Economic Development

The University for Virginia

Stylized image of Virginia

The University of Virginia accelerates robust, enduring, and inclusive economic growth that improves lives and promotes flourishing communities across Virginia.

  • Amplifying growth through research, innovation, and entrepreneurship
  • Joining forces with local and state partners to recruit and retain industry in Virginia
  • Empowering a future-ready workforce with the necessary skills in a rapidly changing world
  • Economic impact $5.9 billion Generated for Virginia by UVA every year
  • Employment impact 51,600+ jobs Created and sustained by UVA
  • Government revenue impact $239.9 million State and local government revenue attributable to UVA

Spotlight

The University for Virginia: Economic Development Report
The University for Virginia: Economic Development Report

Discover the University's contributions to Virginia through a series of compelling, vignette-style highlights presented in this first edition report. Understand UVA as an engine for inclusive economic growth by exploring the initiatives that are creating proactive impact across the Commonwealth.

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Our impact

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Virginia Alliance for Semiconductor Technology

Virginia Alliance for Semiconductor Technology

UVA is a member of the Virginia Alliance for Semiconductor Technology (VAST), a coalition established to elevate Virginia as a leader on the forefront of the burgeoning semiconductor industry. The semiconductor alliance will serve industry and the semiconductor, microelectronics, and nanotechnology ecosystem by creating a collaborative network of Virginia’s preeminent universities to provide easy access to state-of-the-art research facilities across the Commonwealth of Virginia and provide valuable certifications to bolster workforce access in these rapidly evolving fields.

Virginia Alliance for Semiconductor Technology

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Agrospheres Announces Major Commercial Development Agreement with FMC Corporation

Agrospheres Announces Major Commercial Development Agreement with FMC Corporation

AgroSpheres, a biotechnology company pioneering breakthroughs in sustainable crop protection and crop health, today announced the signing of a major collaboration with FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC), a global leader in agriculture sciences. The long-term alliance represents a major milestone in launching AgroSpheres’ vertically integrated product pipeline.

UVA, Virginia Tech join Micron's semiconductor workforce development network

UVA, Virginia Tech join Micron's semiconductor workforce development network

The University of Virginia and Virginia Tech are two of 21 East Coast universities partnering with semiconductor company Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) and the National Science Foundation on a workforce development initiative that’s an integral part of the $280 billion CHIPS and Science Act.

Washington Business Journal

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$3M Grant Awarded To Advance Site Readiness at North Fork

$3M Grant Awarded To Advance Site Readiness at North Fork

Albemarle County, in collaboration with the University of Virginia Foundation, has been awarded a $3M Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP) Grant to advance site readiness at North Fork.

North Fork, A UVA Discovery Park

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UVA Leverages $100 Million Gift to Launch Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology to Transform Health Care

UVA Leverages $100 Million Gift to Launch Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology to Transform Health Care

The UVA Manning Institute of Biotechnology positions UVA at the very forefront of cutting-edge medicine, such as cellular and gene therapies that revolutionize how diseases are treated and cured. It is also anticipated to attract pharmaceutical and biotech companies to what is expected to become a major hub for research and manufacturing centered around UVA’s new state-of-the-art biotech facility.

Launch of UVA|NOVA signals university's growing presence in northern Virginia

Launch of UVA|NOVA signals university's growing presence in northern Virginia

A strategic expansion of UVA's presence in northern Virginia will increase academic programming and research in this important economic region of the state. Expanded course offerings in several schools will help those looking to gain additional skills to further their careers.

UVA Launches guaranteed job interviews for nontraditional students

UVA Launches guaranteed job interviews for nontraditional students

Several companies, including some founded by UVA alumni, are offering guaranteed job interviews to students with certain certificates from the School of Continuing Education and Professional Studies.

 Entrepreneurs in Residence Guide Development of Mobile Health Platform for People with HIV

Entrepreneurs in Residence Guide Development of Mobile Health Platform for People with HIV

A mobile health platform developed at the University of Virginia that is being licensed by a UVA Licensing & Ventures Group company – with guidance from its Entrepreneurs in Residence program – is making the lives of people with HIV around the world easier.

UVA Supports Expanding Life Sciences Industry in Charlottesville

UVA Supports Expanding Life Sciences Industry in Charlottesville

Explore 2022's first quarter edition of the Virginia Economic Review featuring a story on UVA and its support for the life sciences industry in Charlottesville (p. 32).

How UVA Edge Helped These Students Gain Far More Than College Credit

How UVA Edge Helped These Students Gain Far More Than College Credit

A partnership between UVA’s College of Arts & Sciences and the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, UVA Edge is a yearlong, six-course online program that helps adults develop skills such as leadership, effective communication and digital literacy while earning credits that could help them toward a degree.

Where Business Meets Science: Q&A with Biotechnology Track Director Nikki Hastings

Where Business Meets Science: Q&A with Biotechnology Track Director Nikki Hastings

A new cross-curricular specialized course of study in the M.S. in Commerce Program will offer students indispensable knowledge and learning experiences while facilitating valuable industry and alumni engagement. Students with life science backgrounds will gain business skills and emerge ready to excel in areas where the the life sciences and the biotechnology industry convene.

Community Provides Input on UVA's Affordable Housing Sites

Community Provides Input on UVA's Affordable Housing Sites

View initial community input on the University's three proposed sites for Affordable Housing development. View summarized insights from a community survey and comment wall that captured more than 1,000 survey responses and dozens of comments.

University of Virginia

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Charlottesville, Albemarle, UVA Discuss 'State of the Community'

Charlottesville, Albemarle, UVA Discuss 'State of the Community'

Leaders from the area's largest employers discussed the challenges of attracting and retaining employees at the Chamber's "State of the Community" event. UVA President Jim Ryan participated, highlighting UVA's contributions to affordable housing.

The Daily Progress

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Propel Management Consulting Program

Propel Management Consulting Program

The Propel Management Consulting Program is a collaboration between the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center (CVSBDC), the UVA Career Center, and the UVA Office of Economic Development to engage students in team-based projects sourced through employer partners and local start-ups.

Virginia Pledges $1 Billion for Tech Talent Pipeline

Virginia Pledges $1 Billion for Tech Talent Pipeline

UVA joined with Virginia colleges and universities to commit to doubling the state’s tech graduates as part of a bold vision for a historic tech-talent pipeline initiative that was central to recruiting Amazon HQ2 to the Commonwealth. UVA will receive $33 million through 2039 to support the expansion of degrees in computer science-related areas.

Locals' business ideas soon could get boost from Venture Central

Locals' business ideas soon could get boost from Venture Central

Planning is underway to advance Venture Central, an initiative designed by UVA, the city of Charlottesville, the Charlottesville Chamber of Commerce, and Albemarle County to spur startup success, job growth, and investment. The effort will coordinate disparate resources, connect entrepreneurs to a support network, offer targeted programs, and serve as a “front door” to the entrepreneurial community.

Virginia is back as America's Top State for Business

Virginia is back as America's Top State for Business

The University is a key contributor to a higher education system that propelled Virginia to America’s top state for business in 2019 and again in 2021.

Partners Launch Project Rebound

Partners Launch Project Rebound

Project Rebound will engage business leaders to share insights, identify challenges, and build actionable strategies to restore the local economy in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. The collaboration includes economic development partners at UVA, the Charlottesville Chamber of Commerce, the city of Charlottesville, and Albemarle County.

Biocomplexity Institute Wins $10M Grant to Thwart Future Pandemics

Biocomplexity Institute Wins $10M Grant to Thwart Future Pandemics

Researchers at UVA’s Biocomplexity Institute have won a new $10 million, five-year NSF grant to plan for, and respond to, epidemics and pandemics.

UVA Announces Affordable Housing Goal

UVA Announces Affordable Housing Goal

UVA has established a goal to support the development of 1,000 to 1,500 affordable housing units in Charlottesville and Albemarle County over the next decade on land owned by the University and the UVA Foundation. UVA is committed to serving as a responsible anchor institution and good neighbor.

UVA Today

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VEDP, UVA Kindle Partnership on Grounds

VEDP, UVA Kindle Partnership on Grounds

Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) President & CEO Stephen Moret and Assistant Vice President for Talent Solutions Debbie Melvin visited Grounds on Friday to meet with willing partners from the University and the region.

The University for Virginia: Economic Development Report

Discover the University's contributions to Virginia through a series of compelling, vignette-style highlights presented in this first edition report. Understand UVA as an engine for inclusive economic growth by exploring the initiatives that are creating proactive impact across the Commonwealth.

Learn more
Through STEM Education and Botany, APP Fellows Look to Boost Appalachia's Future

Through STEM Education and Botany, APP Fellows Look to Boost Appalachia's Future

Faculty at the University of Virginia and UVA’s College at Wise are helping one another make a difference in the lives of Southwest Virginians.

Income on the Rise in Rural Virginia, According to New Weldon Cooper Report

Income on the Rise in Rural Virginia, According to New Weldon Cooper Report

People who live in rural Virginia have seen a larger rise in their incomes so far this decade than people who live in metro areas, according to a recent report out of the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. The Cooper Center leverages the research, expertise, and resources of the University of Virginia to inform public policy, develop public leaders, and deliver strategic and technical assistance across the Commonwealth.

UVA Today

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UVA Joins Charlottesville, Albemarle to Aid Area Entrepreneurs

UVA Joins Charlottesville, Albemarle to Aid Area Entrepreneurs

Through the Catalyst Accelerator Program, the University of Virginia works with local municipalities to provide business startups a bridge from an idea to a product.

Ryan's 'Great and Good' Strategic Plan Wins Board Endorsement

Ryan's 'Great and Good' Strategic Plan Wins Board Endorsement

Ten major initiatives comprise the 10-year strategic plan's roadmap, including an intiative to make UVA symonymous with service by leading economic development through academic discovery and entrepreneurship.

UVA, UVA-Wise Work Together to Advance Prosperity in Southwest Virginia

UVA, UVA-Wise Work Together to Advance Prosperity in Southwest Virginia

UVA and UVA-Wise are finding new ways to engage in university-based economic development in Southwest Virginia. The Appalachian Prosperity Project partnership is advancing health, education, and economic prosperity in the region.

$12.5 Million Grant Funds UVA Collaboration Shedding Light On Major Diseases

$12.5 Million Grant Funds UVA Collaboration Shedding Light On Major Diseases

A groundbreaking research collaboration at the UVA School of Medicine is shedding light on everything from cancer to diabetes to cardiovascular disease. Receiving $12.5 million from the National Institutes of Health, the project will apply knowledge, assets, and resources to real-world problems through research.

Americans - And Employers - Are Demanding More Education Than Ever

Americans - And Employers - Are Demanding More Education Than Ever

Jobs requiring a bachelor's or advanced degree are on the rise. As part of the 2030 Strategic Plan, UVA will expand both in-person and online educational opportunities for working adults, especially the 1.1 million Virginians who have some college credits, but have not yet earned a degree.

How Students Become Scientists

How Students Become Scientists

Curry School professor Robert Tai is seeking ways to engage and sustain young students' early interest in science. His work is addressing the decline in science interest as children grow, a challenge that can have huge ethical, political, and social impacts.

UVA Today

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What the Numbers say About 25 Years of UVA Graduates

What the Numbers say About 25 Years of UVA Graduates

UVA prepares more students than ever for in-demand jobs. Data shows that UVA is offering more and more students education in fields such as computer science and biomedical engineering, a reflection of industry trends. New programs focused on emerging technology and social impact have also proven popular.

UVA Health System, Charlottesville Area Community Foundation to Offer More Than $1 Million in Community Health Grants

UVA Health System, Charlottesville Area Community Foundation to Offer More Than $1 Million in Community Health Grants

Central Virginia nonprofits can apply for grants to support community health initiatives through a partnership between the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation and the University of Virginia Health System. Funded proposals will improve the health of communities within Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson.

Local Students Pilot New UVA Curriculum Combining Computers, Rain, and Playgrounds

Local Students Pilot New UVA Curriculum Combining Computers, Rain, and Playgrounds

Curry School faculty member Jennifer Chiu and colleagues found a meaningful way to incorporate computer science into fifth- and sixth-grade classes, instilling relevant skills required by virtually every sector of the next-generation workforce.

Reaching for the Stars in the UVA Community

Reaching for the Stars in the UVA Community

Dark Skies, Bright Kids is a primarily graduate student run program at UVA that provides outreach to elementary and early middle school-aged students in Charlottesville. The program brings astronomy into the classroom and fosters an early interest in science that is important to a future-ready workforce.

Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Awards Grant for Ecological Education Center

Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Awards Grant for Ecological Education Center

An up to $486,994 grant to the UVA-Wise Foundation will develop the Clinch River Ecological Education Center in St. Paul, Virginia. UVA's work on a grassroots effort known as the Clinch River Valley initiative set the process in motion and provided a foundation for the grant application.

New Corner Collaborative Space to Boost UVA Research

New Corner Collaborative Space to Boost UVA Research

The Research Collaboration Corner seeks to integrate research with education and community engagement, bridge industry and academics, and encourage meaningful connections across disciplines. Research is one way that UVA applies knowledge, assets, and resources to solve real-world problems and spur economic development in the Commonwealth.

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Explore our work across the Commonwealth.

UVA generates significant economic, employment, and government impact across regions, sectors, and focus areas throughout Virginia. Discover the programs and projects we support.