The State of the Art Sentara Heart Hospital

• Medical Advancements - The world's first test tube baby was conceived here - the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation supports ongoing efforts in contraceptive and microbicide research.


Did You Know . . .
• Two University Research Parks are under development.
• Norfolk is home to the Region's Biotech and Technology Incubator.

Technology Highlights

Three Proprietary Technologies
Face International Corporation is a Norfolk technology company engaged in the design, manufacture and sale of piezoelectric transformers and actuators. Piezoelectric products have the ability to harness mechanical energy to generate high power electrical energy in microelectronic circuitry.

Initially developed by NASA scientists, the piezoelectric technology has broad market potential including defense applications such as remote ground sensors that can maintain a charge without the need to send special operations forces into hostile territory.

EVMS/ODU-Bioelectric Research - with a focus on developing institutional-based intellectual property, Eastern Virginia Medical School and Old Dominion University researchers have been conducting joint multidisciplinary scientific research to develop potential commercial applications for bioelectric technology. This technology consists of using pulsed electric fields to manipulate cellular activity. Potential applications include new drug delivery mechanisms, wound healing methods and noninvasive treatments to eliminate contaminants from food and the water supply.

Metro Machine - a Norfolk Shipyard, has established a wholly-owned subsidiary known as Speede Shipyard, LLC. The subsidiary will be engaged in the development, use of modules that lift the hull of the ship clear of the water and seals it in an air tight bubble. As a result of forming the new subsidiary and in an effort to become a globally competitive merchant ship repair facility, Metro Machine is in the process of making a capital investment and creating new jobs.

Technology Associations and Trade Groups
The Hampton Roads Technology Council (HRTC) provides support to emerging and existing high-tech businesses through the cooperation of established regional economic development agencies. In addition, the Council sponsors technology forums to encourage local businesses to use the latest technological innovations and explore new opportunities as a means of enhancing the competitiveness of the region's technology-related companies.

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides general business assistance to small companies with 100 or fewer employees. The services offered include planning, market research, information management, and financial analysis.

The Virginia Center for Innovative Research (CIT) helps to facilitate the commercialization of new technology products and processes by providing technical assistance and market research to Virginia businesses. In addition, CIT provides some funding to researchers working within Virginia's Universities. The center's main objective is to improve the technology infrastructure in Virginia so that Virginia companies will continue to have the tools to compete globally.

The Virginia Venture Capital Forum (VVCF) provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs, investment bankers, consultants, and other professional to meet and share information regarding new ventures and sources of funds. The main goal is to promote investment in companies located in Hampton Roads and raise awareness of new business initiatives in the area.

Technology Assets
The Technology Applications Center (TAC) is affiliated with Old Dominion University's College of Engineering and Technology. The TAC leverages state-of-the- art laboratory facilities and faculty expertise to solve specific engineering and management problems that face high-tech companies. TAC provides a wide spectrum of technical help including prototyping, customized testing, product development, and performance benchmarking. TAC partners with CIT and Virginia's AL Philpott Manufacturing Extension Partnership (VPMEP, one of several ODU Enterprise Centers.

The Center for Materials Research (CMR) Norfolk State University center is engaged in testing and developing materials that can be used in a wide variety of applications. While the center is developing advanced capabilities in surface processing, modeling, and thin film applications, it also specializes in the development and enhancement of laser technology. The center has established state-of-the-art facilities with support from the Department of Energy and NASA. In addition, the center has ties with Los Alamos National Laboratory and aggressively seeks partnerships with industry.

The Applied Research Center (ARC) provides full-service support to high-tech businesses, including technical assistance with research, development, and manufacturing problems. The ARC provides on-site laboratory facilities for materials development, thin film processing, including laser and plasma processing, computational modeling, and component design. Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University both participate in the operation of this facility.

The Virginia Modeling and Simulation Center (VMASC) develops computer-based simulation technology and promotes the use of models and simulations for analytic activities associated with research and development.

The Hampton Roads Technology Incubator (HRTI) was authorized and funded, in part, by NASA to facilitate the commercialization of technology at Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA. Since opening in October 1998, the incubator has expanded its mission to include space and support for technology businesses that are not associated with NASA. The incubator provides assistance to startup high-tech firms by tapping into technical and business-related resources, accessing small amounts of bridge funding, and providing facilities and equipment at below-market rates.

Technology Parks
University Village
This futuristic multi use development has begun Phase One of development. The village will encompass research facilities, retail, residential housing, and more.

Atlantic City - Biotech facility
Home to Hampton Roads' only Biotech facility, as well as, the Diabetes Institutes and other major medical facilities, this area is transforming itself into a mixed-use urban village. Furthermore, Atlantic City represents the last riverfront development opportunity in the downtown area.

Interstate Commerce Center
The Interstate Commerce Center has recently been reintroduced as a park serving companies that thrive on technological resources. Seventeen buildings on the 33-acre campus offer multiple broadband providers, redundant power systems, a high-tech YMCA, and more.

Telecommunication Companies
Adelphia Business Solutions
Broad Street Communications
Cavalier
Cox Virginia Telecom
KMC Telecom
Net2000
NTelos
Sprint
US LEC
Verizon Virginia