NRV Companies Selected for RAMP 2024 Fall Cohort

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Montgomery County, VA – The Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council recently announced four innovative start-up companies that have been selected to participate in the Regional Accelerator and Mentor Program (RAMP). RAMP connects high-growth potential technology-based businesses with regional resources.

Of the four companies selected, three reside in Virginia’s New River Valley (NRV). They are listed below.
  • Drivingo (Blacksburg, VA) – Drivingo pioneers customer experience with touchless interfaces, conversational AI, and bespoke omnichannel retail systems. Drivingo boosts interactions across the hospitality and tourism industry from banks to grocery stores and airports, and the fast-food industry.
  • Accordium.AI (Blacksburg, VA) – Accordium.AI is developing a large language model platform to revolutionize the way users negotiate. This innovative application aims to assist sales, procurement professionals, executives, negotiators, and individuals involved in mergers and acquisitions by offering a comprehensive platform for negotiation preparation, role-playing, coaching, and execution. By creating a bounded universe embedded with a proprietary negotiation system, users will be able to enhance their negotiation skills effectively. The application will provide tailored role-play scenarios and coaching sessions to meet the unique needs of each user, ultimately empowering them to excel in complex sales, price negotiations, and various other high-stakes situations.
  • Portcullis Research (Blacksburg, VA) – Portcullis is developing techniques to improve supply chain and lifecycle security for physical documents, trusted supply sources, and other routine business processes. These techniques integrate existing technologies to give companies and government agencies better lifecycle management of documents and assured supply chain artifacts.

According to RAMP’s website, the companies will participate in a 12-week cohort program and “receive $20,000 in non-equity funding, expert mentoring, and free office space with high-speed internet in downtown Roanoke’s Gill Building. RAMP alumni also receive two years of free membership in the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council; one year of membership in Virginia BIO; three years of membership in the Shenandoah Club; membership in Morrow; discounted office space; and three additional years of ongoing support through Exit RAMP – a suite of ever-growing and developing coaching and support services.”

Read RAMP’s press release here.

The NRV offers an ideal environment for businesses to thrive. With a rich pool of talent, a prime location, and a vibrant, forward-thinking business community, the NRV is the perfect place for businesses to call home. Learn more about doing business in the NRV here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

MELD Awarded $975 Million Air Force Contract

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Montgomery County, VA – MELD Manufacturing recently announced that they have been awarded a $975 million contract by the United States Air Force to support the Rapid Sustainment Office (RSO) in enhancing operational readiness of its deployed assets. MELD is among 67 companies awarded the contract by the RSO.

MELD’s innovative solid-state metal additive manufacturing process is at the heart of this partnership. With the ability to produce large-scale, flight-critical components, MELD delivers exceptional quality that meets the demanding standards of the aerospace industry. According to MELD’s press release “MELD is the only large scale, solid-state metal 3D printer chosen by the RSO and the only company with additive technology both invented and manufactured in the United States.”

MELD Manufacturing continues to push the boundaries of metal 3D printing. With this latest contract, MELD is poised to further its impact on the defense sector while advancing its commitment to disrupting traditional manufacturing processes.

Virginia’s New River Vally is proud to manufacture using the highest levels of technology and robotics. With a talented and loyal workforce, the NRV is a natural fit for advanced manufacturers looking to drive the future. Learn more about manufacturing in the NRV here.

Read MELD’s full press release here.

A complete list of the companies awarded the contracts can be found here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Lane Stadium Ranks Top 5 Toughest Places to Play

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Montgomery County, VA – Lane Stadium at Virginia Tech was recently ranked as one of the top five toughest stadiums to play in college football by Bruce Feldman in The Athletic article “What is college football’s toughest stadium to play in?”. The Athletic, the sports journalism department of the New York Times, stated that “Lane Stadium comes alive like no other venue” and the stadium can be “ominous”.

Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium is known for its electric opening, “Enter Sandman” by Metallica, that has become synonymous with Hokie pride. The Hokies’ entrance is so impactful that it has been measured on a seismograph.

Read The Athletic article here.

Learn more about the Virginia Tech Hokies here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Growing NRV Companies Recognized on Lunch Pail 100 List

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Montgomery County, VA – The Lunch Pail Ventures Community, a global network created by Virginia Tech alumni-entrepreneurs, recently recognized eight different companies in the NRV as businesses with significant growth in 2024 on their Lunch Pail 100 list.

Those businesses are:

View the full list of the Lunch Pail 100 list here.

From startups leveraging cutting-edge technologies like automation and 3D printing to established firms diversifying their product lines, Virginia’s New River Valley’s business landscape is thriving. A key factor contributing to this growth is the collaborative spirit among businesses, local government, and educational institutions in the NRV. Programs aimed at workforce development, innovation, and infrastructure improvement have provided companies with the resources they need to succeed. Learn more about business in the NRV here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

New River Valley Craft Beverage Tour

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New River Valley, VA – August is a special time for craft beer lovers in Virginia, as the state celebrates Craft Beer Month highlighting the best of local brewing. Virginia’s New River Valley, with its growing craft beverage scene, is the perfect destination to experience this celebration firsthand. Home to a variety of breweries and distilleries, the region offers a diverse selection of craft beers and spirits. Whether you’re into bold IPAs, refreshing lagers, or small-batch spirits, the New River Valley’s craft beverage scene has something for everyone to enjoy this August. Whether you’re a local or planning a trip, make sure to raise a glass in the New River Valley and experience the craft beer and spirits of the region.

Enjoy craft beer month in the New River Valley by visiting our breweries and distilleries:

With a commitment to quality and a passion for creativity, the New River Valley continues to inspire all that live and work here. The people have created a community that cherishes culture and connectivity. It’s a natural fit for those who like to craft and grow their skills. Discover more about the Food Processing and Agribusiness in the NRV here. And learn why the NRV is a great place to sip and savor life here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Blacksburg Resident Wins Gold in Paris Olympics

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Montgomery County, VA – Cardinal News reported that Cole Hocker, a track and field athlete, won gold in the 1500 meter run at the Paris Olympics. His powerful finishing kick helped him to beat the two favorites, one from Great Britian and the other from Norway, and break the Olympic record.

Embed from Getty Images

Cole Hocker moved to Blacksburg in 2023 to work with Virginia Tech track and field coach Ben Thomas and train in the New River Valley. This move put him on the gold medal stand. He first attempted to win a gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics but came in 6th place.

Read the full article here.

Watch Cole Hocker’s gold medal run here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

NRV Companies Awarded 2024 Top Virginia Employers for Interns

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New River Valley, VA – The Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) recently honored 136 organizations as the 2024 Top Virginia Employers for Interns, including several from Virginia’s New River Valley (NRV). This recognition not only highlights the amazing internship opportunities at these NRV employers but also calls attention to the NRV as a premier location to live, work, and conduct business.

The award is a partnership between V-TOP, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and the Virginia Business Higher Education Council. V-TOP is supported by the General Assembly’s Commonwealth Innovative Internship Fund and Program.

The NRV recipients are:

The 2024 Top Virginia Employer Intern award recognized employers who provide students with high-quality internships. Recipients of the award were evaluated based on efforts to include housing allowance, training for industry certifications, paid time off, security clearance, exposure to senior leadership, and structured mentorship programs.

Review the full list of recipients here.

Companies in Virginia’s New River Valley have the added benefit of the opportunity to enroll their interns in the NRV Experience hosted by Onward NRV. The seven-week long summer program features a series of community excursions, professional development trainings, and networking opportunities for your summer interns. These events connect them with other interns in the region while showcasing lifestyle amenities the New River Valley has to offer. Find out why you should enroll your interns in the next NRV Experience here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Inorganic Ventures Acquires PURE Analytical Laboratories

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Montgomery County, VA – IV Labs Inc., parent company of Inorganic Ventures, reported that they have acquired PURE Analytical Laboratories located in Pennsylvania.

According to the press release “Inorganic Ventures, a manufacturer of certified reference materials (CRMs), provides some of the highest levels of accuracy, certainty, and traceability, for quality control and analysis of impurities—along with a robust education and training program for scientists in the field. PURE produces ultra-high purity starting materials, while Inorganic Ventures uses the materials to formulate precise custom standards and produce precision custom materials.”

Combing these companies will help produce materials with higher purities than are currently available in the market and enable IV Labs to enhance their research and development of ultra-high purity products for emerging technologies. The acquisition will also reduce processing requirements in a wide range of industries that include electronics, transportation, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage.

Virginia’s New River Valley is a place where pioneering businesses can thrive and grow. Learn why the NRV is a natural fit for expanding companies here.

Read IV Labs’ press release here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Falling Branch Corporate Park Receives Site Improvements

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Montgomery County, VA – WDBJ7 recently reported that Falling Branch Corporate Park in Christiansburg, Virginia is receiving some site improvements. Its location off I-81 has made the corporate park a success, bringing in 600 new jobs and over $300 million in investment.

“Virginia is really lacking in prepared sites”, said Montgomery County Economic Development Director Brian Hamilton, “And the pre-graded pad takes out a lot of the unknown for the company.”

According to Montgomery County’s website, the improvements on Phase II Lot 2 will result in a 20-acre graded pad directly beside FedEx Ground. The pad will have utilities and a paved access road. The site improvements are expected to make Phase II Lot 2 of Falling Branch shovel ready by the end of the year.

Watch WDBJ7’s story here.

Virginia’s New River Valley is the perfect location to let your business flourish. Explore available sites and buildings in the NRV that are “A Natural Fit” here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Skyphos Ranked as Top 5 Lab-On-A-Chip Startup

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Montgomery County, VA – StartUs Insights recently named Skyphos, based in Montgomery County, as one of the “Top 5 Lab-On-A-Chip startups impacting engineering.” StartUs Insights uses AI to find and analyze promising startups, technologies, and trends. They evaluated 90 Lab-on-a-Chip startups to identify the top solutions worldwide.

Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) technology condenses multiple laboratory functions into a single microchip. These chips, ranging from millimeters to a few centimeters in size, perform tests using tiny amounts of fluid, such as body fluids, cell solutions, or chemicals.

Skyphos has developed a 3D printing technology that allows researchers to modify designs on demand, significantly reducing development time and costs. Their patent-pending processes and materials have the potential to revolutionize the LOC industry and the medical field.

Read the article from StartUs Insights here.

With its innovative businesses, supportive community, strategic location, and access to skilled talent, it’s clear why pioneering companies like Skyphos choose to grow in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s simply a natural fit. Discover more about the trailblazing businesses of the NRV here.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.