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Big Ideas

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Big Ideas
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We assemble around big ideas and problems that matter.


Let's team up.

In response to the realities of today, it is our imperative to assemble around emerging technologies, needs, and trends. To lead the way in identifying those opportunities, we are constantly pursuing big ideas and partnerships that take our students and your business to the next level. The result provides our students with invaluable real-world experience and you with the technology and talent critical to your competitive advantage.

As a premier destination for interdisciplinary research and as the largest, most comprehensive university in the commonwealth, partnering with Virginia Tech allows you to leverage our pioneering education models, cutting-edge research, and scale. Our breadth of expertise means our teams can tackle the most complex problems of today along with the associated human, policy, and ethical issues.

Here are a few of our current strengths, and these are just the beginning.

 
Future Haus

Energy

Fueling the Future

Energy systems around the world are going through rapid transitions that will bring important changes to the way we fuel our cars, heat our homes, and power our industries. At Virginia Tech, researchers are working to improve, and protect the world's power grids, to design distributed and alternative power systems, and much more. 

 
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Smart Mobility

Moving the World Forward

With a one-of-a-kind smart-road infrastructure and research capabilities, the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute is a global epicenter for transportation research. With a diverse portfolio that spans land, sea, and air and complementary capabilities in wireless/5G and cybersecurity, we are a global destination for mobility research, education, and partnerships.

 
Future Haus

Quantum

Driving Discovery for Next Gen Computing

At Virginia Tech, we are pushing the boundaries of quantum sciences and technology. From quantum computing, to communications, to breakthroughs in chemistry, Virginia Tech is accelerating the technological revolution by driving quantum sciences from the research lab into real-world applications.

 

Space

Advancing New Frontiers in Space

From the effects of space-weather events on the dynamics of the Earth's atmosphere to the intersection of data sciences, analytics, cybersecurity and small satellites, Virginia Tech offers a comprehensive suite of space-related programs.

 
Future Haus

Semiconductor

Building Talent and Beyond

By developing the next generation of engineers, Virginia Tech is playing a critical role in our nation's leadership in advancing technology. Our NSF-supported curriculum emphasizes innovation to go beyond talent development, fueling creative design, application, and integration.

 

Artificial Intelligence

Innovating for Impact

Artificial Intelligence is shaping the future, and the Sanghani Center for Artifical Intelligence and Data Analytics is shaping AI for good. By connecting communities and partners to answer AI's most pressing questions, Virginia Tech is delivering maximum social and economic impact through new solutions and graduate talent.

 
Future Haus

Security

Leading the Evolution of Safety

Technology and threats are evolving rapidly, and so are we. The Hume Center for National Security and Technology answers the call through continuous advances in research, technology, policy, and talent development, defining Virginia Tech as a global leader in advancing a secure America.

 

Smart Construction

Reimagining Built Environments 

Accelerating the digital transformation of the construction industry is essential to our nation’s infrastructure. By catalyzing the Coalition for Smart Construction, Virginia Tech is investing in the talent and technology to make safer, more sustainable solutions at scale. 

 
Future Haus

Advanced Manufacturing

Actualizing Possibilities

Virginia Tech is making the potential of advanced manufacturing a reality. From xLabs to our Manufacturing Spine initiative and beyond, we are delivering efficiencies and innovations that answer some of our nation’s biggest industrial and supply chain challenges.

 

Water

Conserving Our Most Precious Resource

Responsible stewardship of our water is essential to all life. Grounded in our legacy of supporting researchers, educators, and policy makers through the Virginia Water Resources Research Center and our engineering program exploring Environmental and Water Resources, we're seeking solutions for all waterways and industries.

 
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Decarbonization

Accelerating science-based solutions

By permanently storing carbon thousands of feet below the Earth’s surface in geologic formations, we can replicate a natural process that has regulated the global carbon cycle for billions of years.