George Mason University is leading a major effort to create Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District, a sprawling 3,800-acre economic development zone centered around GMU’s SciTech Campus in Manassas and neighboring areas of Prince William County.
During a presentation at the Manassas City Council meeting on Monday, March 24, Amy Adams, executive director of the Institute for BioHealth Innovation at GMU, detailed the university’s vision for the Innovation District. The project would be anchored by George Mason’s research presence and designed to spur growth in four key sectors: aerospace and defense, life sciences, cybersecurity, and semiconductors.
“This is something that creates a transformational opportunity for our region,” said Adams. “We will be the very first to do that in Northern Virginia — really being a thought leader in this space.”
The Innovation District would connect educational institutions, global companies like Micron and Lockheed Martin, early-stage startups, and local talent in a dynamic ecosystem designed to attract new businesses and generate workforce opportunities.
The university recently applied for a $2.6 million Go Virginia implementation grant to kickstart the Innovation District. GMU must raise $1.3 million in matching contributions to receive the funding. So far, the university and its partners have secured $1.1 million from sources including Prince William County, Micron, ECU Communications, and Employment Enterprises.
Adams asked the Manassas City Council to consider contributing to help close the remaining $180,000 gap.
“For every dollar you have in matching funds, you’re able to lock $2 in Go Virginia,” Adams said. “I would love for the council to consider a contribution toward the match.”
City officials did not make an immediate funding decision but showed interest in the proposal and acknowledged the economic opportunity it could bring.
Adams emphasized that the Innovation District would attract companies and train and support workers through programs such as boot camps, industry certifications, and capstone projects.
“This is a project for our community — and that is every single person in our community,” she said. “Mason is not an ivory tower institution. We want to make sure we are solving problems of our community and creating opportunities.”
The district would build on existing assets, including the nearby Manassas Regional Airport, where a growing cluster of aerospace firms already operates, and the historic downtown, which Adams described as “a beautiful town with such amazing restaurants and retail.”
Adams invited city officials and the public to two events:
- March 27
April 2: Ribbon cutting for GMU’s new Life Sciences and Engineering Building - April 12: “Eggstravaganza” community conversation at the Marsteller Park facility to engage residents and share project updates
Council members praised the university’s collaborative approach and its potential to create jobs and boost the local economy.
“This is a great advantage for our city to be a part of the future in the region,” said Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis, who noted she had participated in early planning meetings.
The Innovation District’s launch phase will begin in July 2025 if the grant is awarded.
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