What it is

The Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (VTCRC) is a research park next to Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. It was established in 1985 to help translate Virginia Tech research into commercial potential, and it is a for-profit, wholly owned private subsidiary of the Virginia Tech Foundation rather than a state entity. The park covers 230 acres with about 1.25 million square feet of office and lab space across 40 buildings, and it is home to more than 180 tenant companies with over 3,500 employees. VTCRC also operates Tech Center Research Park in Newport News.

What it offers founders

The Entrepreneur Resource Center (ERC), at 2200 Kraft Dr., Suite 1325, provides coaching, mentors and experts with startup experience, workshops and Tech Talks, and connections to founders, investors and partners across the VTCRC and Virginia Tech network. Recurring events include the E-Series, Coffee, Cookies and Collaboration drop-in sessions, the free Innovation Lunchbox, and an annual showcase.

COgro Coworking and Labs offers flexible space as a company grows: unreserved desks, reserved workstations, studio and standard offices, and suites for up to four people. Lab members get flexible BSL-2 wet and dry lab space with a dedicated six-foot bench, shared equipment, fume hoods, lockable storage and an unreserved desk. Amenities include secure 24/7 access, conference rooms, phone booths, mail and printing, Wi-Fi and free parking. VTCRC lists lab space starting at $700 on flexible terms. Growing companies can move into VTCRC office and lab suites or build-to-suit sites.

Who it is for

The ERC describes itself as for anyone ready to build, including faculty and researchers, students and alumni, community founders, career changers and experienced entrepreneurs. COgro and the park's leased space suit startups and established technology companies that need office, wet lab or dry lab space near Virginia Tech.

How to engage

  • ERC: complete the intake form on the ERC page, book office hours, join a workshop or attend an event.
  • COgro: request information or schedule a tour through VTCRC. COgro is at 2200 Kraft Dr SW, Suite 1050, Blacksburg, and can be reached at cogro@vtcrc.com.
  • Office and lab space: browse available suites or contact info@vtcrc.com or (540) 961-3600.

Why it matters in the DMV ecosystem

VTCRC sits in Southwest Virginia, several hours from the DC region, and it is a university-linked home for research-based companies, with more than 750 organizations based there since 1985. For founders with ties to Virginia Tech, or those who need affordable wet lab space and a path from coworking to a full facility, it offers a well-defined set of options in one place.