Credit: Innovation Research Park @ ODU
This is part of our Inno on the Road Series, where we explore and showcase a neighboring ecosystem. Inno on the Road: Hampton Roads, which will feature a couple new stories a month and an event in May, is presented by BDO.
With a tangled web of bridges and highways connecting the seven distinct cities that make up the Hampton Roads area, it can sometimes feel daunting navigating the region’s emerging tech and startup communities, both literally and figuratively.
While we can’t be of much help with the former - that’s where Siri and Google Maps come in - this guide is designed to assist with the latter.
Over the course of the Inno on the Roads Series, we’ll be spotlighting a handful of the individuals, companies, challenges and ideas that help shape the local innovation economy. But this ‘Ecosystem at a Glance’ feature is meant to serve as a general onboarding tool, a guide to help you quickly identify the businesses, capital resources, coworking spaces, events, resources and more that make up, support and embody the Hampton Roads ecosystem.
If we missed anything; please email us at SHoltz@AmericanInno.com and we’ll update this guide.
Notable Startups/Early-Stage Companies
New ventures abound in the defense and engineering fields, due to the presence of the world's largest naval base, Naval Station Norfolk. Plenty of new ventures in the digital and healthcare categories have sprung up, but you will also find businesses spanning every major emerging industry, from blockchain to AI.
Newport News:
- BNNT Materials (2010) | "Established to manufacture BNNTs for scientific investigations, commercial product R&D, and commercial products."
- Gradient (2015) | "Building an aircraft that never has to land."
- Senior Runs | "Senior Runs is helping a growing population of seniors, their families and members of the healthcare community to reimagine transportation solutions."
Hampton:
- Psionic (2016) | "Psionic makes it possible for your device or application to understand its surroundings, such as the range, speed, and vector velocity of objects around it as well was those far away."
- Keraderm (2008) | "Keraderm Corp. is dedicated to harnessing the healing power of light to treat a wide variety of skin and nail infections and disorders."
- FeedbacK Enterprise (2012) | "FeedbacK provides a Virtual Coach to help people train while performing a repeatable motion by delivering individualized coaching."
- Liberty Source (2014) | "At Liberty Source, we believe there is a better way to deliver quality business process services."
- Advanced Aircraft (2015) | "AAC produces vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial systems (UAS) targeting commercial and military markets."
- Xperience Robotics (2017) | "Our goal is to help patients with physical challenges recover faster and efficiently."
- Frog-Skin (2016) | "Easy, safe, comfortable and affordable medical-grade materials that combine cold and compression therapies."
Williamsburg:
- ivWatch (2010) | "ivWatch develops an intravenous infiltration detector that is a self-contained unit consisting of an electronic device and a skin sensor."
- SVT Robotics (2018) | "SVT Robotics empowers growing companies to adopt disruptive robotics technologies."
Norfolk:
- Embody (2015) | "Embody LLC is a regenerative medicine company focused on the development and commercialization of implantable medical devices to address the unmet demands in soft tissue restoration and regeneration."
- Ario (2016) | "The augmented reality platform that increases team performance by making it easy to create and share spatial information in real time."
- ReAlta Life Sciences (2018) | "Dedicated to addressing life-threatening medical needs through beneficial inhibition of the Complement System and Inflammatory Mechanisms."
- Hashtiv (2016) | "Hashtiv's mission is to provide a unique social media platform to people who want a different way of interacting with the world."
- Green Stream Technologies (2017) | "The mission of Green Stream is to use the power of technology to help create smarter, safer, more resilient communities."
- Nuekie (2002) | "Nuekie creates innovative health and beauty products for people of color."
- Addison Weeks (2012) | "Addison Weeks manufactures creative furniture hardware."
- Redactable (2018) | "Redactable's patent-pending system automates the redaction process and manages the entire redaction workflow for law firms & legal departments."
- Forefront (2014) | "A software platform to increase the reach of their diversity and inclusion training seminars for Fortune 500 companies."
- Metallum3D (2016) | "Metallum3D is a web based, on-demand, metal 3D printing service that combines low cost, high performance 3D printing equipment with our patent pending materials and microwave sintering process ."
- Troopster (2015) | "Troopster is a military care package website that provides an easy way for friends and family of deployed military to send care packages."
- Dippy (2016) | "Making peer-to-peer referrals simple, direct and trackable."
- Teaming Pro (2017) | "The first on-line teammate discovery platform for the federal contracting industry."
Virginia Beach:
- Leesa (2014) | "Leesa is a beautifully designed luxury mattress ordered exclusively online & delivered to your door."
- FinFit (2008) | "FinFit is dedicated to helping employees improve their financial well-being and become financially stable."
- DroneUp (2016) | "DroneUp is a comprehensive platform that mobilizes and supports sUAS teams and missions on a global scale."
- StratusLIVE (2008) | "StratusLIVE™ provides donor management and fundraising software solutions for the non-profit industry."
- Herbfluence (2019) | "Herbfluence, Inc. is an online platform that is the first influencer marketplace for the cannabis industry."
- Vestalyze (2018) | "Investment tracking and analytics company optimized to manage equity and index options strategies in portfolios."
- CareFamily (2010) | "Care Family provides medication and senior care assessment services, and enables people to connect with caregivers."
- EdLogics (2012) | "EdLogics offers a consumer-focused health education platform designed to engage healthcare consumers, measure results and manage programs."
- Secret Chord Laboratories (2018) | "Our AI-software platform, dopr, takes our years of music neuroscience research and predicts how a targeted audience will enjoy a given song before it hits the market."
- COMPARITY (2013) | "COMPARITY is an online platform that enables users to compare and purchase insurance packages for cars, homes, and more."
- BeatGig (2016) | "By seamlessly connecting artists and venues through our platform, we provide you with unrestricted access to the hottest performing artists."
- Aceso Plasma (2016) | "Redefining the Pillars of Wound Care."
- Hamilton Perkins (2014) | "We make unique limited-edition bags from recycled materials."
- Brink Records (2015) | "Brink Records (f. 2015) in an international record label that works with artists and brings IP revenue into the region from around the world."
Suffolk:
- Intellyx (2014) | "Intellyx is the first and only industry analysis, advisory and training firm focused on agile digital transformation."
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Area Higher Education
Hampton Roads has a strong mix of public and private universities, community college systems, and specialty/trade schools that fit all of the needs of the ecosystem. Many institutions are built into the fabric of their respective cities, helping students give back to their community.
- Christopher Newport University (Newport News)
- Old Dominion University (Norfolk)
- College of William and Mary (Williamsburg)
- Virginia Wesleyan University (Virginia Beach)
- Hampton University (Hampton)
- Norfolk State University (Norfolk)
- Regent University (Virginia Beach)
- Thomas Nelson Community College (Hampton, Williamsburg)
- Paul D. Camp Community College (Suffolk)
- Tidewater Community College (Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth)
- Eastern Virginia Medical School (Norfolk)
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Capital
- 757 Angels | "757 Angels seeks to provide risk-adjusted returns for its members/investors and to catalyze the economy."
- CIT | "CIT seeks to close innovation gaps in the Commonwealth and the nation by focusing on new technologies, entrepreneurs and technology companies that make innovation happen."
- Envest | "With our committed capital base, patient approach to growth, and deep experience, Envest strives to be a flexible and compelling partner for owners seeking full or partial liquidity."
- Hampton Roads Community Foundation | "Hampton Roads Community Foundation does not shy away from tackling major challenges in our region. We work in partnership with generous people and nonprofits through grants and special leadership initiatives."
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Programming & Resources
The Hampton Roads area has a lot to offer in terms of new venture programming and resources, from co-working spaces to accelerators. With a variety of annual events focused on innovation and the increased efforts by local leaders to attract and sustain more tech talent, the support-system for local entrepreneurs continues to grow.
Commercialization:
- NASA Langley – SAND Challenge | "The Safeguard with Autonomous Navigation Demonstration (SAND) is an opportunity for small businesses to compete in an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) competition to help NASA address safety-critical risks associated with flying UAVs in the national airspace."
- Jefferson Labs | "The lab capitalizes on its unique technologies and expertise to perform advanced computing and applied research with industry and university partners, and provides programs designed to help educate the next generation in science and technology."
- National Institute of Aerospace | "NIA collaborates with NASA, other government agencies and laboratories, universities, and industry to conduct leading-edge research and technology development in space exploration, aeronautics, and science."
- Technology Commercialization Center | "Moving innovations from the laboratory to the marketplace, TeCC facilitates technology commercialization through partnerships."
- ICAP | "ICAP helps inventors and entrepreneurs take the right first steps in bringing new technologies and innovations to market."
- CIT - Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund (CRCF) | "The Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund (CRCF) accelerates innovation and economic growth in Virginia by advancing solutions to important state, national, and international problems through technology research, development, and commercialization."
Incubators/Accelerators/Startup Resources:
- 757 Accelerate | "We boost promising startups towards customer traction and revenue using our a network of mentors, investors, support services, working space, and a lean startup education."
- REaKTOR | "Our mission at the REaKTOR Business Technology Innovation Center is to implement an internationally recognized business pre-acceleration and acceleration program to commercialize scientific and technical research."
- Hampton Roads Innovation Collaborative | "HRIC aims to be a connective tissue of innovation, while identifying and filling gaps in the regional ecosystem efforts."
- Business Exchange Hampton | "This initiative seeks to host monthly Peer Network gatherings to bring together leaders and businesses to problem solve, learn best practices and new models, and nurture relationships."
- Startup Grind | "Our mission is to educate, inspire and connect the next generation of game-changers, disruptors, and thought leaders!"
- Hatch Norfolk | "Hatch is an intense, hands-on, 4 month mentor based accelerator for high growth companies seeking world-class mentoring and reduced operational costs."
- Peninsula Technology Incubator | "PTI’s mission is to strengthen and grow the startup ecosystem of Hampton Roads by providing office space, resources, education and mentorship to entrepreneurs."
- Launchpad | "Launchpad provides entrepreneurs and startups in the Greater Williamsburg Partnership with the amenities, counseling, and services necessary to grow a successful business."
- PROPEL Mentor | "PROPEL is a dynamic and innovative small business development program which is designed to take early stage businesses and help them grow and prosper."
- SCORE of Hampton Roads | "Our mentors provide free face-to-face meetings and low cost workshops and events designed to enable entrepreneurs succeed and thrive in today's challenging business climate."
- Portsmouth Partnership Starting Block | "The goal of Starting Block is to provide incubation space for young companies that will eventually move on to seek their own space as they grow their payroll and revenue."
- TempO | "IE is a business-friendly entry point through which local startups, businesses, and organizations can engage the intellectual capital, world-class infrastructure, and cutting-edge technologies of ODU."
- Ignition Center | "We assist a range of startups across the country, from existing businesses looking to grow, to people who simply have an idea."
- RISE | "RISE is a non-profit, economic development organization with a mission to accelerate innovation and business growth around solutions to coastal communities’ resilience challenges."
- StartWheel | "At StartWheel, our mission is to centralize and mobilize efforts that foster the growth of entrepreneurism in our regional innovation economy."
Minority Founder Resources:
- Black BRAND | "Black BRAND's goal is to promote group economics through professional development and community empowerment."
- Minority Business Council | "To advance and facilitate an environment of business opportunities, focusing on increasing expenditures to minority and woman-owned businesses."
- Urban League of Hampton Roads | "he mission of the Urban League of Hampton Roads, Inc. (ULHR) is to enable African Americans and others to secure economic self-reliance, parity and power and civil rights."
- CIT Virginia Founders Fund | "Launched in 2018, the Virginia Founders Fund (VFF) shines a light on the creativity and impact of entrepreneurs arising from Virginia communities traditionally underserved by risk capital. Through VFF, CIT GAP Funds has committed more than $3M of returns for reinvestment in female founder, founders of color, veteran founders and founders located in regions outside of Northern Virginia, seeking to maximize both the economic development social equity imperatives of the Commonwealth."
Female Funders & Founders:
- Women in Venture | "Raising Awareness. Raising Capital. Raising the Bar for Women."
- ODU Women's Business Center | "The mission of the WBC is to enable women's entrepreneurship by providing low to no cost tools for women to successfully own, operate and grow their small business."
Military:
- The Honor Foundation – Entrepreneurship Training | "Our curriculum focuses on key transitional readiness themes isolated through extensive research and feedback."
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | "Whether you are an active-duty service member, a veteran, or a civilian working at or around Naval Station Norfolk, Embry-Riddle Worldwide is here to help you earn your college degree."
- Florida Institute of Technology | "The Florida Tech Hampton Roads Education Center provides graduate students at Joint Base Langley-Eustis and the surrounding area with opportunities to continue their education, maintain their professional and technical competence and to enhance their career development and progression."
Co-Working:
- Gather | "From startups to small businesses to enterprise teams and entrepreneurs, Gather provides the right space for you to work, grow and flourish in our curious collective."
- Novel | "We rent private offices, office suites and coworking memberships so your business can thrive."
- 1701 | "Using “agile” methods, we are constantly improving the processes and amenities to provide the best experiences possible."
- ODU Innovation Center | "The ODU Innovation Center (ICN) is a community of students, faculty, and friends committed to developing entrepreneurial culture in the City of Norfolk and the greater Hampton Roads area."
- Percolater | "Percolator is a collaborative, creative community for entrepreneurs, startups, and innovators in the heart of downtown Norfolk, Virginia."
- Incuhub | "Our shared workspace is the perfect starting point for your company to reach its ultimate potential alongside those with common interests."
- Work Nimbly | "Work Nimbly is Williamsburg’s creative CoWorking space; a productive haven for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and independent workers in Hampton Roads."
Space/Real Estate:
- 757 Startup Studios | "Meant to create a very interconnected space so that startups can move faster, so the collisions and the access to the networks will all be magnified."
- Opportunity Zones | "The program establishes a mechanism that enables investors with capital gains tax liabilities to receive favorable tax treatment for investing funds in designated Opportunity Zones."
Events:
- Something in the Water | "Something in the Water is a music festival and cultural experience staged by Pharrell Williams in his native Virginia Beach."
- Women in Venture | "Originally launched as a professional social network, we have since expanded to include a broad platform for the professional advancement and community impact of members."
- Defense Entrepreneurs Forum (DEF) | "Promoting a culture of innovation in the national security community."
- 757 Pitch | "757Pitch is Hampton Roads, Virginia’s premier open competition for new, high-growth business ideas."
- START Peninsula | "This building extravaganza for entrepreneurs in Hampton Roads will bring together dozens of passionate entrepreneurs and business leaders under one roof with one purpose: To identify the best ideas and create new businesses within one weekend."
- Hampton Roads Tech Expo | "A regional gathering for technology business."
- The State of Information Technology | "Bring together the area’s top IT leaders/ professionals, providers and thought leaders for the purposes of information exchange and community networking."
- The East Coast Music Conference | "The East Coast Music Conference is one of the most influential conferences in the music industry. Just 3 years old, ECMC has a track record of helping artists in the $14b (domestic) independent music sector advance their careers and increase revenue. The conference draws major industry speakers, influencers, and executives from around the US, including NY, LA, and Nashville."
Talent Development:
- ODU Tech Talent Investment Program | "ODU will receive $29.2 million over the next two decades to help grow the number of computer scientists and computer engineers in the Commonwealth."
- Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance | "The area’s lead regional economic development and marketing organization to recruit and encourage new and expanded business development and a talented business employment pool to locate in Hampton Roads."
- CNU Small Business Institute | "he primary mission of the SBI is to enhance the success of small businesses by providing the business owners with workable, practical, and feasible short-term solutions to complex business problems."
- Hampton University Business Incubator | "The purpose of the Business Incubator is to provide space and nurturing services to new and small businesses during their critical early existence."
- Alan B. Miller Entrepreneurship Center | "We equip students to think & act like entrepreneurs so they can change the world."
- Reinvent Hampton Roads | "We will improve the region's economic profile by attracting new entrepreneurs, innovative industries, and high-paying employment opportunities."
- Envision 2020 | "Envisioning our story to advance the Hampton Roads region."
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Subject Matter Experts
Legal:
- Kaleo Legal | "Our calling is to redefine the way law should be practiced."
- Williams Mullen | "Our clients have peace of mind knowing we are responsive and act with a sense of urgency in today’s fast-moving business environment."
- Kaufman & Canoles | "After 100 years of hard work and persistence, Kaufman & Canoles has grown to become the leading business law firm in Hampton Roads."
- Willcox Savage | "Our success comes from having attorneys with exceptional talent and an unwavering commitment to meet our clients' needs and exceed their expectations."
- Wooten Law Group | "Our experience and resources, combined with our passion for practicing law, drive us to deliver sophisticated legal advice for our clients."
Accounting:
- BDO | "What truly sets BDO apart is our commitment to exceeding expectations on every engagement, big or small, for every client, local or multinational." (BDO is a Presenting Sponsor of Inno on the Road)
Research:
- Health Research of Hampton Roads | "HRHR conducts FDA-regulated clinical trials for a variety of national and international pharmaceutical and biotech companies."
- Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center | "The mission of the Hampton Roads AREC is to provide leadership in production and health of specialty crops, water management, and environmental sustainability through nationally-recognized research and extension programs."
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Corporate Engagement
