FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Manassas, Virginia – July 16, 2025
Thanks to a major investment from GO Virginia, the region’s first Innovation District is taking shape, laying the groundwork for growth in high-tech industry sectors like life sciences, aerospace, defense, and semiconductors.
Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that the Commonwealth will invest $2.6 million in the effort, with an additional $1.3 million coming from local businesses, government, and higher education partners. The funding will help launch the Innovation District and roll out programs aimed at making Northern Virginia a national hub for research-driven industries, while providing residents with the opportunity to pursue strong, lasting careers without leaving their communities.
The Innovation District, led by George Mason University and in partnership with Prince William County and the City of Manassas, will accelerate scientific advancement, bolster startups and established employers, and create high-quality jobs.
The district exemplifies the goals of GO Virginia, a state-funded initiative administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development that strengthens and diversifies Virginia’s economy and fosters the creation of high-wage jobs in strategic industries. The funding will enable local workers to acquire new skills and stay ahead in rapidly evolving 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.
“This is the kind of project that shows what GO Virginia is all about,” said GO Virginia Region 7 Vice President Susan Baker. “It is about building a sustainable, diversified economy while reducing reliance on the federal government.”
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 is home to major employers such as NAL Research Corporation, the American Type Culture Collection, and the newly rebranded NOVA Live, with a university town center currently under 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 type of space is essential for start-ups to establish and grow, and we want to continue expanding these opportunities across tech sectors,” said Christina Winn, executive director of the Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Tourism. In 2014, Prince William County launched Northern Virginia’s first commercial wet lab accelerator, Endeavor 234, and now also offers graduation space in the Northern Virginia Bioscience Center.
During the planning study that preceded the recently awarded grant, local businesses of all sizes identified talent development as a critical factor for growth and expansion. “We are committed to ensuring our businesses have the resources they need and are fortunate to have both George Mason and Northern Virginia Community College training the tech workforce,” said Patrick Small, economic development director for the City of Manassas.
As planning progresses, George Mason lends its strengths to the Innovation District in career preparation, corporate engagement, and bringing discoveries to market. The university is leveraging cutting-edge infrastructure, 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. More than an academic anchor, the university is broadening real-world learning experiences and opening doors for students to contribute to the region’s evolving economy.
“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.”
University-affiliated districts are becoming important links in the country’s innovation infrastructure, offering regional strengths with national relevance. Northern Virginia’s district adds a unique connection point, with its proximity to Washington D.C. and close ties to federal agencies.
“We have seen research parks and innovation districts succeed when they are anchored in strong academic institutions and supported by smart regional planning,” said Brian Darmody, chief strategy officer of the Association of University Research Parks. “What sets Northern Virginia’s Innovation District apart is that, rather than starting from scratch, it is building on momentum.”
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 plays 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 Katie Maney at kmaney@gmu.edu
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