Virginia Startup Blog written by Kareem Ayers

Center for Innovative Technology - CIT

January 9, 2010

Since 1984, CIT has been a leader in the efforts to create a globally competitive innovation economy in Virginia.  CIT has worked with public and private stakeholders to boost entrepreneurial endeavors, support research and create seed-stage funding for start-ups and intellectual property – the essential ingredients for the creation of the next generation of technology companies.

Regional Technology Councils
In the 1990s, CIT helped create regional technology councils to leverage the innovation message and agenda.  Today, there are 10 regional councils across the Commonwealth.  Together they formed the Virginia Technology Alliance in 1996 in order to share best practices, profit from the experience of fellow councils and to coordinate certain efforts.  These regional councils:
1.    Advocate for issues important to the growth and development of innovative technologies and technology-based organizations in the Commonwealth;
2.    Educate state and local policy makers by providing a representative and objective source of information and counsel on technology issues; and
3.    Communicate the economic importance of technology to Virginia’s education, civic and business leaders.

CIT Programs
From its original mission to enhance the research and technology transfer activities of Virginia universities, CIT has moved its focus toward the new technologies, entrepreneurs and technology companies that make innovation happen.

In 2005, CIT celebrated 20 years of creating technology-based companies and strategies for the Commonwealth of Virginia. From its original mission to enhance the research and technology transfer activities of Virginia universities, CIT has moved its focus toward the new technologies, entrepreneurs and technology companies that make innovation happen.

For 2006, CIT’s operating structure consists of service lines that enable it to respond quickly and efficiently to new opportunities with government and private sector clients. The service lines – CIT Entrepreneur, CIT R&D, CIT Broadband and CIT Connect – establish a clear identity that allows us to meet our goals and close innovation gaps.

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