AGP Executive Report

Advanced Manufacturing: Federal grants totaling $24.8 million will help Virginia Tech, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, and the New River Valley Regional Commission grow additive manufacturing, including training 2,000 workers. Health Tech: Sentara’s 12 hospitals are using AI to help clinicians review patient records, spot problems and plan discharges earlier. Sustainable Materials: Virginia Tech researchers and Appalachian sheep farmers are exploring ways to turn local wool into insulation. Defense Technology: The Navy plans a hypersonic-weapons facility at Yorktown, supporting work on Zumwalt destroyers and Virginia-class submarines. Biomanufacturing: Eli Lilly has broken ground on a $5 billion Goochland facility, while AstraZeneca’s planned $4.5 billion Albemarle County project adds to Virginia’s growing drug-manufacturing base. Cybersecurity: The governor has ordered a statewide plan to counter AI-enabled cyberattacks. Energy Research: NASA and Virginia have launched a power partnership focused on energy security.

Virginia Research: VCU and Florida International University researchers used cold-sprayed graphene to make a flexible sensor that detected a wrist pulse in one person. The early-stage result is not yet validated for clinical use. Cancer Care: George Mason and VCU researchers received a $200,000 state grant to study chemotherapy-related nerve damage in breast cancer survivors. University Partnerships: Virginia Tech is ending its joint undergraduate program with China’s Xidian University after moving up the planned closure; the impact on enrolled students is unclear. Cybersecurity: Gov. Abigail Spanberger ordered a statewide plan to strengthen Virginia’s defenses against cyberattacks, including those enabled by AI. Data Centers: Opposition to large projects is growing: Suffolk approved a temporary ban, while Amazon walked away from a $427 million Virginia deal. Energy and Industry: NASA and Virginia launched a power partnership focused on energy security, and Eli Lilly broke ground on a $5 billion pharmaceutical facility in Goochland.

Grid Storage: Old Dominion Electric Cooperative has launched a home-battery program, offering members up to $1,000 to enroll batteries that can support grid reliability as Virginia’s electricity demand grows. Cybersecurity: Virginia’s governor has ordered a statewide plan to strengthen defenses against cyberattacks, including threats involving AI. Data Centers: Suffolk approved a temporary data-center moratorium, while Amazon walked away from a separate $427 million Virginia project—two signs of growing scrutiny of the industry’s local impacts and energy needs. Research & Training: NASA and Virginia announced a power partnership focused on energy security, and James Madison University is preparing to break ground on a new health sciences building.

AI & Cybersecurity: Gov. Spanberger ordered a statewide plan to protect Virginia from AI-driven cyberattacks, as a cyber incident disrupted online systems at public schools. Experts also warn AI is uncovering software flaws that could fuel more outages. Data Center Debate: Amazon abandoned its $427 million data-center plan at George Washington University’s Virginia campus and pledged $65 million in land donations. Suffolk approved a temporary data-center moratorium amid growing local concern over the facilities’ impacts. Health & Workforce: JMU is breaking ground on a new health sciences building as Virginia works to address nursing shortages and expand integrated care. Energy & Industry: NASA and Virginia launched a power partnership focused on energy security; meanwhile, Virginia Tech showcased mining technology to a top federal energy official. Tech Startups: An Arlington travel-tech summit put AI, investment and competition in focus, with CleverFi taking both the judges’ and audience awards.

Health Sciences: JMU is breaking ground on a new Harrisonburg health sciences building as Virginia works to address nursing shortages and gaps in rural care. Data Centers: Amazon has walked away from a $427 million Virginia data center deal, while Suffolk approved a temporary ban on new projects, reflecting mounting local concern over the sector’s growth. Cybersecurity: Gov. Abigail Spanberger ordered a statewide plan to defend critical infrastructure and respond to AI-related cyberattacks, as AI tools uncover software flaws that could fuel more outages. Biotech: Eli Lilly broke ground on a $5 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Goochland, expanding Virginia’s life sciences footprint. Energy & Space: NASA and Virginia launched a power partnership focused on energy security, while a Virginia Tech expert explored whether nuclear reactors could power future space missions.

Cybersecurity: Gov. Abigail Spanberger ordered a statewide plan to counter cyberattacks involving AI and created a consortium linking state agencies, universities and industry. The move follows reports of AI agents submitting fake records requests to a Virginia education website. Data Centers: Amazon dropped its proposed four-center project at George Washington University’s Ashburn campus, agreeing to donate about 25 acres for community use and provide $5 million for affordable housing. Energy and Space: NASA and Virginia launched a power partnership focused on energy security, while a Virginia Tech expert discussed whether nuclear reactors could support future space exploration. Biotech: Eli Lilly broke ground on a $5 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Goochland. Research: Virginia Tech researchers are tracking migrating monarch butterflies with lightweight radio tags, gathering new data on their journeys across the continent. Preservation Technology: Ground-penetrating radar is mapping marked and unmarked graves at Harrisonburg’s historic Newtown Cemetery without disturbing the site.

Cybersecurity: Gov. Abigail Spanberger ordered a statewide plan to defend critical infrastructure from cyberattacks and AI-related risks, and created a Cyber Consortium to coordinate state, university and private-sector partners. Richmond Public Schools is also investigating a cyber incident that disrupted online systems; classes continued offline. Energy and Space: NASA Langley and the Virginia Department of Energy will use NASA weather and solar data to strengthen state energy planning and resilience. Virginia Tech nuclear engineer Alireza Haghighat says lunar reactors could provide reliable power through long nights, but must be compact, safe and durable. Health Research: Rep. Morgan Griffith introduced bipartisan legislation to streamline clinical trials and make participation easier, especially for rural Virginians. Forensic Technology: Virginia Beach investigators are using DNA analysis by Virginia-based Parabon NanoLabs to develop leads in a 50-year-old homicide case.

Biotech Manufacturing: Eli Lilly broke ground on its $5 billion Goochland facility, expected to create 650 permanent jobs and produce active pharmaceutical ingredients. Campus AI: Virginia Tech’s HokieAI platform gives students and faculty access to tools such as ChatGPT and Claude, but reactions are mixed over how AI should fit into learning. Fusion Research: William & Mary’s new Gates Hall will house research centers, while the university is also helping build Virginia’s fusion-energy future. Data Center Pressures: Virginia communities are weighing new projects against rising power and water demands; a global study found one in four data centers is in a water-stressed area. Old Dominion Electric Cooperative has launched a home-battery program to support grid reliability, as Frederick County considers battery rules. Bay Health: The Chesapeake Bay earned its highest report-card score in 40 years, though researchers say continued conservation is needed. Tech Careers: Arlington’s Cybastion will hold an Oct. 27 job fair for intelligence, engineering, data and security roles.

AI and Government: Virginia is part of a new $1.1 million, 18-month project to assess how AI could reshape state jobs, hiring and workforce skills, with the Virginia Department of Administration among the partners. Research Universities: JMU says it is on track to pursue R1 status in 2028; it currently reports $34 million in research spending and 47 research doctorates, below the thresholds cited for the designation. Data Centers and Energy: Amazon agreed to withdraw its planned data center at George Washington University’s former Ashburn campus, while plans in Botetourt and a temporary Suffolk moratorium keep local debate active. Dominion’s long-range plan calls for up to 39 gigawatts of new generation over two decades, with gas remaining a major source. Research Oversight: CNU is seeking a permanent director for its undergraduate research office after former students alleged misconduct by its previous director; the university has not clarified whether it conducted an investigation.

Data Center Debate: Suffolk City Council voted 8–0 to pause new data center applications, while Roanoke-area residents protested Google’s Botetourt County project, where site work is underway. In Ashburn, Amazon dropped its $427 million data center plan for George Washington University’s former campus and agreed to donate 25 acres for community facilities and contribute $5 million to affordable housing. AI in Courts: A new guide from the National Center for State Courts’ technology committee, co-chaired by a Supreme Court of Virginia official, advises courts on human review, accuracy and confidentiality when using AI-assisted transcription. Mining Technology: Virginia Tech showcased mining technology to a top U.S. energy official and is part of a $73 million federal initiative to advance next-generation mining. Energy Storage: Virginia’s 16-gigawatt storage ambition contrasts with Dominion’s latest plan for 3.5 gigawatts, highlighting a gap in the state’s grid strategy.

Data Centers & Power: Amazon dropped plans for four data centers at George Washington University’s former Ashburn campus after pushback, agreeing instead to pursue housing and community facilities. Hampton Roads residents are also pressing for a statewide pause on new projects, while Dominion’s latest plan offers 3.5 gigawatts of energy storage against Virginia’s 16-gigawatt target. Virginia Research: A Virginia Tech-led study found the Upper Colorado River Basin lost 4.6 trillion gallons of groundwater during the 2020–22 drought, underscoring that underground supplies are not an unlimited backup. Health Research: A George Mason University study of 792 caregivers with cardiovascular conditions linked poor sleep, physical limitations and emotional distress to greater caregiving strain. Defense Technology: The Office of Naval Research welcomed its first class of CNR Fellows at its Arlington headquarters, connecting academic researchers with Navy and Marine Corps science priorities. Privacy: Fairfax County leaders are weighing oversight of Flock license-plate reader cameras amid concerns about surveillance and misuse.

Data Center Pushback: Amazon will drop plans for an 800,000-square-foot data center on George Washington University’s former Loudoun campus. The county says the agreement includes 25 acres for community uses and $5 million for housing. Meanwhile, Virginia Beach protesters are urging a statewide pause on new data centers, as lawmakers prepare to consider tighter limits. Technology and Privacy: Fairfax County is reviewing its Flock license-plate cameras amid concerns about data sharing and misuse; police say the cameras help reduce crime. STEM Workforce: Ferrum College received nearly $2 million in federal funding to launch an engineering technology bachelor’s program, while Christiansburg’s MELD PrintWorks plans a 12,000-square-foot additive manufacturing facility. Virginia Research: The FDA approved a Parkinson’s drug based on University of Virginia research.

Manufacturing & Workforce: M.C. Dean plans a $412.5 million expansion in Caroline County, adding 1,950 jobs and a power-systems training center at Caroline High School. Health Technology: Virginia Commonwealth University and Emory researchers are testing HomePal, a sensor system that tracks daily routines to help detect loneliness among older adults. Data Centers: Google is considering a Roanoke County site as Virginia’s data center boom fuels debate over its energy demands and proposed development moratoriums. Water Research: Virginia Tech scientists found groundwater losses in the Colorado River Basin accelerated after 2019, highlighting a less visible part of the region’s water crisis. Aerospace: NASA awarded Virginia Tech funding to improve small-aircraft design.

Data Center Debate: Virginia lawmakers are preparing moratorium bills ahead of the January session as concerns mount over data centers’ power, water and tax costs. Google is considering a site at Roanoke County’s Wood Haven Technology Park, while Dominion’s energy roadmap keeps fossil fuels in the mix as it expands solar. Aerospace Research: NASA awarded Virginia Tech funding to improve the design process for small aircraft, adding to the university’s growing research portfolio. Research Security: Virginia Tech was among seven universities recognized by the Pentagon for going beyond requirements in reviewing foreign research ties; audits across 30 schools led to more than 80 relationship terminations. Chesapeake Science: Virginia’s young striped bass index rose to 9.52 fish per sample, above the state’s historical average, according to the annual survey by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and Maryland’s natural resources department.**

Data Center Debate: Virginia lawmakers are preparing bills that could pause new data center construction statewide, with one proposal blocking approvals from July 2027 through July 2030. The debate is sharpening as Google considers a data center in Roanoke County and officials announce $50 million for Virginia power-grid upgrades. Research Security: The Pentagon praised Virginia Tech among seven universities that took extra steps to end or mitigate ties with foreign entities flagged as security concerns. Virginia Innovation: NASA awarded Virginia Tech funding to improve small-aircraft design, while the FDA approved a Parkinson’s drug based on University of Virginia research. Cleaner Health Care: A Virginia Tech Carilion-led study found hospitals could cut operating-room emissions and costs by changing anesthesia practices, without compromising patient outcomes.

Health Research: Virginia Tech researchers helped identify five distinct forms of fatty liver disease, a finding that could improve screening and treatment. A separate study led by a Virginia Tech Carilion researcher found greener anesthesia practices cut emissions and costs without compromising care. Energy & Data Centers: Virginia is set to receive $50 million for power-grid upgrades, as data-center moratorium bills gather ahead of the legislative session and Google’s proposed Roanoke County project draws attention. Engineering: Virginia Tech’s team won the AIAA Missile Systems Design Competition. Medical Breakthrough: The FDA approved a Parkinson’s drug based on University of Virginia research.