Committed to Innovation: Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance Replaces Verge

The Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance, formerly Verge, unveiled a major rebrand to reflect their ongoing commitment to tech-based economic advancement and their leadership in a portfolio of organizations dedicated to developing the Roanoke Blacksburg innovation ecosystem.

The elements of the Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance (RBIA) include:

A new name that reflects the commitment of Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance to elevating the local tech economy through vision, strategy, and collaboration.
A dynamic and modern logo that represents all four Alliance teams and evokes the momentum and creativity inherent in the regional innovation ecosystem.
Energetic brand colors that align across RBIA member companies.
A modern, user-friendly website designed to support existing innovation ecosystem members and attract new stakeholders.

“The new brand visually embodies the interconnected efforts of the Alliance and our collective vision to elevate the Roanoke Region and New River Valley as a nationally recognized hub for technology and biotechnology,” said RBIA CEO Erin Burcham.

The Alliance has accelerated 60+ tech companies and seen 850 high-paying jobs created in the region since 2017 and has been instrumental in crafting a creative culture that has seen 3,200+ patents filed since 2014. Further, through RBTC, the Alliance brings together 225 RBTC member companies for professional development, networking and talent retention.

Most recently, RBIA led a coalition to include 38 regional organizations, including Virginia Tech, Carilion, Virginia Western Community College, Blue Ridge Partnership for Health Science Careers and many others, to secure $4.9 million through GO Virginia’s Project VITAL. The funds will be used to further biotech and life science commercialization and establish Roanoke Blacksburg as a biomedical hub. The coalition aims to create 1,100 jobs over five years with a $40 million economic impact.

Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance unites a portfolio of organizations including Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program (RAMP), Roanoke Blacksburg Technology Council (RBTC), and Common Wealth Angels all dedicated to tech-based economic advancement in the Roanoke Blacksburg region. Together, they form a full-stack network of support designed to accelerate innovation in the technology and life science industries and develop the Roanoke Blacksburg region into a nationally recognized hub for technology and biotechnology.

“The rebrand of the Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance honors the dedication of past leaders and the contributions of many collaborators in building a strong foundation for innovation in our region. It also sets a bold vision for the ambitious goals we will achieve together in the future,” Burcham said.

To experience the new look of Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance, visit rbia.tech.

BIO Statement on Veto of Prescription Drug Affordability Boards (PDAB) in VirginiaPatrick J. Plues, Senior Vice President of State Government Affairs & Affiliate Relations at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) released the following statement on the veto of Prescription Drug Affordability Boards (PDAB) legislation in Virginia: “BIO applauds Governor Spanberger’s decision to veto SB 271 and HB 483 — legislation that would have established a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) and imposed arbitrary price controls in Virginia. The Governor’s action recognized an important point: even well-intentioned healthcare policies must be carefully designed to avoid unintended consequences for patients, providers, employers, and Virginia’s innovation economy. “BIO is proud to represent biotechnology companies developing the next generation of life-changing medicines, including many in the Commonwealth. We believe policymakers play a critically important role in helping advance both patient access to treatments and the continued growth of the life sciences sector. “We look forward to working with the Governor’s Administration, the General Assembly, Virginia Bio and other stakeholders to advance practical, patient-centered policy solutions that improve affordability while preserving access to care and the innovation ecosystem patients depend on.”

Patrick J. Plues, Senior Vice President of State Government Affairs & Affiliate Relations at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) released the following statement on the veto of Prescription Drug Affordability Boards (PDAB) legislation in Virginia: “BIO applauds Governor Spanberger’s decision to veto SB 271 and HB 483 — legislation that would have established a Prescription …

05/21/2026

Virginia Bio Applauds Governor Spanberger’s Veto of SB 271 and HB 483

The Virginia Biotechnology Association (Virginia Bio) today expressed strong support for Governor Abigail Spanberger’s decision to veto Senate Bill 271 and House Bill 483, legislation that would have established a Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Panel (PDAAP) in the Commonwealth. Virginia Bio and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce sent a joint letter to Governor Spanberger commending …

05/21/2026

New Global Clinical Society to Bring Focused Ultrasound Into Mainstream Medicine

The Focused Ultrasound Foundation today announced the launch of the International Focused Ultrasound Society (IFUS), a new organization dedicated to advancing clinical practice and accelerating adoption of focused ultrasound – a revolutionary, noninvasive therapeutic technology. Established as a program of the Focused Ultrasound Foundation, IFUS aggregates and expands the Foundation’s activities related to clinical implementation …

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