GO Virginia Region 7 Secures $2.6 Million to Launch Northern Virginia’s First Innovation District at George Mason University’s SciTech Campus

Northern Virginia — GO Virginia Region 7 is proud to announce the award of $2.6 million through the Commonwealth’s Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) initiative to establish Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District. This strategic investment accelerates the region’s emergence as a national hub for life sciences, aerospace, defense, cybersecurity, semiconductors, and emerging technologies.

Led by George Mason University in partnership with Prince William County, the City of Manassas, and regional stakeholders, this initiative reflects GO Virginia Region 7’s strong commitment to advancing economic diversification, workforce development, and entrepreneurship across Northern Virginia. The Innovation District will be anchored at George Mason’s SciTech Campus and will leverage more than $1.3 million in additional investments from local businesses, government, and higher education partners to maximize impact. The funding will give local workers more ways to acquire new skills and stay ahead in fast-moving industries. It will also support the introduction of new technologies, help entrepreneurs navigate the commercialization process, and increase the region’s appeal to companies from around the world.

Key components include:

• Business incubation and acceleration services to support startups and scale-ups in high-tech sectors.

• A soft-landing program designed to help international companies establish operations in Northern Virginia.

• The launch of a Life Sciences Career Accelerator to strengthen the talent pipeline for the region’s growing industries.

“This investment is a meaningful step toward building a more dynamic, future-ready economy,” said Sumeet Shrivastava, Chair of GO Virginia Region 7. “The Innovation District creates a shared platform to strengthen our technology ecosystem, grow and retain talent, and position Northern Virginia as a destination for high-growth industries. I’m proud to see our region coming together to lead in this way.”

Prince William County and the City of Manassas are key partners in developing the 3,800-acre Innovation District. The district includes Innovation Park, which houses major employers such as NAL Research Corporation, American Type Culture Collection, and the newly rebranded NOVA Live, with a university town center currently in development. The Manassas Regional Airport, nearby aerospace companies such as Electra.aero, and global employers along Godwin Drive, including Micron and BAE Systems, further strengthen its position as a growing technology hub.

“This is the kind of project that shows what GO Virginia is all about,” said Susan Baker, Vice President of GO Virginia Region 7. “It’s about creating high-wage jobs, fostering entrepreneurship, and building a resilient regional economy through regional collaboration among business, education, and government.”

George Mason University brings critical assets to the district, including its CAP/CLIA-certified Clinical Proteomics Laboratory, Nanofabrication Facility, and a multi-story laboratory for air and ground robotic and autonomous vehicles, to support research translation and workforce readiness. The university will play a vital role in translating research into commercialization, preparing students for high-demand fields, and strengthening connections between academia, industry, and government.

“As Virginia’s largest public research university, George Mason is deeply focused on equipping students to lead in a changing world,” said Amy Adams, Executive Director of the Innovation District. “The Innovation District opens new pathways to connect education, research, and industry while giving students opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.”

At its core, the Innovation District is an investment in the people who call Northern Virginia home. It helps them gain skills, find better jobs, and play a meaningful role in the region’s future. Current efforts include the Northern Virginia International Soft Landing Accelerator, workforce programs tailored to local employer needs, and young professional networks connecting early-career talent across the area. For those looking to engage, partner, or learn more, contact Amy Adams, Innovation District Executive Director, at avanmete@gmu.edu.

Since its inception in 2017, GO Virginia has helped generate over 24,000 jobs and supported more than 1,000 businesses statewide. The Region 7 Innovation District builds on this success, positioning Northern Virginia at the forefront of innovation and economic growth.