia toward that future.” 

The third initiative would create an industry network for training, talent, technology, and entrepreneurial development. Representatives from the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, the College of Engineering, Virginia State University, and New River Community College showed how the project would build a critical training and entrepreneur resource facility to fill the void of talent needs for advanced vehicle technologies.

Pamela VandeVord, associate dean of research and innovation in the College of Engineering, offered a high-level overview Thursday of the education and workforce component. “This region of Virginia is already poised for the technological changes necessary to adapt to global demands. The training and outreach part of this proposal will allow us to build inclusive transformation of the regional cluster through technical assistance and workforce development,” she said.

Brett Malone, president and CEO of the Corporate Research Center, said the CRC would house the Virginia Tech Manufacturing Technologies Training Studio, a hub for training industry workers, promoting job growth within regional companies, and attracting companies to the region. “We see this as a facility to de-risk technologies, promote faster and cheaper industry adoption, and further support technology-based economic development in the region,” he said.

Provo said a decision on whether the university will receive an EDA Regional Challenge grant should be announced this summer.

Source: https://vtx.vt.edu/articles/2022/04/outreach-cecekaine.html

The group’s proposal focuses on how to make moving goods from place to place greener and more efficient, and it builds on the region’s existing transportation cluster, which includes companies such as Volvo Trucks, Eldor Corp. and Torc Robotics, as well as research groups such as the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.

The proposal centers on three projects: a test bed for autonomous commercial vehicles, a test zone for delivery drones, and a training and entrepreneurial support network for the sector.

The third project would build a network of universities, community colleges and other agencies to provide training, technical assistance and entrepreneurial development to support the industry.

A new Manufacturing Technologies Training Studio would be created at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center. More than two dozen partners, including Virginia Western Community College, GENEDGE Alliance and the New River Valley Regional Commission, would create programming.

Read full story here: https://cardinalnews.org/2021/12/16/transportation-focused-projects-in-running-for-up-to-100-million/

Tags: @AutomotiveandTransportation

Read full story → here.

“Developing a culture of curiosity is a cornerstone of our STEM curriculum, and this opportunity puts it into practice,” said Dr. Mallory White, Virginia Western Biology Professor and Downlink Coordinator. “We are honored to have been chosen and able to provide this authentic and unique learning opportunity to our community.”

Quick and accurate data collection is crucial. As technology has grown in leaps and bounds in recent decades, one technology is revolutionizing how we think and conduct business. Drones!

What began as an idea in 2016, Cowden Technologies is now working to advance the autonomy of drone technology. How did this idea come about?

“Drones are cool, but the longer I worked with them, I realized I spent more time setting up the drones or troubleshooting hardware issues before I could do anything productive. I have spent a lot of time changing batteries, charging batteries, and offloading data. I got tired of doing that, and I thought, ‘this could be done without the person doing all the logistics,'” said founder, Mickey Cowden.

And that is what he is doing thanks to COgro… Mickey realized the benefits of being a member of COgro and the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center community. Since he joined in 2019, he has had access to programming, resources, and partnerships that have proven beneficial to his network and growth.

Click here to schedule a tour of COgro and take advantage of the resources Mickey is using to grow his company.

Snapshot of the current state of drones in the United States:

• 861,036 drones registered
  • 329,114 commercial drones registered
  • 528,336 recreational drones registered
  • 3,586 paper registrations
• 261,009 remote pilots certified
• 186,782 TRUST completion certificates issued by test administrators

By Federal Aviation Administration (Feb. 2022)

Opportunities and growth news

Mickey kicked off 2022 as the new president for the AUVSI Ridge and Valley chapter. AUVSI is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing uncrewed systems and robotics representing corporations and professionals from more than 60 countries involved in industry, government, and academia.

In his new role with the local chapter, Mickey will seek to advance uncrewed systems at the regional level and help drive publicity and awareness for the region as a resource for technical expertise. Additionally, he will seek to bring more uncrewed systems companies and jobs to the area, while working with local colleges and universities to develop educational and workforce development needs.

“Right now, our chapter has great representation from academia. Moving forward, the chapter’s executive committee is going to push to increase representation from industry and government. I feel that bringing the three together and creating a balance will lead to the best outcomes for the region. I would also like to get more people engaged. We currently have around 150 members, but there is always room for more.”

Cowden Technologies sees growth ahead

With the help of the Mitchell Law Firm, Cowden Technologies has converted from a VA LLC to a VA Stock Corporation.

“The main reason for this conversion was for potential future investments. The C corporation business structure is what most investors prefer, and although I am not sure what investment will look like for Cowden Technologies at this time, it is a step in the right direction. As far as my company’s progress goes, I have been focusing a lot on growing the business side of Cowden Technologies. Although I had originally hoped to spend most of my time on technology development, I underestimated how much focus business development would require when going into startup mode. Right now, I would say I spend 80% of my time developing the business and 20% working on the technology.”

The company’s focus has been primarily in agriculture. However, thanks to the region’s help, and recent experience participating in last Fall’s RAMP cohort, opportunities in other verticals (such as delivery and port security) have presented themselves.

According to Globe Newswire, The Global Agriculture Drones Market size is projected to reach USD 9.89 billion by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 28.63% during the forecast period of 2021-2028. The agricultural drones market growth is attributed to factors such as, increasing adoption of precision farming, increase in number of investments, and availability of software solutions for data analytics and field survey.

McKinsey & Company says a number of advanced connectivity use cases have the potential to radically transform many aspects of farming by 2030.

The Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center and COgro have been extremely supportive, according to Mickey.

“There are so many benefits such as company promotion, mentorship, and professional networking. I cannot say enough positive things about my experience here.”

While Mickey pushes forward with developing his technology, it is entrepreneurs like him that create impact and find solutions to world problems.

We at the VTCRC are proud to have these brightest minds call us home.

------ Learn more...

• Cowden Technologies, visit https://www.cowden.tech and follow on Facebook and LinkedIn.
• In case you missed Mickey’s conversation with Brett Malone, Ph.D., President & CEO of the VTCRC, click here to listen to the Start Disrupting podcast season 1, episode 15.
• AUVSI Ridge and Valley chapter, visit https://auvsiridgeandvalley.org.
• COgro Coworking
• COgro LABS

Tags: @Software, @Blog @Automotive and Transportation

Written by: Becca Halm
Communications Assistant

Melissa Vidmar
Marketing & Communications Manager

Why do entrepreneurs and companies look to us when they want to start a company or expand their footprint? It’s the #VTCRCexperience that provides opportunities for growth and success… from connections, programming, partnerships, and more. No matter the industry, there is advantage here.

In addition to our sophisticated infrastructure, industries take advantage of the adjacent, globally recognized Virginia Tech, being surrounded by the 230+ companies in our ecosystem, and the access to an innovative talent pool of 3,500+ of the brightest minds.

"After looking for space around the region, the VTCRC ended up being a natural fit for us. It is adjacent to the Virginia Tech campus and has great amenities. We were happy to find available space here that met all of our needs," said David Raymond, Director, Virginia Cyber Range and U.S. Cyber Range

The Startup: Electronics and Sensors industry

We get to see our vision play out every day... a world where big thinkers turn ideas into impact. This is the reason we do what we do... take Rendyr for example.

Sensors and electronics are vital to the operation of products, systems, processes and infrastructure, and an essential part of the increasing digitalization of industrial technologies.

Kaelum Hasler and Martin Angst, co-founders of Rendyr, had the idea for a desktop laser cutter during freshman year at Virginia Tech.

Drawn from personal experience, most designers endure a competitive disadvantage to larger organizations; they cannot afford the same technology for prototyping. Bridging this gap dramatically increases their efficiency. Rendyr maximizes access to rapid prototyping by eliminating the constraints of conventional machines.

That’s where we come in… because of the resources and space with purpose we provide from offices to dry labs, Rendyr took advantage of that and became part of the research park community in 2018. Since then, they have expanded their operations, footprint, and continue to grow.

Fast forward to today, Rendyr’s Optic recently passed the prototype stage and launched a kickstarter campaign to bring the product to market. The campaign kicked off January 25, 2022 and they exceeded their $100,000 to over $358,000 as of January 27, 2022.

→ Request information on our space with purpose and dynamic community, just like Kaelum and Martin did.

Other companies in the news:

• Revivicor (Biotech) - First-ever pig-to-human heart transplant offers hope for thousands in need of organs (pictured) {Read}
• Cellink (Biotech) - CELLINK and Nanoscribe join forces to launch the Quantum X bio, the world’s most accurate 3D bioprinter {Read}
• Emisshield (Materials) - Space Foundation inducts Emisshield into the Space Technology Hall of Fame® {Read}
• Intuitive (Biotech) - Intuitive reaches 10 million procedures performed using da Vinci Surgical Systems {Read}
• Peraton (Software) - Peraton will deliver background investigation services in support of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The single award task order, valued at $81 million, represents new work for the company and will continue into 2026. {Read}
• TORC (Automotive and Transportation) - TORC expands footprint with new engineering office in Austin, supporting fast growth in drive to commercialize self-driving trucks {Read}

University research is imperative to advancing industry. The adjacent campus of VIrginia Tech provides companies with the connectivity to faculty, staff, students, and resources needed to add value to their business challenges.

The numbers are impressive.

• Over $556 million in research expenditures
• Ranked in the top 50 research institutions
• Ranked top 5% in nation for research expenditures

And the talent pipeline will always be ongoing. Currently the school boasts nearly 30,000 undergraduate students and 6,600 graduate students.

In 2021, the top 5 majors for incoming freshmen were:

1. Engineering
2. Business
3. Biology
4. Human Nutrition, Foods, & Exercise
5. Animal and Poultry Sciences

So, having this collaboration and resource… no matter the industry, companies benefit through these interactions they have with faculty and students. The perfect recipe for identifying specific applied research needed to address company challenges.

Steve Turner, CEO of CytoRecovery said, “We chose the VTCRC for our office location primarily because of the proximity to Virginia Tech and scientists with whom we collaborate.”

Do employees here thrive… yes.

Employees make it happen. The vibrant minds that come into the park each and every day or work remotely, all have a shared goal to create impact.

Many are in the office 8, 9, 10 hours a day. We provide an inviting campus from disc golf, yoga, walking trails, gym, priority child care enrollment, networking events, recreational fields, and more. Coming this summer, VUE apartments will offer the "live" component to our community making it even more desirable.

At the end of the day, our team takes pride in cultivating this community. Why do we do this? We understand that recruiting the best, we have to offer the best.

But the sense of community doesn’t stop there. The New River Valley has received many accolades that highlight what it is like to live here.

• Blacksburg, Radford, and Christiansburg were all listed among the top 20 safest cities in Virginia by the National Council for Home Safety and Security.
• Blacksburg was ranked the best place in Virginia for working families by Zippia.
• U.S. News & World Report ranked Blacksburg High School as one of the top 100 best STEM high schools in the country.
• Blacksburg named to Top 100 of "America's Best Small Cities/Towns" by bestcities.org

Relocating to Virginia and the New River Valley

How can you be part of our enterprise and why should you want to be? Well, we have outlined a lot, but there are even more reasons why companies want to be here.

According to VEDP, companies that fit certain criteria can benefit from relocating in Virginia. Incentives include:

1. Financial assistance
2. Infrastructure assistance
3. Recruitment & training
4. Regional and local
5. Tax
6. Telework

Companies looking to relocate to Montgomery County-Blacksburg-Christiansburg may also be eligible for additional incentives and programs, such as:

1. Governor's Opportunity Fund 
2. Virginia Economic Development Incentive Grant
3. Virginia Jobs Investment Program 
4. Virginia Small Business Financing Authority 
5. Local Economic Development Grant

Existing Companies

What if your company is already in the New River Valley? Montgomery County has a program for existing companies too, and include:

1. Virginia Jobs Investment Program
2. MBC Revolving Loan Fund 
3. Virginia Leaders in Export Trade
4. Virginia Investment Partnership Grant And Major Eligible Employer Grant
5. Local Economic Development Grant

With these possible incentives at your fingertips, it is also beneficial for companies to be at the VTCRC as we are located in a HUBZone. What does this mean? The government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses in historically underutilized business zones. It also gives preferential consideration to those businesses in full and open competition.

HUBZone-certified businesses get a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions and can still compete for contract awards under other socio-economic programs they qualify for at the time.

In closing, with a robust talent pipeline, affordable cost of living, beautiful outdoor life, and a proven research park, our space with purpose is ready for you.

What’s Next?

Request more information about the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center or schedule a tour. With lab spaces, office suites, and even coworking spaces available, there’s something for companies at every stage. Contact us at information@vtcrc.com.

Tags: Blog; Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Biotech, Electronics and Sensors, Materials, Software, University Research

By: Melissa Vidmar
Marketing & Communications Manager

Incubators and accelerators.

Dwayne Yancey of Cardinal News said these were the “the most important words” Gov. Glenn Youngkin said while running for office. 

Incubators and accelerators. 

We’ve got a plan for that in the Roanoke and New River valleys.

Our region is working steadily to commercialize biotech, spur innovation, and create an ecosystem where companies and innovate and thrive. 

A cross-regional coalition is working to build on some of the projects and investments you’ve probably heard about recently:

• $90M investment by Commonwealth for the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
• $1.5M combined investment by Commonwealth and partners for the RAMP program
• $155k project with GO Virginia and the VTCRC to design and provide capacity study
• 139,000 sf building including research facilities at VTC
• $50M gift from Heywood Fralin to continue investments and growth in our region
• $30M VTC Innovation Fund, VTC Seed Fund, Carilion Clinic Innovation, and VT/Carilion Clinic POC

That work is just the start of building a more affordable infrastructure for biotechnology and life sciences innovation. Public and private partners are collaborating across jurisdictions to ensure that this region is ready to make a big bang in biotech. 

Incubators and accelerators. 

It takes money to turn those three words into reality. 

READ ARTICLE

• Learn more about COgro LABS and Johnson & Johnson Innovation - JLABS virtual residency program
• Blog: VTCRC: Investing in the future of Life Sciences
• Press Release: VT Corporate Research Center Receives GO Virginia Grant to Expand Lab Facilities and Resources

“I hated it,” said the Virginia Tech senior studying biomedical engineering. “If anyone even tried to talk economics with me, I would be like 'No, I cannot carry on this conversation.' ”

But a few months into the Honors College’s interdisciplinary exploration course, The Future of Work, Hasan has warmed up to the subject.

“Every single time we talk about economics, it’s like, 'Wow, this is really relevant,' ” she said. “And then I start researching stuff on my own, and I even considered if I should be taking more economics courses.”

Taught by Daniel Sui, Virginia Tech’s vice president for research and innovation, and Ralph Hall, an associate professor in the School of Public and International Affairs, the course takes an interdisciplinary approach to exploring the implications of advancing technology on life and work.

“Everybody needs to think about this issue,” said Sui. “It’s not just about their own career, it’s about humanity. It’s really trying to ask the most fundamental question: what does it mean to be a human in the age of smart machines?”

Each week, the course features a guest speaker from Virginia Tech’s wide breadth of experts who approach that question from their unique perspective. The class has also taken a field trip to hear directly from industry leaders connected to the university.

Read full story

Contact: Lindsey Haugh

Revivicor's parent company, United Therapeutics, aims to get into pig-to-human lung transplants, whose pigs will probably need "at least that many" gene edits, Ayares said.

Read full story by Karen Weintraub USA TODAY