Virginia Tech says it will help expand advanced manufacturing across Southern and Southwest Virginia through a $24.8 million federal grant announced Oct. 28. The U.S. Economic Development Administration funding is intended to help manufacturers test emerging technologies, develop products and train workers, according to the university’s announcement.
The initiative, Virginia’s Additive Manufacturing and Advanced Materials Tech Hub, or AM², is led by the New River Valley Regional Commission and includes more than 65 industry, education, economic development and community partners from the New River Valley, Roanoke, Lynchburg and Danville-Martinsville regions, Virginia Tech said. The announcement describes a regional manufacturing base of 1,200 companies employing 60,000 people.
Virginia Tech said it will contribute engineering expertise, research facilities and opportunities for students to work with manufacturers. Its Center for Economic and Community Engagement helped shape the initiative and will help coordinate the effort and track its progress, according to the announcement.
The plan includes AM² Studios, where manufacturers can use university equipment and expertise to test technologies before making major investments; an AM² Career Network connecting education and training to manufacturing careers; and an AM² Consortium to coordinate work and connect companies with support, the university said.
Virginia Tech said the federal investment follows a $4.2 million GO Virginia grant announced earlier in 2026, supported by more than $2 million in regional matching funds. No project schedule or public contact information was included in the announcement.
