Old Dominion University Logo

Old Dominion University, located in the City of Norfolk in the metropolitan Hampton Roads region of coastal Virginia, is a dynamic public research institution that serves its students and enriches the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world through rigorous academic programs, strategic partnerships, and active civic engagement.

NREL

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) strives to achieve a clean energy future for the world through its mission of leading research, innovation, and strategic partnerships to deliver solutions for a clean energy economy.  

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) strives to better understand our natural world and help protect its precious resources, extend beyond natural borders to monitor global weather and climate and work with partners around the world.   From daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings, climate monitoring, fisheries management, coastal restoration, and supporting marine commerce, NOAA's products and services support economic vitality and affect more than one-third of America's gross domestic product. 

City of Norfolk Logo

The City of Norfolk is one of the oldest cities located at the core of Hampton Roads, and is considered to be the historic, urban, financial, and cultural center of the region. The city is bordered by multiple bodies of water with the Chesapeake Bay to the north and Elizabeth River to the west, which offer many miles of riverfront, bayfront property, and beaches.

The Port of Virginia Logo

The Port of Virginia focuses on what matters most to our customers, our people, and our region. Every day we deliver superior service, safe transport, and continuous improvement. It’s why we get up in the morning, and why the Port of Virginia will keep moving forward.

Virginia Maritime Association Logo

The Virginia Maritime Association (VMA) was organized in 1920 to promote, protect, and encourage international and domestic commerce through Virginia's ports. With a membership of over 450 companies, employing over 70,000 Virginians, the Virginia Maritime Association is widely recognized as "The Voice of Port Industries," the premier business organization to enhance competitiveness and promote commerce through Virginia's ports.

Virginia Institute of Marine Science Logo

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) has a three-part mission to conduct research in coastal ocean and estuarine science, educate students and citizens, and provide advisory service to policy makers, industry, and the public. VIMS provides these services to Virginia, the nation, and the world. Chartered in 1940, VIMS is currently among the largest marine research and education centers in the United States.

RISE logo

RISE is a non-profit, economic development organization with a mission to accelerate innovation and business growth around solutions to coastal communities’ resilience challenges. RISE leverages local assets and global networks to enable businesses to develop, demonstrate, and scale innovations that help coastal communities adapt to changing climate.

NATO-IH Logo


The Innovation Hub is a global community of experts and innovators who collaborate to tackle NATO challenges and design solutions. It is the engine of the NATO Innovation Network, federating national entities leveraging open innovation and agile development.