It’s time for another edition of Tech Briefs, Cardinal News’ weekly roundup of items covering the digital and life sciences landscapes. We go live on Wednesdays. Welcome in.
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What’s inside
Regional business accelerators combine for program focusing on agricultural, forestry and rural concerns
Southwest and Southside Virginia tech business accelerators RAMP and RISE are teaming up for a new commercialization program that will center on agriculture, forestry and rural innovators.
The free, eight-week program called RAMP Up is open to businesses and innovators in 37 cities and counties, with available grants up to $10,000. The first cohort is set for this fall, with applications accepted until Sept. 3, according to a news release.
South Boston-based RISE (Regional Investment in Startups and Entrepreneurs) and Roanoke-based RAMP (Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program) announced the program last week. It will focus on agriculture, forestry, food systems, additive manufacturing, advanced materials, sustainability, rural technology and related industries, according to the RAMP Up website.
Weekly in-person, three-hour sessions at the SOVA Innovation Hub in South Boston will run from Sept. 21 to Nov. 9, with a product pitch day scheduled during RBTC’s Emerging Tech Conference in Roanoke. Expert mentors and one-on-one coaching will be available to participants, according to the website.
Those who apply must be from one of the following localities:
Alleghany, Amelia, Appomattox, Bedford, Botetourt, Brunswick, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Craig, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Greensville, Halifax, Henry, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Nottoway, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Prince Edward, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockbridge or Sussex counties; and Danville, Emporia, Lynchburg, Martinsville, Roanoke or Salem cities.
Emerging Tech Conference seeks proposals for this year’s event
The RBTC is planning for its third annual Emerging Tech Conference, Nov. 19-20 at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. The organization is seeking applicants for speakers, panels, breakouts, workshops and roundtables.
Potential subjects include artificial intelligence and data systems; additive manufacturing and advanced materials; health and biomedical innovation; and energy, agriculture and infrastructure.
“Strong submissions offer practical insight, showcase technology in motion, or tackle the hard questions at the intersection of innovation and industry,” according to the RBTC call for proposals. The application deadline is Aug. 14.
Professor emeritus at Virginia Tech makes seven-figure donation to support undergraduate research
Dennis Dean’s impact at Virginia Tech in a 40-year career included microbiology research, more than 200 articles and book chapters, and directorships at multiple university biomedical and health science research concerns.
Dean’s impact has continued since he became an emeritus faculty member in 2024. He recently extended his pattern of giving to the university with a $1 million estate pledge and a commitment of another $40,000 annually for undergraduate research, according to a Virginia Tech news release.
The estate gift will go to an existing endowment dedicated to the Dennis Dean Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship Conference. The recurring annual gift will benefit biochemistry student researchers, fund a recently established theater program for STEM students and support professional development for Office of Undergraduate Research staff, the news release states.
“It is my dream that every qualified Virginia Tech student will have an opportunity to work in a research laboratory and be paid for doing so,” Dean said in the news release. “Some of this can be accomplished by extramural research grants, but philanthropy is also needed.”
Dean, who came to Virginia Tech in 1985, secured multiple research grants for the university, has mentored generations of students and continues to employ undergraduates in his own grant-funded research.
“His generosity will expand access to experiences that are transformative for students and it strengthens Virginia Tech’s ability to prepare the next generation of innovators and leaders,” Virginia Tech Executive Vice President and Provost Julie Ross said in the news release.
