A Climate of Innovation in Roanoke and Blacksburg
RBIA works with government leaders, mentors, CEOs, entrepreneurs, researchers, visionaries and innovators to create a climate where innovation is second nature.
This innovation ecosystem has been nurtured from project after visionary project, each advancing the creative climate in Roanoke and Blacksburg so entrepreneurs find the capital they need, life saving technologies reach market faster, and the region attracts more innovators than ever.
Economic Impact of 2024 Activities
Recent Projects Advancing Regional Innovation
The work of RBIA and our member companies dovetails to create a holistic ecosystem that serves to advance innovation and raise the profile of the Roanoke Blacksburg region both statewide and nationally.
Our projects are strategically undertaken to support tech-based economic development for the Roanoke Blacksburg region from infrastructure, to networking, to talent development, and more.
Building Regional Coalitions
We take collaboration seriously. That’s why we support entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives by leading various coalitions and convening state, federal, and venture capital groups:
- Roanoke Biotech Project ($25M)
builds lab space and clean rooms in partnership with the City of Roanoke. - GO Virginia Project VITAL ($14.4M statewide, Biotech Lab Equipment Federal Appropriations ($1M) aimed at nurturing life sciences innovation and commercialization hub in partnership with Virginia Tech and Carilion Clinic.
- Regional Talent Coalition
Advancing Biotech
The Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development awarded a $15.7M grant to the City of Roanoke which RBIA received $2.2M to support an innovation studio and programming, new labs, and workspace for biotech companies. Labs are on track to open fall of 2025. In addition, funds were used to award scholarships to 46 biotech students at Virginia Western Community College to strengthen the biotech talent pipeline.
Leading Ecosystem Building Activities
In a joint effort across the alliance, RBTC regularly produces annual events that elevate the technology community and recognize the tremendous creativity of our region. In addition to the annual TechNite gala, RBTC launched an emerging technology conference in 2024 to share global knowledge and resources.
Expanding Accelerator Services
RBIA received a $577,800 GO Virginia Strengthening Entrepreneurs’ Impact Grant to expand programming and services for RAMP’s pre-accelerator program, On RAMP, and their alumni program, Exit RAMP. RBIA will reap continued financial sustainability for these programs thanks to financial matching from our partners and a two-year EDA Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant totaling $338,086.
Support the Future of Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation
Building a tech-based ecosystem isn’t a one-person job. It takes an entire community of committed individuals who bring their unique skills and passions to the work every day.
Support current and future projects and help build the future for the Roanoke Blacksburg region.
