Companies, whether just starting out or established, are looking to fund their big idea, develop a product we can’t live without, or create technology that will transform the world. We know what to do… that’s why the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center has been the destination for over 750 organizations since 1985.
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.
Other companies in the news:
Cellink (Biotech) – CELLINK and Nanoscribe join forces to launch the Quantum X bio, the world’s most accurate 3D bioprinter.
Emisshield (Materials) – Space Foundation inducts Emisshield into the Space Technology Hall of Fame®.
Intuitive (Biotech) – Intuitive reaches 10 million procedures performed using da Vinci Surgical Systems.
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.
TORC (Automotive and Transportation) – TORC expands footprint with new engineering office in Austin, supporting fast growth in drive to commercialize self-driving trucks.
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:
- Engineering
- Business
- Biology
- Human Nutrition, Foods, & Exercise
- 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:
- Financial assistance
- Infrastructure assistance
- Recruitment & training
- Regional and local
- Tax
- Telework
Companies looking to relocate to Montgomery County-Blacksburg-Christiansburg may also be eligible for additional incentives and programs, such as:
- Governor’s Opportunity Fund
- Virginia Economic Development Incentive Grant
- Virginia Jobs Investment Program
- Virginia Small Business Financing Authority
- Local Economic Development Grant
- Existing Companies
Existing Companies
What if your company is already in the New River Valley? Montgomery County has a program for existing companies too, and include:
- Virginia Jobs Investment Program
- MBC Revolving Loan Fund
- Virginia Leaders in Export Trade
- Virginia Investment Partnership Grant And Major Eligible Employer Grant
- 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.
By: Melissa Vidmar