Virginia Innovation Partnership

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, known as Virginia Tech, is a public research university located in Blacksburg, Virginia, with additional educational facilities across six regions in the state and a study-abroad site in Switzerland. Established in 1857, Virginia Tech offers 280 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 34,400 students. The university is recognized for its research capabilities, managing a research portfolio valued at $522 million, which positions it as the 46th university in the United States for research expenditures and the only institution in Virginia among the top 50. Additionally, Virginia Tech is designated as one of the six senior military colleges in the U.S. through its Corps of Cadets ROTC program, making it the state's second-largest public university by enrollment.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), located in Richmond, Virginia, is a prominent research institution known for its comprehensive academic offerings across various disciplines, including the liberal and fine arts, sciences, and professional fields. Established in 1838, VCU has evolved into a significant urban academic medical center, particularly noted for its School of Medicine, which emphasizes excellence in teaching, research, and healthcare. The university comprises over ten distinct schools that confer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as business, nursing, and engineering. VCU has garnered national recognition, consistently achieving high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, particularly in its School of the Arts, business, and education programs. The vibrant campus life features more than 200 student organizations, multiple publications, and a student radio station, enriching the educational experience. Additionally, VCU is home to one of the largest university film festivals in the nation, showcasing its commitment to creativity and cultural engagement.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), located in Richmond, Virginia, is a prominent research institution known for its comprehensive academic offerings across various disciplines, including the liberal and fine arts, sciences, and professional fields. Established in 1838, VCU has evolved into a significant urban academic medical center, particularly noted for its School of Medicine, which emphasizes excellence in teaching, research, and healthcare. The university comprises over ten distinct schools that confer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as business, nursing, and engineering. VCU has garnered national recognition, consistently achieving high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, particularly in its School of the Arts, business, and education programs. The vibrant campus life features more than 200 student organizations, multiple publications, and a student radio station, enriching the educational experience. Additionally, VCU is home to one of the largest university film festivals in the nation, showcasing its commitment to creativity and cultural engagement.

OccasionGenius, LLC operates an online platform designed to help event planners discover local ideas for various occasions, such as group outings, team activities, and date nights. The company utilizes proprietary algorithms and artificial intelligence to identify and classify events, tailoring recommendations based on users' preferences. OccasionGenius serves a range of enterprise clients, including hotels, universities, relocation companies, and real estate agents. For hotels, it provides a proactive concierge service that offers guests a curated event digest during their stay, enhancing the overall experience. Universities benefit from customized community event emails to integrate new students, while relocation companies assist employees in acclimating to new neighborhoods through event recommendations. Real estate agents can also utilize co-branded weekly emails as a value-added service to maintain relationships with clients post-sale. Incorporated in 2014 and based in Richmond, Virginia, OccasionGenius was formerly known as PartyRVA.

Liberty University, established in 1971 and located in Lynchburg, Virginia, is a prominent Christian university known for its extensive online education offerings. Spanning over 7,000 acres near the Blue Ridge Mountains, the university provides more than 700 programs of study, including both undergraduate and graduate degrees, with approximately 350 programs available online. Liberty University is committed to fostering a Christian environment through its dedicated faculty, who emphasize mentorship and a biblical worldview. The institution aims to equip students with the values, knowledge, and skills necessary to make a positive impact in the world.

DataClassroom is an educational platform focused on teaching data skills to students in grades 6 through 12. Founded in 2017 and based in Charlottesville, Virginia, the company aims to enhance students' abilities in data analysis and interpretation. Its platform provides interactive learning techniques that engage students with data, allowing them to develop foundational skills in data visualization and integrated statistics. By equipping young learners with these essential skills, DataClassroom prepares them for future academic and professional opportunities in a data-driven world.

University of Virginia is an educational institution that offers undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, and professional degree programs in the fields of architecture, arts, sciences, law, medicine, and nursing. The schools of the university include School of Architecture, College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, School of Law, School of Medicine, McIntire School of Commerce, Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, and School of Nursing. The university offers 51 bachelor's degrees in 47 fields, 84 master's degrees in 67 fields, 6 educational specialist degrees, two first-professional degrees (law and medicine), and 57 doctoral degrees in 55 fields. Affiliated with 7 Nobel laureates, it has produced 5 NASA astronauts, 7 Marshall scholars, 4 Churchill scholars, 29 Truman scholars, and 50 Rhodes scholars. Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia in 1819. He wished the publicly-supported school to have a national character and stature. It is the first non-sectarian university in the United States and the first to use the elective course system. Jefferson considered the founding of the university to be one of his greatest achievements. Undertaking the project toward the end of his life after a long and illustrious career that included serving as a colonial revolutionary, political leader, writer, architect, inventor, and horticulturalist, he was closely involved in the university's design. He planned the curriculum, recruited the first faculty, and designed the Academical Village, a terraced green space surrounded by residential and academic buildings, gardens, and the majestic center-point, the Rotunda. The most recognizable symbol of the university, the Rotunda stands at the north end of the Lawn and is half the height and width of the Pantheon in Rome which was the primary inspiration for the building. The Lawn and the Rotunda have served as models for similar designs of centralized green areas at universities across the United States. The university was opened for classes in 1825 with a faculty of eight and a student body numbering sixty-eight. Jefferson took great pains to recruit the most highly qualified faculty, five of whom were found in England and three in the United States. Instructions were offered in ancient languages, modern languages, mathematics, moral philosophy, natural philosophy, chemistry, law, and medicine. Jefferson opposed the granting of degrees on the grounds that they were ‘artificial embellishments’. In 1824, however, the Board of Visitors authorized granting the Master of Arts degree. The Doctor of Medicine or M.D. was awarded to the first graduates of the School of Medicine in 1828 and the Bachelor of Law degree or LL.B. was first awarded for law school graduates in 1842. The bachelor's degree was awarded beginning in 1849, but became the standard undergraduate degree and a prerequisite for the master's degree in 1899 bringing the university into conformity with other institutions of higher learning. The PhD has been awarded since 1883.

George Mason University (GMU), located in Fairfax, Virginia, is one of the largest and most diverse public universities in the state. It is well-regarded for its academic and research programs, particularly in areas such as global issues, quality of life, and sustainability. GMU boasts a top-ranked law school and offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate degrees across various fields, including Business Administration, Electrical Engineering, and Public Health. The university provides discounted tuition rates for state residents, and students have access to financial aid options. The admissions process considers multiple factors, including course selection, GPA, personal essays, recommendation letters, and standardized test scores. GMU also offers on-campus housing and dining, along with numerous opportunities for students to engage in cultural events, recreational activities, and international travel. Additionally, the George Mason University Foundation manages an endowment fund to support the university through private contributions.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), located in Richmond, Virginia, is a prominent research institution known for its comprehensive academic offerings across various disciplines, including the liberal and fine arts, sciences, and professional fields. Established in 1838, VCU has evolved into a significant urban academic medical center, particularly noted for its School of Medicine, which emphasizes excellence in teaching, research, and healthcare. The university comprises over ten distinct schools that confer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as business, nursing, and engineering. VCU has garnered national recognition, consistently achieving high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, particularly in its School of the Arts, business, and education programs. The vibrant campus life features more than 200 student organizations, multiple publications, and a student radio station, enriching the educational experience. Additionally, VCU is home to one of the largest university film festivals in the nation, showcasing its commitment to creativity and cultural engagement.

George Mason University (GMU), located in Fairfax, Virginia, is one of the largest and most diverse public universities in the state. It is well-regarded for its academic and research programs, particularly in areas such as global issues, quality of life, and sustainability. GMU boasts a top-ranked law school and offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate degrees across various fields, including Business Administration, Electrical Engineering, and Public Health. The university provides discounted tuition rates for state residents, and students have access to financial aid options. The admissions process considers multiple factors, including course selection, GPA, personal essays, recommendation letters, and standardized test scores. GMU also offers on-campus housing and dining, along with numerous opportunities for students to engage in cultural events, recreational activities, and international travel. Additionally, the George Mason University Foundation manages an endowment fund to support the university through private contributions.

Nasoni, LLC specializes in the design and manufacture of fountain faucets, offering a range of products including centerset and widespread options in polished chrome, brushed nickel, and black nickel finishes. Established in 2015 and headquartered in Suffolk, Virginia, the company focuses on integrating advanced technology into its faucet solutions. Nasoni aims to transform bathrooms into centers of health and wellness, promoting personalized health experiences and enhancing daily self-care routines. The company sells its innovative products through sales representatives and online platforms, emphasizing the importance of maintaining health and wellness with greater independence and efficiency.

AnswersNow, Inc. is a technology-driven company that specializes in supporting parents and caregivers of children with autism. Founded in 2016 and based in Richmond, Virginia, it offers a mobile platform that provides educational resources, behavioral learning tools, and on-demand expert support. The platform facilitates a step-by-step learning process for children, allowing caregivers to save, store, and monitor their progress effectively. AnswersNow's telehealth services connect families with board-certified behavioral analysts through private texts and videos, offering personalized counseling and emotional support tailored to individual needs. This approach aims to make applied behavior analysis therapy more accessible to families, regardless of their circumstances or location.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, known as Virginia Tech, is a public research university located in Blacksburg, Virginia, with additional educational facilities across six regions in the state and a study-abroad site in Switzerland. Established in 1857, Virginia Tech offers 280 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 34,400 students. The university is recognized for its research capabilities, managing a research portfolio valued at $522 million, which positions it as the 46th university in the United States for research expenditures and the only institution in Virginia among the top 50. Additionally, Virginia Tech is designated as one of the six senior military colleges in the U.S. through its Corps of Cadets ROTC program, making it the state's second-largest public university by enrollment.

Shenandoah Community Capital Fund, established in 2008, is a non-profit organization based in Staunton, Virginia. It supports entrepreneurship across the entire Shenandoah Valley by offering acceleration and incubation services, along with essential business skills development.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), located in Richmond, Virginia, is a prominent research institution known for its comprehensive academic offerings across various disciplines, including the liberal and fine arts, sciences, and professional fields. Established in 1838, VCU has evolved into a significant urban academic medical center, particularly noted for its School of Medicine, which emphasizes excellence in teaching, research, and healthcare. The university comprises over ten distinct schools that confer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as business, nursing, and engineering. VCU has garnered national recognition, consistently achieving high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, particularly in its School of the Arts, business, and education programs. The vibrant campus life features more than 200 student organizations, multiple publications, and a student radio station, enriching the educational experience. Additionally, VCU is home to one of the largest university film festivals in the nation, showcasing its commitment to creativity and cultural engagement.

Codelock is a cybersecurity software company established in 2021 and based in Virginia, USA. The company specializes in assessing and monitoring software security, focusing on enhancing the security of the software supply chain and securing software development practices. Codelock has developed a patent-pending approach that creates a zero trust-based chain-of-custody between developers and their code, which underpins its compliance and security platform. This platform offers user-friendly features that enable users to track, trace, audit, and secure their software development frameworks effectively.

Torev Motors is a motor manufacturing company based in Arlington, Virginia, established in 2022. It specializes in producing axial flux electric motors designed for the automotive and aerospace sectors. The company's innovative motor architecture enables high power density while significantly reducing the use of rare earth metals, allowing for a more sustainable production process. This modular design not only enhances vehicle control and range but also offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional axial flux motors. By providing efficient electric motor solutions at affordable prices, Torev Motors aims to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles and contribute to reduced energy consumption in vehicle charging.

Allocortech is a company that specializes in products and services for avionics, control systems, and general embedded systems, aiming to enhance accessibility in air travel. Founded in 2018 and based in Waynesboro, Virginia, the firm provides a range of electronics testing and analysis services tailored for both specialized and general embedded platforms. Their offerings include safety-critical control system architecture design, component designs, as well as verification and validation systems. Additionally, Allocortech focuses on electronics design, assembly, and testing, helping clients achieve project-specific customization through commercial off-the-shelf solutions.

Linebird is a technology company founded in 2018 and based in Richmond, VA, that develops automation solutions for utility companies. The firm specializes in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) designed to enhance the inspection and maintenance of power transmission infrastructure. By utilizing a patent-pending process, Linebird's unmanned systems can safely bring modified linemen's tools into contact with live transmission lines. This innovative approach aims to improve safety and reduce costs in utility operations, allowing clients to reinvest savings into grid enhancements. Ultimately, Linebird's technology contributes to more reliable electricity delivery and infrastructure improvements for utility providers.

Advanced Aircraft Company is an aeronautical engineering and aircraft manufacturing firm based in Hampton, Virginia, founded in 2015. The company specializes in producing vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial systems (UAS) designed for both military and commercial markets. Advanced Aircraft Company's products include advanced aircraft models such as Hercules and Greased Lightning, which utilize a series hybrid electric propulsion system and Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP) technology. These aircraft are engineered for long-endurance operations and can accommodate various sensor and cargo payloads, making them suitable for deployment in challenging land and maritime environments without the need for operational infrastructure. This design approach aims to enhance mission performance while reducing costs for clients in the defense sector.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), located in Richmond, Virginia, is a prominent research institution known for its comprehensive academic offerings across various disciplines, including the liberal and fine arts, sciences, and professional fields. Established in 1838, VCU has evolved into a significant urban academic medical center, particularly noted for its School of Medicine, which emphasizes excellence in teaching, research, and healthcare. The university comprises over ten distinct schools that confer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as business, nursing, and engineering. VCU has garnered national recognition, consistently achieving high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, particularly in its School of the Arts, business, and education programs. The vibrant campus life features more than 200 student organizations, multiple publications, and a student radio station, enriching the educational experience. Additionally, VCU is home to one of the largest university film festivals in the nation, showcasing its commitment to creativity and cultural engagement.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, known as Virginia Tech, is a public research university located in Blacksburg, Virginia, with additional educational facilities across six regions in the state and a study-abroad site in Switzerland. Established in 1857, Virginia Tech offers 280 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 34,400 students. The university is recognized for its research capabilities, managing a research portfolio valued at $522 million, which positions it as the 46th university in the United States for research expenditures and the only institution in Virginia among the top 50. Additionally, Virginia Tech is designated as one of the six senior military colleges in the U.S. through its Corps of Cadets ROTC program, making it the state's second-largest public university by enrollment.

AtWork Systems, Inc., located in Herndon, Virginia, specializes in providing a comprehensive cloud-based software platform known as OneLynk. This enterprise-class SaaS solution is tailored for small and medium-sized businesses, particularly in the commercial professional services and government contracting sectors. OneLynk features a suite of applications designed for integrated workforce, financial, and project management tasks. The platform allows users to reconfigure applications using default templates without the need for coding, facilitating automation of various business processes. This includes human capital management, accounting, time and expense tracking, procurement, contracts, and project management. By streamlining these routine tasks, AtWork aims to enhance operational efficiency for its clients.

Kinometrix Inc. is a healthcare analytics company focused on preventing avoidable patient falls through its advanced risk assessment and notification system. Founded in 2017 and based in Fairfax, Virginia, the company leverages machine learning algorithms and wearable balance sensor technology to alert hospital staff about patients' fall risks. Its software utilizes electronic health record (EHR) data to offer real-time predictions of fall risk, identifying specific factors such as gait impairment and medication that contribute to a patient’s individual risk profile. By analyzing key metrics and providing actionable reports, Kinometrix enables nursing staff to effectively manage patient safety and reduce the incidence of falls within healthcare settings.

Magazine Jukebox is a digital entertainment platform that offers a curated selection of magazines, games, and trivia tailored for commercial spaces. Founded in 2020 and based in Norfolk, Virginia, the company provides a contactless experience through a QR code system, allowing customers to access content easily via their smartphones without the need for physical materials or paywalls. This service caters to various industries, including healthcare, hospitality, automotive services, and transit centers. By offering a geofenced QR code unique to each location, Magazine Jukebox enables patrons to enjoy both national and regional publications seamlessly.

BloomCatch is a mobile plant recognition application that offers users accurate horticultural information and expertise. Founded in 2016 by Ray Magee in Centreville, Virginia, the app utilizes a blend of machine learning and input from local plant experts to enable users to identify plants by simply taking a picture. In addition to plant identification, the application connects home gardeners with local garden retailers, facilitating access to horticultural knowledge and resources. BloomCatch aims to enhance the gardening experience by fostering vibrant and healthy gardens through informed plant care.

BCMstrategy Inc. is a technology company based in Alexandria, Virginia, that specializes in public policy predictive analytics software. Founded in 2017, the company offers automated tools that quantify and analyze geopolitical and policy risks using a proprietary process and natural language processing. Its platform converts complex public policy language into structured data, enabling users to navigate information overload and make informed decisions. BCMstrategy serves a diverse clientele, including risk managers, investors, journalists, and corporate strategy executives, by providing daily global momentum measurements and analytical reports that highlight significant regulatory developments. Through its advanced technology, BCMstrategy aims to facilitate a clearer understanding of public policy dynamics and their potential impacts on various sectors.

Magazine Jukebox is a digital entertainment platform that offers a curated selection of magazines, games, and trivia tailored for commercial spaces. Founded in 2020 and based in Norfolk, Virginia, the company provides a contactless experience through a QR code system, allowing customers to access content easily via their smartphones without the need for physical materials or paywalls. This service caters to various industries, including healthcare, hospitality, automotive services, and transit centers. By offering a geofenced QR code unique to each location, Magazine Jukebox enables patrons to enjoy both national and regional publications seamlessly.

Acomhal Research is a biotech startup founded in 2017 by Dr. Samy Lamouille and Dr. Robert Gourdie at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion. The company focuses on developing innovative cancer therapies specifically designed to target cancer cells that are resistant to existing treatments, aiming to prevent tumor recurrence and metastasis. Acomhal's biotechnology facilitates the delivery of drugs with therapeutic properties effective against aggressive brain cancers and other invasive cancers, empowering medical professionals in their efforts to reduce cancer-related mortality.

RegScale is a compliance automation software company founded in 2021 and based in McLean, Virginia. The company focuses on helping organizations meet their compliance obligations in real-time through an API-centric approach that automates the collection, compilation, and reporting of regulatory data. By digitizing regulatory requirements, RegScale enables businesses to transition from manual, static compliance documentation to a dynamic and collaborative platform that produces audit-ready documentation. Its solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly into any environment and are tailored to industry-specific regulations, particularly in sectors like energy and financial services. This automation not only reduces compliance-related risks and costs but also enhances productivity by providing decision-makers with real-time visibility into compliance and operational risks.

BCMstrategy Inc. is a technology company based in Alexandria, Virginia, that specializes in public policy predictive analytics software. Founded in 2017, the company offers automated tools that quantify and analyze geopolitical and policy risks using a proprietary process and natural language processing. Its platform converts complex public policy language into structured data, enabling users to navigate information overload and make informed decisions. BCMstrategy serves a diverse clientele, including risk managers, investors, journalists, and corporate strategy executives, by providing daily global momentum measurements and analytical reports that highlight significant regulatory developments. Through its advanced technology, BCMstrategy aims to facilitate a clearer understanding of public policy dynamics and their potential impacts on various sectors.

Card Isle Corporation specializes in designing and selling personalized boutique greeting cards, utilizing automated kiosks and an online platform. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, the company provides a unique service that allows customers to create custom greeting cards on-site or online. Its offerings include a Print-at-Home solution, enabling users to print high-quality cards using personal printers, and an eCommerce platform that facilitates card design through various channels, including in-store and phone orders. By eliminating the need to stock pre-printed cards, Card Isle ensures that every card is personalized and printed on demand, catering to a diverse clientele that includes hospitals, airports, military bases, universities, convenience stores, and corporate campuses across the United States. The company features designs from local and independent artists, allowing customers to send meaningful and relevant greetings.