Virginia is home to the top tech talent pipeline in the United States, a dynamic semiconductor research and development enterprise, and a network of premier universities producing a steady flow of graduates in areas of high relevance to microelectronics and nanotechnology subsectors. This combination creates a well-rounded ecosystem that positions the Commonwealth of Virginia at the intersection of innovation and manufacturing for the semiconductor industry. 

Top automotive companies choose to locate or expand in Virginia for its thriving automotive ecosystem, skilled workforce, innovative culture, outstanding logistical advantages, competitive cost of doing business, and top-ranked business climate. In the past decade, over 80 automotive projects have been announced in Virginia, representing more than 8,000 jobs and $4.5 billion in investment.

With a thriving industrial and innovation ecosystem, a top-ranked business climate, and a highly skilled workforce, Virginia is an outstanding choice for aerospace and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) companies. In the past decade, 60 aerospace and UAS projects have been announced in Virginia, representing over 4,600 jobs and over $865 million in investment.

Over the last few decades, the Commonwealth of Virginia has become one of North America’s premier locations for the tech sector. Thousands of tech firms and tech industry leaders have been attracted to Virginia by its combination of diverse, world-class talent, exceptional quality of life, attractive business climate, and competitive costs. 

Building on a rich history of federal investments in fiber optics as well as pioneering tax advantages, Virginia hosts the largest data center market in the world and is home to more than 35% (~150) of all known hyperscale data centers worldwide. 

Virginia has emerged as a national leader in cybersecurity and is at the forefront of talent development in the industry. The Commonwealth of Virginia is uniquely equipped to succeed in this sector, with close proximity to the federal government, unparalleled assets in information technology, and higher education institutions that are training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

The last few decades have solidified Virginia’s position as America’s hometown for corporate headquarters. In just the past 10 years, more than 500 companies have relocated to or expanded their headquarters offices in Virginia, attracted to its combination of diverse, world-class talent, exceptional quality of life, stable business climate, and competitive costs. 

Virginia’s collection of assets in the air, on land, and at sea uniquely position the Commonwealth to serve as a leader in this emerging industry. Home to one of six FAA-designated UAS test sites and two NASA facilities focusing on UAS research, Langley Research Center and Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia is poised to lead this promising disruptive technology sector and host unmanned systems manufacturing and testing.