Project is part of the TechSpark initiative to drive the region’s innovation and economic opportunities
Elly Yates-Roberts |
Microsoft and Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities (MBC) have partnered to build the SOVA Innovation Hub in South Virginia. The project is part of Microsoft’s TechSpark initiative to drive the region’s innovation and economic opportunities.
MBC will invest over US$5 million to build the SOVA Innovation Hub, which will be located in downtown South Boston, Virginia, in an effort to meet its growing need for office space. Through the facility the firms aim to bring together Southern Virginian non-profit organisations to offer digital skills education programmes and training. As one of six TechSpark regions, alongside North Dakota, Microsoft will use the hub as a base for the initiative’s Virginia efforts.
“The SOVA Innovation Hub represents an investment in the future of Southern Virginia,” said Tad Deriso, president and CEO of MBC. “MBC has outgrown our existing office space in the Southern Virginia Technology Park and we’re delighted to partner with Microsoft and our regional partners to create a new office and innovation space in downtown South Boston.”
The 15,000 square-foot Innovation Hub is the first new building to be built in downtown South Boston in over 40 years. It will be located on the site of a former tobacco warehouse and provide event and training spaces, technology showcase areas, offices and collaborative work areas.
“As digital technology transforms the economy, people at all stages in their careers will need to acquire new skills, transform their businesses and launch new enterprises — and they’ll need a place to do it,” said Kate Behncken, general manager of Microsoft Philanthropies. “We are excited to play a role in MBC’s vision to create a world-class centre that will enable this entire community to grow with the digital economy. MBC’s longstanding connection to this region makes it an ideal partner on the SOVA Innovation Hub.”
“I am proud to see another Microsoft investment in our region,” said Senator Frank Ruff. “MBC and Microsoft are true community partners and I am looking forward to the positive impacts the SOVA Innovation Hub will have for our business and educational communities.”