An innovation lab based in Alexandria will be launched through state grants for the new National Innovation Quarter.<\/p>\n
The innovation district, launched in February in the area of Arlington and Alexandria called National Landing, received $3.93 million<\/a> in Go Virginia grants to start up programming. Nearly $2 million in local matching grants will also support the innovation district.<\/p>\n The state grants include $800,000 to create an innovation lab in Alexandria in partnership with the innovation quarter, Virginia Tech, Inova Health System, the City of Alexandria and Arlington County. The lab will create space for entrepreneurs to develop, test and commercialize new technologies.<\/p>\n \u201cThis GO Virginia investment turns the promise of National IQ into the infrastructure, programming and partnerships companies need to build, test and scale in Northern Virginia,\u201d said Marian Marquez, senior vice president at the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership. \u201cFor Alexandria, it advances the City\u2019s focus on innovation by pairing Virginia Tech\u2019s presence with an innovation lab where entrepreneurs, industry, and government partners can move emerging technologies from concept to commercialization.\u201d<\/p>\n An Alexandria Economic Development Partnership spokesperson told ALXnow the innovation lab will be based in Potomac Yard, where Virginia Tech<\/a> is developing its Alexandria campus. Other details of the innovation lab are being developed, including its financial model.<\/p>\n Because the GO Virginia grant requires matching local funds over two years, the city\u2019s latest budget includes $200,000 for the innovation lab. AEDP will request another $200,000 for the lab in next year\u2019s budget.<\/p>\n