NRV Researchers Receive Funding for Cybersecurity Projects

New River Valley, VAVirginia Tech recently reported that “the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) will be investing approximately $700,000 in seven experiential learning projects that give students crucial cybersecurity, on-the-job training in areas such as privacy protection and mobile software development.”

Of the seven projects selected, Radford University spearheads a project about technology enabled internships with mentoring and Virginia Tech leads another one concerning the “use and abuse of personal information” with technology.

According to CCI’s website they are “Virginia’s main access point for cybersecurity research, innovation, workforce development, and news. In this community, researchers find funding and collaboration, students discover diverse career possibilities, and new innovations come to life.”

Read the full article here.

See the full list of projects here.

The NRV has exceptional education programs from world-class universities that are producing some of the best IT workforce in the country, making the region a natural fit for companies in the cybersecurity and the information technology sectors. Discover more about the innovative IT landscape in the NRV here.

Photo by fauxels

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Innovative Startups Find Opportunities in the NRV

New River Valley, VA – Virginia’s New River Valley (NRV) is the perfect location for businesses to flourish. It’s not hard to see why many startup businesses choose to be part of the economic landscape in the NRV. With its easy access to talent, strategic location, and an innovative businesses community, the NRV is a natural fit for any business.

Several NRV startups are innovating in different sectors across the region.

  • Good Food Groups, LLC located in Pulaski County seeks to manufacture functional foods that contain a substance that helps individuals maintain weight, build muscle, and lose fat. They were recently selected to participate in the RAMP program that gives them access to regional resources and support. Learn more here.
  • MacroVation, LLC also located in Pulaski County designs sustainable biomaterials such as additives that rend plastics biodegradable after use and 3D printable materials from seaweed to manufacture medical devices. MacroVation was also selected to be part of the RAMP program.
  • Fermi Energy in Montgomery County is developing electric vehicle batteries that would help solve supply chain issues of hard-to-get materials like cobalt and nickel. Their goal is to create a battery that would come from locally sourced materials. Through Virginia Tech, they won $2.9 million in grant money from the U.S Department of Energy. Read the full story of them in the Cardinal News here.
  • Vegg Inc. has also found a home in Pulaski County. They are introducing novel solutions for indoor farming by repurposing old school buildings for vertical farming companies. WSLS recently featured a story on them. You can watch the story here.
  • Cowden Technologies in Montgomery County is automating the logistical requirements of uncrewed systems. This is a system that uses robotics to support the drone ecosystem. Cowden Technologies was recently accepted into the NVIDIA Inception program that will give them access to cutting edge technology, venture capitalists, and technical resources. Read the press release here.
  • MOVA Technologies in Pulaski County uses air capture technology for air purification and air pollution control. They recently closed on a $2 million seed funding round that will help with the organization’s growth. Read the full MOVA press release here.

Find out how your business can become a part of this innovative landscape in the NRV here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

VT Led Coalition Receives GO Virginia Grant

Montgomery County, VA Virginia Tech recently reported that they received a GO Virginia Grant for the Automated-Connected-Electrified (ACE) coalition. The coalition, which is led by Virginia Tech, was awarded $500,000 in state aid and $251,300 in matching non-state funding. According to the article, the resources will be used “to advance Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing, transportation, and autonomous vehicles sector by scaling up the talent pipeline to train and retain workers.”

The ACE partnership includes companies like Torc Robotics and Volvo as well as community leaders and higher education partners. With this collaboration, the expectation is that the program will fill much needed workforce gaps in the manufacturing sector and allow companies to have an education platform that will fit their requirements.

The grant will help the team to develop hands on training for the skills necessary to be successful in a manufacturing landscape that uses smart technology to enhance the industrial process.

Read the full article here.

Virginia’s New River Valley offers outstanding educational opportunities, with world-class universities and colleges throughout the region. This creates a natural pipeline of talent for any company that chooses to do business in the NRV. Explore all the NRV has to offer here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

VT Joins Northeast University Semiconductor Network

Montgomery County, VAVirginia Tech recently reported that they have joined the Northeast University Semiconductor Network formed by Micron Technology Inc. The Northeast University Semiconductor Network was established to focus on developing a pipeline of talent in the semiconductor industry.

The Northeast University Semiconductor Network members were selected based on their strong engineering programs and other STEM degrees. The collaboration of 21 universities spans seven states and brings together thousands of technology students with access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Virginia Tech is looking forward to working with Micron and the other members of the network. Virginia Tech President Tim Sands said, “Innovative partnerships among institutions of higher education and industry will be essential to meeting the needs of the national semiconductor industry and memory manufacturing.”

The Northeast University Semiconductor Network hopes to combine traditional and non-traditional access for individuals to enter the semiconductor workforce.

Read more about the Northeast University Semiconductor Network here.

Discover more about Montgomery County, a community of the New River Valley here.

The NRV produces some of the most in-demand IT professionals in the country. Home to several world-class colleges and universities, the NRV has a natural talent pipeline that feeds both the manufacturing and tech industries. Learn more about living and working in the NRVhere.


Photo by Jeremy Waterhouse


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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

NRV Schools Receive Grants to Upgrade CTE Equipment

New River Valley, VA – Cardinal News recently reported that Giles County Public Schools and Montgomery County Public Schools were each awarded $37,000 of a $600,000 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Grant to purchase new equipment or make improvements to existing technical education facilities. Sixteen school divisions were selected by the Virginia Department of Education to receive equal amounts of the CTE Equipment Grant.

The CTE Equipment Grant program was established by the Virginia General Assembly in 2016 and has given over $4.2 million to help schools enhance learning experiences for students.

Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons said,

“These grants continue to allow our school divisions to develop robust and innovative CTE programs that are up to date technologically and help prepare students for the realities and expectations of today’s workforce.”

Giles County will be purchasing a “machining lathe and software for Giles County Technology Center’s precision machining technology program”.

Montgomery County will “purchase virtual reality and mixed reality hardware and software technology for the Governor’s STEM Academy’s program for designing and building using virtual reality”.

Read more of the Cardinal News article here.

View a full list of the CTE grant recipients here.

Virginia’s New River Valley offers outstanding educational opportunities ranging from public schools, private schools and several world-class higher education institutions. To learn more about education in the NRV, click here.


Photo by MChe Lee




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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

VT Brings Cybersecurity to Dairy Farms

Montgomery County, VAVirginia Tech recently reported that they are teaming up with the Virginia Military Institute to address cybersecurity problems on dairy farms. Researchers and students have combined a wide range of fields (cybersecurity, computer science, agriculture, and dairy science) for the project with the support of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative in Southwest Virginia.

Gonzalo Ferreira, Associate Professor of Dairy Management in the Virginia Tech College of Animal and Life Sciences, stated that, “because there is an increasing reliance on automation and smart technologies in dairy farms, resilient cybersecurity of the technologies is paramount.”

While assessing the cybersecurity networks for enhancements, researchers are also creating a classroom-based platform that will simulate real world farm tasks. This reality platform will help train dairy farm workers on how to identify and manage cyberattacks.

Read the full article about the initiative here.

Agriculture has been a staple of the NRV economy for centuries. With a bountiful water source and affordable land, Virginia’s New River Valley proves “A Natural Fit” for companies in Food Processing & Agribusiness. To learn why your Agribusiness belongs in the NRV, visit here.

The IT culture in Virginia’s New River is like no other. The industry thrives here with our collection of unique downtown areas and a large presence of community groups that have a passionate industry focus. To discover why the NRV is a “Natural Fit” for your IT business, click here.

The NRV produces some of the best personnel in the country, from highly sought-after Food Science graduates to in-demand IT professionals. Home to several world-class colleges and universities, The NRV has a natural workforce pipeline that feeds both the Agribusiness and IT industries. To learn more about education in the NRV, click here.

Photo by melle

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Harmonia Founder Wins Virginia Business Women in Leadership Award

Montgomery County, VA – Pallabi Saboo, Founder of Harmonia Holdings Group LLC, was among 30 women selected for the inaugural Virginia Business Women in Leadership Award awarded in 2021. The award recognized those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their field and made significant contributions to their community.

Virginia Business reported that Harmonia, a software company headquartered in Blacksburg, VA, grew “from 10 employees and less than $2 million in revenue to 400 workers and $90 million in revenue” under the direction of Pallabi Saboo. Harmonia has also received numerous awards and recognitions under her leadership.

Discover more about the winners of the Virginia Business Women in Leadership Award here.

Virginia’s New River Valley is a natural fit for companies in the Information Technology industry. With exceptional education programs from local colleges and universities, the NRV is producing some of the best IT workforce in the country.

Discover why Virginia’s New River Valley is a Natural Fit for you and your business here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

NRV Company Selected for Johnson and Johnson Innovation Virtual Residency

Montgomery County, VA Qentoros , headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, was one of three companies recently selected to participate in a virtual mentorship program by The Virginia Tech Research Center and Johnson and Johnson Innovation (JLABS) . This program has been established to help emerging biotech and life science startups.

Brett Malone, President and CEO of the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, had this to say about the collaboration:

“These companies will have a much greater chance of getting their potentially-life saving innovations to patients because of the quality of global services and mentorship that JLABS brings to the table. We’re also excited to provide lab space in Blacksburg based on the companies’ needs.”
Read the full announcement of the Virtual Residency here.

Explore more about Montgomery County, a community in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”   Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.  
Homegrown NRV Companies Highlighted in Virginia Economic Review

Homegrown NRV Companies Highlighted in Virginia Economic Review

New River Valley, VA – Companies that were founded in Virginia’s New River Valley and continue to flourish in the region were highlighted in a recent issue of the Virginia Economic Review. The Q4 2022 issue focused on homegrown Virginia companies throughout the Commonwealth.

Here is a list of the NRV companies highlighted in this issue:

The New River Valley has many advantages for starting and growing your business. It has an innovative business community and access to a loyal, highly skilled workforce. It is affordable with a low cost of living. The strategic location with easy access to I-81 and I-77 makes travel and distribution convenient.

Explore all the NRV’s business advantages here.

Read the full “State of Success” issue of the Virginia Economic Review here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Two NRV Companies Graduate from VEDP's VALET Program

Two NRV Companies Graduate from VEDP’s VALET Program

Montgomery County, VA – Two companies from Virginia’s New River Valley recently graduated from the Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program. The VALET program, which is run by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), “assists Virginia exporters that have firmly established domestic operations and are committed to international exporting as a growth strategy.”

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced this year’s VALET graduates in a press release earlier this month. The two NRV graduates, Aeroprobe Corporation and Phoenix Integration, were among 11 Virginia companies that completed the VALET program in 2022. Both companies are located in Montgomery County.

Here is what Governor Youngkin had to say about the VALET program:

“The VALET program equips companies in Virginia with the resources they need to enter today’s global marketplace and increase trade opportunities for Virginia products. I congratulate these 11 graduating Virginia companies on their impressive export sales and am confident that their international success will contribute to the economic vitality of our Commonwealth in the years to come.”

Read the full press release about this year’s VALET graduates here.

Learn more about VEDP’s VALET program here.

Learn more about other NRV companies that have participated in the VALET program here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small-town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.