Roanoke-Blacksburg Innovation Network

Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance (RBIA) is a catalyst for growing the Roanoke Blacksburg innovation economy, technology and life sciences sectors, and professional communities.

Established in 2013, RBIA is the region’s front door for innovators, founders, and funders to connect a growing roster of companies – both startups and established – with resources to grow and thrive.

Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance (RBIA) unites a portfolio of companies dedicated to tech-based economic development in the Roanoke Blacksburg region. Together, we form a holistic network of support designed to accelerate innovation in the technology and life science industries and develop the Roanoke region into a state hub for biotechnology. 

RBIA helps facilitate connections, communication, and collaboration on regional and state priorities and secures funding to advance tech & biotech startups and the infrastructure they need to thrive. From funding the construction of new lab space in Roanoke’s Innovation Corridor to securing grants that advance regional biotechnology projects and talent development, RBIA is committed to the pursuit of tech-based economic development in the Roanoke and Blacksburg region.

Each organization in the alliance, including RBTC, RAMP, and Common Wealth Angels, has a special area of focus that contributes to the growth of the technology and life science sector in the Roanoke Blacksburg region. Our complimentary work creates organic interconnection between regional entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, mentors, access to infrastructure, and more. We call this interconnection our innovation ecosystem. 

The innovation ecosystem removes some of the friction associated with starting something new by offering a culture where innovation is celebrated and big ideas thrive. No matter their role, an ecosystem member can move through the resources offered by our portfolio companies and find collaboration and support on their journey toward growth.

Our dedicated team is passionate about our innovation ecosystem, nurturing big ideas and big projects that put the Roanoke Blacksburg region on the innovation map.

For additional information about us, please visit: https://rbia.tech/who-we-are/