Charting the Course

Our STEM-oriented economy in Newport News is designed around innovation, and the local government is no exception – committed to collaborating, cultivating and creating a dynamic business environment where all levels of our outstanding talent can bring ideas to market.

Newport News’ Tech Center Research Park celebrated the completion of Building Two, an 81,000-square-foot Class A office and research building. Leasing is now underway in this latest installment of the master plan for the Tech Center Research Park, reinforcing and leveraging investments nearby at Jefferson Lab, including those underway for its High Performance Data Facility.

Complementing the new building, investments by W.M. Jordan, the City and EDA culminated in the creation of the Drillfield – a community gathering spot that can host events including block parties with food trucks, live music and entertainment. The green space, plaza and bandshell are located within the core of the research park and create a new public amenity within the City. Located at the Drillfield is the City’s latest sculpture called Starfinder by Owen Morrel. The City, the EDA, Newport News Public Art Foundation and W.M. Jordan Development partnered on the commission and installation of the sculpture. Starfinder reflects the City’s role as a center of shipbuilding, military and the aerospace industry. While the astrolabe-inspired design is a nod to our nautical history, it also showcases the high value our community places on science, technology and art.

Hot off its top-three finish at the Startup World Cup, Tech Center’s own ivWatch celebrated a new milestone with a first place award in the Virginia Manufacturers Association’s “Coolest Things Made in Virginia” competition. This honor, given at the 2024 Virginia Manufacturing Cup gala, recognizes ivWatch’s cutting-edge IV monitoring technology, designed and produced entirely in its Newport News facility. ivWatch was also named to the Inc. 2024 Best in Business list in the health products category. These prestigious recognitions and achievements mark ivWatch’s growing momentum and dedication to innovation within the Commonwealth.

ITA International, a technology-enabled professional services company based at the Tech Center Research Park, secured a patent for LeadMAP, an innovative lead detection kit designed to enhance public health by ensuring safe drinking water compliance. Unlike existing test strips, LeadMAP can detect both dissolved and particulate lead, making it a comprehensive tool for facilities nationwide to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s updated regulations. Developed through Small Business Innovative Research funding, LeadMAP offers a rapid, accurate and cost-effective alternative to traditional laboratory testing, facilitating on-site assessments in educational institutions, daycare centers and other public facilities.