June 15, 2026

VTCRC Team Attends VirginiaDrugDiscoveryRx 2026

• Posted in
• COgro Coworking + Labs
• Health and Life Sciences
• News + Press

The Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (VTCRC) recently joined Virginia’s life sciences community at VirginiaDrugDiscoveryRx 2026, held June 8-9 at The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center. Representing VTCRC were Marketing & Communications Manager Heidi Angle and Business Development Manager Tanner Poore, who spent two days connecting with researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders while exploring emerging trends and opportunities in drug discovery, biotechnology, and commercialization.

Celebrating its tenth year, VaDDC brought together experts from academia, industry, startups, and research organizations to explore the latest advancements in drug discovery, bioengineering, pharmacology, commercialization, and biotechnology. The event featured presentations from leading institutions including Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Thermo Fisher, Eli Lilly, Merck, and many others.

Throughout the conference, speakers highlighted the critical role collaboration plays in moving discoveries from the laboratory to the marketplace. Sessions explored topics ranging from novel therapeutics and regenerative medicine to drug delivery technologies, commercialization pathways, and university-industry partnerships.

One of the key themes of this year’s event was the importance of building a strong innovation ecosystem that supports companies through every stage of growth—from early research and development to commercialization and expansion. That mission aligns closely with the work happening every day at VTCRC.

As home to more than 200 companies and approximately 3,500 employees, VTCRC provides an environment where innovation can thrive. The research park offers flexible solutions for organizations at every stage, including private offices, laboratory space, build-to-suit opportunities, and development-ready sites.

For early-stage life sciences companies, COgro Labs provides an accessible entry point into the innovation ecosystem. With flexible lab bench memberships, shared scientific equipment, coworking space, and access to a community of researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals, COgro Labs helps startups accelerate growth while reducing barriers to entry.

“Conferences like VaDDC are valuable opportunities to connect with innovators across Virginia and better understand the needs of the companies we serve,” said Tanner Poore, VTCRC’s Business Development Manager. “The conversations happening around research commercialization, startup growth, and industry partnerships directly align with the resources and opportunities available throughout VTCRC.”

The event also reinforced Virginia’s growing position as a leader in life sciences and biotechnology. From groundbreaking academic research to emerging startups and established industry partners, organizations across the Commonwealth are working together to advance new technologies and improve lives.

VTCRC remains committed to supporting that growth by providing the space, resources, and connections needed to transform ideas into impact.

Looking for Space to Grow?

Whether you’re launching a startup, commercializing university research, expanding laboratory operations, or seeking a strategic location for your company, VTCRC offers flexible solutions to support your next stage of growth.

To learn more about opportunities at VTCRC and COgro Labs, connect with Business Development Manager Tanner Poore on LinkedIn, visit vtcrc.com, or contact our team at info@vtcrc.com.