The Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance, formerly Verge, unveiled a major rebrand to reflect their ongoing commitment to tech-based economic advancement and their leadership in a portfolio of organizations dedicated to developing the Roanoke Blacksburg innovation ecosystem.

The elements of the Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance (RBIA) include:

  • A new name that reflects the commitment of Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance to elevating the local tech economy through vision, strategy, and collaboration.
  • A dynamic and modern logo that represents all four Alliance teams and evokes the momentum and creativity inherent in the regional innovation ecosystem.
  • Energetic brand colors that align across RBIA member companies.
  • A modern, user-friendly website designed to support existing innovation ecosystem members and attract new stakeholders.

“The new brand visually embodies the interconnected efforts of the Alliance and our collective vision to elevate the Roanoke Region and New River Valley as a nationally recognized hub for technology and biotechnology,” said RBIA CEO Erin Burcham.

The Alliance has accelerated 60+ tech companies and seen 850 high-paying jobs created in the region since 2017 and has been instrumental in crafting a creative culture that has seen 3,200+ patents filed since 2014. Further, through RBTC, the Alliance brings together 225 RBTC member companies for professional development, networking and talent retention.

Most recently, RBIA led a coalition to include 38 regional organizations, including Virginia Tech, Carilion, Virginia Western Community College, Blue Ridge Partnership for Health Science Careers and many others, to secure $4.9 million through GO Virginia’s Project VITAL. The funds will be used to further biotech and life science commercialization and establish Roanoke Blacksburg as a biomedical hub. The coalition aims to create 1,100 jobs over five years with a $40 million economic impact.

Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance unites a portfolio of organizations including the Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program (RAMP), Roanoke Blacksburg Technology Council (RBTC), and Common Wealth Angels all dedicated to tech-based economic advancement in the Roanoke Blacksburg region. Together, they form a full-stack network of support designed to accelerate innovation in the technology and life science industries and develop the Roanoke Blacksburg region into a nationally recognized hub for technology and biotechnology.

“The rebrand of the Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance honors the dedication of past leaders and the contributions of many collaborators in building a strong foundation for innovation in our region. It also sets a bold vision for the ambitious goals we will achieve together in the future,” Burcham said.