September 2, 2026

CRC Connect | September 2, 2026

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News + Press

CRC Connect | September 2026: From Space to Startups

Connecting the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center’s innovation community with the news, events, resources, partnerships, and opportunities that help our companies and community grow.

September 2, 2026

Elizabeth McClanahan Named to Virginia Business’ 2026 Virginia 500

Elizabeth McClanahan named to Virginia Business Top 500

Elizabeth’s leadership extends across the Commonwealth, and we’re proud to see her recognized among Virginia’s most influential leaders in the Nonprofits & Philanthropy category.

Her vision and leadership continue to shape the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center and the work we do to support technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship across Virginia.

Congratulations, Elizabeth, on this well-deserved recognition!

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Virginia Tech Foundation Appoints Maggie Millhiser as Chief Investment Officer

The Virginia Tech Foundation has appointed Maggie Millhiser as Chief Investment Officer, a seasoned investment professional with nearly two decades of experience, to lead the Foundation’s investment program and continue advancing the long-term stewardship of assets in support of Virginia Tech.

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VTCRC Tenant + Community News

VPT Heads to Space with NASA’s Roman Telescope

VTCRC tenant VPT has parts on board NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which successfully launched August 30. The flagship mission will explore dark matter, dark energy, and planets beyond our solar system.

Congratulations to the VPT team on being part of this incredible mission!

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Parsons Secures Major Defense + Space Contracts

Parsons recently announced several major contract wins supporting U.S. defense, missile defense, intelligence, and space missions, including work tied to a $14+ billion missile and space intelligence contract and a $514 million Missile Defense Agency contract option.

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Tetra Tech Awarded $16.8M EPA Contract

Tetra Tech has been awarded a $16.8 million, four-year contract to support the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s national Land Revitalization Program. The company will provide planning, engineering, and technical expertise to help communities assess, clean up, and put brownfields and contaminated properties back to productive use.

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A Winning Connection: VTCRC Happy Hour Brings Tenants Together

Sometimes the best connections happen outside the office. See how VTCRC’s August Happy Hour brought tenants together, introduced one first-time attendee to more of the community around him, and showcased talent from right here at the research park.

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Two Minutes to Connect: Founders + Friends Connects Entrepreneurs and Mentors at the Entrepreneur Resource Center

What can happen in two minutes? At Founders + Friends: Meet the Mentors, founders and experienced professionals put it to the test, making fast introductions that opened the door to new ideas, guidance and connections.

Learn how you can get involved!

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Upcoming Events

VTCRC EVENT SPOTLIGHT:

Join us at Sinkland Farms for the 2026 VTCRC Fall Family Festival!

Learn More and Register

Food Trucks @ VTCRC: Be Happy Acai Bowls

Fri, Sept. 4 | 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

1800 Kraft Dr.

VTCRC Offices Closed for Labor Day

Mon, Sept. 7

TECH talks featuring Rich Shok of Code One Solutions

Tues, Sept. 15 | 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Entrepreneur Resource Center (2200 Kraft Drive, Suite 1325)

COgro Photoshoot + Pizza Social

Tues, Sept. 22 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

2200 Kraft Dr. Suite 1050

VTCRC Walking Club

Every Wednesday | 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Meet at the Wikiteria Patio (1715 Pratt Drive)

Virginia Tech Career Connections Week

Mon, Oct. 12 – Thurs, Oct. 15 | Click link for details

View the Full Events Calendar

Opportunities to Engage

Help Build What’s Next!

Join the ERC Entrepreneur-in-Residence Network

The ERC is expanding its Entrepreneur-in-Residence network. We’re looking for experienced entrepreneurs, operators, investors and commercialization leaders to work directly with founders and help move promising ideas forward. This is a part-time, contracted role averaging 32–35 hours per month.

Apply Today

Applications Open for the ERC E-Series

The ERC E-Series helps entrepreneurs navigate the questions that come with building and growing a business and create a clearer path forward.

Weekly classes begin September 15.

Apply Today

Share Your Story: Be Featured in CRC Connect

We want to highlight the founders, members, and businesses that make our community unique! Interested in being featured? Fill out this quick survey.

I’m Interested!

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CRC Connect keeps you connected to the people, companies, news, events, opportunities, and stories across the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center. Know someone who should be in the loop? Encourage them to subscribe to CRC Connect.

Looking for more from our entrepreneurial community? The Innovations Monthly Digest delivers news, resources, events, and opportunities from COgro Coworking + Labs and the Entrepreneur Resource Center.

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