Information Technology is a rapidly growing and important sector in Hampton Roads encompassing 2,500+ establishments that employ approximately 28,000 people. Our IT industry includes many sectors. Most notable is cybersecurity due to the large presence of military installations and government contractors. With the continuous influx of talent resulting from the exiting military personnel who choose Hampton Roads as their permanent residences coupled with the graduates from our local educational institutions, the region is becoming a hot spot for Information Technology.
Large cybersecurity cluster development
1,400+ local graduates in Computer and Information Sciences
Expected growth rate of 6.8% by 2023
Source: Lightcast, 2022 Estimates
Significant contributors include Old Dominion University and ECPI:
ODU is the region’s leading polytechnic institution offering degrees in business analytics, cybersecurity, computer science, modeling and simulation engineering, database administration, general information technology, and more.
ECPI’s Information Technology offerings are the most comprehensive in Hampton Roads. Each year, hundreds of students graduate with associate and bachelors degrees in programs such as cloud computing, cyber and network security, mobile development, software development and web design and development.
The costs of doing business in Hampton Roads often fall below the national average.
Hampton Roads has a strong and well-recognized defense presence. With over 15 military installations employing 80,000+ active duty personnel, the region has attracted cutting-edge government contractors like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Huntington Ingalls Industries, and Northrop Grumman.
After leaving the services, former military personnel provide a well-trained and renewable source of information technology talent. Each year over 8,000 of the state’s 15,000 exiting military members establish residency in the Hampton Roads region.
Notable research centers in the region help to propel the advancement of information technology forward.
Jefferson Lab is a national laboratory founded by the U.S Department of Energy to provide insights and breakthroughs in nuclear physics research. Their Information Technology Division uses cutting-edge technology to provide high-quality services and capabilities that enable the lab to pursue its research mission.
VMASC is an enterprise research center of Old Dominion University focusing on advances in modeling and simulation, data analytics and cybersecurity.
Located in Suffolk, Sera Brynn has grown into the highest-ranked, pure-play cybersecurity compliance and advisory firm in the world. Founded in 2011 by former members of the U.S. intelligence community, Sera Brynn assists business and defense contractors in complying with security regulations, implementing compliance frameworks and assessing and mitigating cyber risks. With decades of experience, their expert team is made up of security engineers, computer forensics examiners, security consultants, certified compliance auditors, security researchers and trainers. Access to military-connected cyber talent, exceptional quality-of-life, and proximity to Washington D.C. were among the many advantages that led to Sera Brynn’s decision to locate in the Hampton Roads region.
Sera-Brynn’s headquarters in Hampton Roads allow us access to military-connected cyber talent, a high quality-of-life, and easy access to Washington, D.C. Our location in Hampton Roads allows us to provide exemplary services on a very competitive basis.
Rob Hegedus, CEO, Sera Brynn
Booz Allen Hamilton
General Dynamics
Northrop Grumman
SAIC
Valkyrie Enterprises
CACI
Lockheed Martin
Raytheon
Serco, Inc.
WR Systems