What does it take to spark a world-class innovation ecosystem? That’s the question we set out to answer this spring as the Hampton Roads Alliance joined 25 other regional leaders on a purposeful journey to Boston’s Kendall Square—widely recognized as “the most innovative square mile on the planet.”

Led by the Virginia Peninsula Chamber, the Innovators Exchange was more than a study tour. It was a strategic exploration of how one community transformed itself into a global magnet for technology, talent and economic prosperity. As the leading regional economic development organization for Hampton Roads, the Alliance was proud to be part of this mission to bring big ideas—and even bigger potential—back home.

A Region Ready to Rise

Hampton Roads isn’t starting from scratch. The region already boasts many of the foundational assets needed to build an innovation powerhouse: world-class research institutions like Jefferson Lab and NASA Langley, a robust academic network led by ODU, Virginia Tech, William & Mary, CNU and Hampton University, and a rapidly growing entrepreneurial scene with organizations like Innovate Hampton Roads, 757 Collab, and the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center at Tech Center in Newport News.

Add to that a deep expertise in defense, maritime and water innovation; critical transportation infrastructure; and a vibrant, diverse population—and you have a region ripe with opportunity.

The Alliance’s mission is to promote, advocate for, and lead economic development in the region, and we see innovation as central to that future. That’s why this trip mattered.

Lessons from a Global Innovation Hub

Over three packed days, the delegation toured key institutions that have propelled Kendall Square’s rise, including the Cambridge Innovation Center, LabCentral and The Engine—a venture capital platform launched by MIT to commercialize “tough tech.”

Panel discussions with leaders from academia, industry and government brought clarity to the building blocks of successful innovation ecosystems.

The delegation explored questions like:

• What public-private models best support early-stage ventures?
• How does storytelling shape the perception of a region?
• What policies and infrastructure are critical to sustained growth?

MIT’s Val Livada drove home the need for intentionality—innovation doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of aligned vision, deliberate investment and space designed to foster collaboration.

Turning Insight into Action

The experience in Boston underscored that Hampton Roads already has many of the ingredients—but there is a need to align under a shared vision.

Some of the key takeaways include:

• Place and Purpose Go Hand in Hand: Innovation thrives in spaces designed for collaboration.
• Universities Are Anchors: Their role in talent development and research is essential.
• Early Investment Is Critical: Public funding helps de-risk private capital.
• Branding Builds Momentum: We must define and promote a bold, cohesive identity.
• Intentional Collaboration Matters: Cross-sector partnerships need structure and commitment.

The delegation will reconvene to develop a strategic roadmap based on these findings—one that includes regional asset mapping, messaging strategies, funding frameworks and stronger connections to national innovation hubs like MIT.

The Road Ahead

The Hampton Roads Alliance believes that innovation is economic development. Building a regional innovation ecosystem will require shared leadership, strategic investment and a mindset shift that positions innovation as a core economic strategy.

There is a future where Hampton Roads is a national leader in BlueTech, defense innovation, autonomous systems and energy resilience.

Many thanks go to the Virginia Peninsula Chamber for its leadership in organizing this milestone trip, and to the Boston hosts who generously shared their insights. The seeds of innovation have been planted—now it’s up to the leaders of the region to help them grow.

The Regional Investment Playbook will help us organize around a concrete set of projects, identify the stakeholders and capital stacks needed, and implement innovative change in this region. Stay tuned to the Alliance for more information and the Playbook’s official launch.