Virginia Tech Project Named Finalist for BBB Regional Challenge

Virginia Tech Project Named Finalist for BBB Regional Challenge

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New River Valley, VA – The U.S. Economic Development Administration has named a Virginia Tech proposal, titled “The Future of Transportation and Logistics”, as a finalist for the Build Back Better Regional Challenge. According to the U.S. EDA, “[t]he Challenge provides transformational investments to develop and strengthen regional industry clusters across the country, all while embracing equitable economic growth, creating good-paying jobs, and enhancing U.S. global competitiveness.”

Virginia Tech was chosen as one of sixty finalists out of 529 applications from across the country. Each finalist was awarded a $500,000 grant to help develop their final proposal. From the finalists, the U.S. EDA “will ultimately award 20-30 regional coalitions between $25 and $100 million to implement 3-8 projects that support an industry sector.”

The proposed project from Virginia Tech will bring together partners across Virginia’s New River Valley and the adjacent regions to develop three transformational projects that will grow the region’s economy. The projects are:

  1. I-81 Autonomous-Electric Testbed
  2. Advanced Air Mobility Testbed
  3. Industry network for training, talent, technology, and entrepreneurial development

Finalist proposals are due to the U.S. EDA by March 15, 2022 and winners are expected to be announced no later than September 2022. Learn more about the Build Back Better Regional Challenge here.

Read Virginia Tech’s project proposal summary for “The Future of Transporation and Logistics” here.

Learn more about advanced manufacturing, unmanned systems, and other industries in Virginia’s New River Valley 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.

Torc Robotics Expansion Among Virginia’s Top 10 Projects in 2020

Torc Robotics Expansion Among Virginia’s Top 10 Projects in 2020

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Montgomery County, VA – Area Development magazine recognized the recent Torc Robotics expansion as one of Virginia’s top 10 economic development projects in 2020. Torc came in ninth on the list, with 350 jobs and $8.5 million in investment.

Torc’s expansion project in Blacksburg helped Virginia win Area Development’s 2021 Silver Shovel Award for states with a population of 8+ to 12 million. The “annual Gold and Silver Shovel Awards recognize states for their achievements that will create a significant number of new jobs in the communities.”

Here’s what Area Development had to say about the Torc Robotics expansion:

“Virginia’s job activity was diverse… including 350 jobs in self-driving vehicle software development at a TORC Robotics expansion in Montgomery County.”

Learn more about the Gold & Silver Shovel Awards and see Area Development’s list of the top ten economic development projects in Virginia here.

Read about the Torc Robotics expansion here.

Learn more about unmanned systems in Virginia’s New River Valley 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.

Wing Makes National News

Wing Makes National News for Innovative Deliveries

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Photo courtesy of Wing

Montgomery County, VA – Want Girl Scout cookies or hot coffee delivered to your door by drone? Wing’s got you covered! The company made national news several times in recent weeks for their innovative deliveries. Wing has been delivering to Christiansburg customers by drone since they completed the first U.S. commercial drone delivery in 2019, but they recently expanded their offerings.

In April, Wing began a partnership with Virginia Skyline Troop 224 to deliver Girl Scout cookies to customers by drone. They will be offering cookie delivery through May 31st. According to the Associated Press, “Wing said it began talking to local Girl Scout troops because they’ve been having a harder time selling cookies during the pandemic, when fewer people are out and about.”



More recently, NBC Nightly News’s Jacob Ward visited Christiansburg and received the first hot coffee delivered drone in U.S. history. The coffee came from local coffee roaster Brugh Coffee, who has been working with Wing to deliver cans of cold brew coffee since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. Hot coffee is a new addition to Wing’s drone delivery menu in Christiansburg.



Christiansburg is the only place in the United States where commercial drone deliveries are available. Residents who live within Wing’s delivery area can order a wide variety of things including Girl Scout cookies, hot and cold coffee, library books, baked goods, chocolates, Mexican food, and pharmacy items.

Virginia’s New River Valley is a hub for the unmanned systems industry. Learn more about the NRV unmanned systems industry here.

Learn more about Christiansburg, a town in Virginia’s New River Valley, 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.

VT Drone Park Helps Students Earn Remote Pilot Certificates

VT Drone Park Helps Students Earn Remote Pilot Certificates

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Montgomery County, VA – The Virginia Tech Drone Park is helping students obtain their FAA Remote Pilot Certificates through a new grant program. This certificate is also known as a Part 107 license, and it is required to fly drones on Virginia Tech’s campus.

A recent article from Virginia Tech Daily explains how Drone Park Manager Sarah Macey started a grant program to defray the costs of the exam fee for students. In the Spring 2021 semester, grants will be awarded to up to 15 undergraduates. According to Macey, “One of my goals at the drone park is to look for new ways to support students here, both through opportunities that can build their resume and help them in the future, like getting their Part 107.”

The Drone Park is a resource for students to advance their learning about drones and the unmanned systems field. According to Stephen Duma, the Harry Wyatt Professor of Engineering and the Director of Virginia Tech’s Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science, “the drone park is a conduit for students to… develop skills they can apply in their own careers. This program is another way we can help create opportunities for the students who are going to shape the evolution of this technology.”

Read the entire article about how the Drone Park Grants will help Virginia Tech students prepare for careers in unmanned systems here.

Learn more about the unmanned systems industry in Virginia’s New River Valley 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 Support Mars Rover Mission

NRV Companies Support Mars Rover Mission

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Photo credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

New River Valley, VA – Four companies in Virginia’s New River Valley supported NASA’s recent Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover mission by manufacturing components used in various stages of the mission. The mission launched on July 30, 2020 and landed on Mars on February 18, 2021. It will spend at least one Mars year, which is 687 Earth days, “search[ing] for signs of ancient microbial life, which will explore the past habitability of Mars.”

Learn more about the specific components from each NRV company that helped with the mission:

Learn more about the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover mission.

Learn more about advanced manufacturing and unmanned systems in Virginia’s New River Valley.

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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.

2020 NRV Announcements Highlighted in Virginia Business

2020 NRV Announcements Highlighted in Virginia Business

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New River Valley, VA – Three major 2020 NRV business announcements were recently highlighted in Virginia Business magazine. The article, titled “A Diversified Portfolio”, describes the announcements and their impact on the region. The article also discussed the state of the manufacturing and tech sectors in Virginia’s New River Valley during the COVID-19 pandemic using data from Onward New River Valley’s recent Industry Competitiveness Surveys.

Learn more about three 2020 NRV business announcements included in the article below:

Read the full article from Virginia Business here.

See more business announcements from Virginia’s New River Valley 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 Autonomous Vehicle Industry Featured in Virginia Economic Review

NRV Autonomous Vehicle Industry Featured in Virginia Economic Review

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Montgomery County, VA – The Virginia Economic Review recently featured an article titled, “Autonomous Vehicle Companies Build Foundation of Trust,” which highlighted two members of the NRV autonomous vehicle industry. The article shared how Torc Robotics and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) are both working to research, test, and advance the field of self-driving technology.

The article also highlighted the business advantages that the New River Valley has to offer to companies in the autonomous vehicle industry. As the article states,

“The New River Valley provides Torc [Robotics] with an ideal location to operate, [CEO Michael] Fleming believes, with a pool of talent willing to work hard, proximity to a major university, and a low cost of living, especially when compared to the Northeast or California’s Silicon Valley.”

Read the full article about the advances that Torc Robotics and VTTI are making to autonomous vehicles here.

Learn more about unmanned systems industry in Virginia’s New River Valley 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.

VTTI Expands Virginia Smart Roads with Rural Test Track

VTTI Expands Virginia Smart Roads with Rural Test Track

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Montgomery County, VA – Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) announced in November that they will expand the Virginia Smart Roads with a rural test track. This test track is “the first research facility created to test automated driving systems and other next-generation technologies in a rural setting.”

The 2.5 mile-long Rural Roadway features many common characteristics of rural roadways including unpaved sections, steep hills, and winding curves. The test track will allow researchers to test the safety of automated vehicles driving in these difficult conditions.

According to VTTI, adding the rural test track means that “the Virginia Smart Roads can now accommodate testing capabilities on every road type (highway, urban/suburban, and rural) in the country.”

Read more about the VTTI Rural Roadway Expansion here.

Learn more about the unmanned systems industry in Virginia’s New River Valley 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.

Wing and MAAP Partnership

Wing and MAAP Partnership Highlighted in Virginia Economic Review

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Montgomery County, VA – The partnership between Wing and the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) at Virginia Tech was highlighted in the Q3 2020 issue of the Virginia Economic Review. The article, titled “A Welcoming Atmosphere”, focuses on the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) research taking place in Virginia’s New River Valley and the “years of work that Wing and… MAAP have put into making drone delivery trials possible.”

In October 2019, Wing was able to successfully complete the first commercial drone delivery in the US. According to the article, Wing chose Christiansburg to be their first UAV delivery site in the US because,

“Christiansburg proved to be a good environment for drone tests because of both its proximity to MAAP and Virginia Tech and its “urban light” environment. The town offers some of the characteristics of urban areas without the challenges that more crowded cities present.”

Read the full article about the partnership between Wing and MAAP here.

Learn more about Wing, MAAP, and the unmanned systems industry in Virginia’s New River Valley 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.

Aeroprobe Featured in Virginia Economic Review

Aeroprobe Featured in Virginia Economic Review

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Montgomery County, VA – Aeroprobe was recently featured in the Q3 2020 issue of the Virginia Economic Review. The article, titled “Aeroprobe Sets Companies Up for Speed”, discussed the Christiansburg-based company’s Micro Air Data System. Many leaders and innovators in the unmanned systems field use Aeroprobe’s system.

The article also highlighted the talent benefits that Aeroprobe receives by being located in Virginia’s New River Valley. According to the article, “A critical element of Aeroprobe’s ability to attract the talent it needs is its Virginia location, minutes from Virginia Tech’s world-renowned Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering… as well as Radford University, where the physics department offers a dual degree program with Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering.”

Nathaniel Varano, Aeroprobe’s President, had this to say about locating in the NRV:

“Being here in Christiansburg gives us a centralized location in the New River Valley corridor. We’re fortunate to not only have so many universities and colleges to recruit from, but there are also so many great small and mid-sized technology companies, which draw an active community of entrepreneurs and technologists.”

Read the full article about Aeroprobe here.

Learn more about the unmanned systems field 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.