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Big Ideas

BIG IDEAS

We assemble around big ideas and problems that matter. Let's team up.

In the modern economy, talent and technology are the leading sources of competitive advantage. As the very nature of work changes, firms are seeking new platforms for partnership and innovation. As the largest and most comprehensive university in the commonwealth, Virginia Tech offers pioneering models in education, cutting-edge research, and scale to be the engine for industry.  

We are a destination for interdisciplinary research and discovery. Our diversified research portfolio has us supporting all major federal agencies, including secure research, while over 15 percent of expenditures derive from corporate sponsors. Our breadth of expertise enables teams to assemble around big ideas to tackle interdisciplinary complex problems, as well the associated human, policy, and ethical issues of today. Virginia Tech is one of the top recruiting schools in the nation and our industry - ready graduates are the reason why.

Here are a few of our strengths. These are just the beginning. Contact us to learn more.

DIVERSITY

ENERGY

MOBILITY

QUANTUM

SPACE

TALENT

President Sands

INCLUSION + DIVERSITY

VIRGINIA TECH'S MOST DIVERSE FRESHMAN CLASS IS NOW.

Never before has the imperative to support inclusion and diversity been greater. Recent times have brought renewed focus on race and disparity, and this is just the beginning. As the future of work changes and the digital economy advances every industry, addressing equity gaps will be vital. Virginia Tech's land grant mission of service, reach across the Commonwealth, and program breadth affords us the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with partners seeking to make a difference.  

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. These trends will have widespread implications for businesses, governments, and individuals. At Virginia Tech, researchers work to design, improve, and protect the world's power grids and equipment; understand and design distributed and alternative power systems; store electricity for later use; and develop equipment that increases efficiencies.  

MOBILITY

MOVING THE WORLD FORWARD.

The transportation industry is advancing toward a new era, with new technologies disrupting the way we move from point A to point B. Progressing toward a future at the convergence of three main trends – autonomous driving, electrification and shared mobility, Virginia Tech is delivering the next.  With 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 global destination for mobility research, education, and partnerships. From global firms to start-ups, Virginia Tech is a go-to partner.

President Sands

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. Our work spans research and educational programs, from computing, simulations, and optimization; to networks and communications; to metrology and sensing.

space satellites

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. Hands-on, minds-on learning brings together faculty and students across colleges and departments including aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, computer science, and physics to create new models of partnership and discoveries, tools, and technologies for the digital age.

President Sands

TALENT

GROWING TECH TALENT AT SCALE.

With projects like the Innovation Campus in Alexandria Virginia, significant expansion in STEM programs in Blacksburg, and pioneering new models of teaching and learning, Virginia Tech is meeting the talent needs of industry. With a commitment to the Commonwealth, Virginia Tech is helping double the tech talent pipeline. And, to do that, we are partnering with leading firms to design new programs, offer industry-sponsored, project-based learning at scale, and solving problems that matter. From inclusion and diversity efforts, to creating the next generation of engineers, Virginia Tech is working with corporate partners to help shape the future talent pipeline.