Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced over $6.8 million in grants through the Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) initiative. The funding is designated for eight projects aimed at boosting innovation and expanding regional talent pipelines in strategic industry sectors such as energy, life sciences, information technology, manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture. An additional $3.5 million from local and non-state partners will support these efforts.
“GO Virginia continues to be a catalyst for innovation and collaboration,” said Governor Youngkin. “These projects reflect a collective commitment to building robust talent pipelines, supporting industry growth, and strengthening the economic competitiveness of every region in Virginia.”
The GO Virginia program promotes regional collaboration to support industries that create high-wage jobs. The funded projects focus on four investment priorities: talent development, cluster scale-up, regional site development, and startup ecosystem expansion.
“The Youngkin Administration remains unwaveringly committed to strengthening Virginia’s economy at the local, regional, and statewide levels,” stated Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura. “By investing in talent and removing barriers to success, we are paving the way for innovation and growth across all of Virginia’s diverse regions.”
Nancy Howell Agee, chair of the GO Virginia State Board remarked that these projects showcase “the strategic collaboration and ingenuity that GO Virginia promotes,” enabling regions to address their unique economic opportunities.
Since its start in 2017, GO Virginia has been instrumental in enhancing regional economies by fostering partnerships among localities, economic development partners, and private industry. It has contributed significantly to creating over 1,000 new businesses and more than 24,000 jobs.
Among the awarded projects is an Innovation District Implementation led by George Mason University at its SciTech Campus in Prince William County with a grant of $2.6 million. This project aims to position the district as a hub for innovation by supporting ventures in life sciences and emerging technologies.
Other notable initiatives include launching Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC) programs across various regions; establishing workforce training facilities; expanding career exposure labs; developing aquaculture incubators; conducting feasibility studies on nuclear microreactors; planning meat processing cooperatives; among others.
For further details on how GO Virginia supports economic progress across the Commonwealth visit dhcd.virginia.gov/gova.
