The Virginia Tech Innovation Campus has officially opened its doors in National Landing, marking a new era for tech education and innovation in the region. Ahead of its grand opening celebration, we had the opportunity to sit down with Lance Collins, Vice President and Executive Director of the Innovation Campus, to discuss his vision for the future. From fostering a diverse culture of innovation to positioning the campus as a catalyst for economic growth, Collins shares insights into how this transformative institution will shape the local community and beyond.

Can you share a bit about your personal background and what drew you to the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in National Landing?

My entire career has been in academia, and this is my third land-grant institution. I worked previously at Penn State and Cornell. At Cornell, I witnessed the birth of a new tech campus in an urban environment – a new era for a rural campus. I saw how transformational that was for both the city and the institution. As I stepped down from my role at Cornell, the timing coincided with the search for a vice president and executive director of a similar urban tech campus, this time at Virginia Tech. I jumped on it.

As a leader in the tech and innovation space, who or what inspired your journey into this field?

Technology is transforming and influencing everything we do, from social media to politics and economics. What excites me most is continuing to invent while also considering the societal impacts of those inventions. Virginia Tech is uniquely positioned for this task. It is known for advancing technology and focusing on societal impact. That combination is crucial.

The Virginia Tech Innovation Campus is poised to be a transformative force. How do you envision the campus impacting the local community, particularly in terms of opportunities for professionals and students?

The creation of a new campus is incredibly powerful for multiple constituencies. From a student perspective, it’s an opportunity to learn in an environment that is highly connected to the world. Students gain experience beyond technical training: they learn how technology impacts the world through companies, federal agencies, and other organizations.

For the broader economy, campuses like this can transform the ecosystem. Our goal is to continue lifting this already strong tech environment and encourage it to be among the highest performing in the country. This growth is not only beneficial for the region but also for the federal government – the largest consumer of technology – right here in our backyard. I would love to see a thriving tech district grow out of this new campus.

The Innovation Campus is a catalyst for growth. How do you plan to foster a culture of innovation that also reflects the diverse perspectives of the National Landing community?

This is a very important question to me. I believe that innovation thrives when we bring together people with a wide range of experiences and perspectives. It’s not just about background or discipline, it’s about embracing different ways of thinking and problem solving. We want to welcome students from traditional academic pathways but also those from less conventional ones. For example, a student with an arts background who is passionate about how technology intersects with their field has a place here.

The key is recognizing the value that comes from approaching challenges from multiple angles. When you broaden the range of perspectives and experiences contributing to a solution, you open the door to more creative and effective outcomes. But it requires skill, empathy, and openness to truly harness that potential. Without that, differences can lead to misunderstanding rather than progress.

Ultimately, it’s about fostering an environment of inclusion, understanding, and collaboration, because time and time again, it’s been shown that the most meaningful solutions emerge when people with varied experiences work together. I fully embrace that approach and am committed to partnering with the National Landing BID, the community, and the tech district to cultivate this spirit of innovation.

Looking ahead, what initiatives or programs are you most excited about at the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus that will support the next generation innovators and leaders?

We have many exciting initiatives in motion, even at this early stage, and they will take shape over the coming years. One major highlight is our project-based curriculum, where Master of Engineering students studying computer science or computer engineering tackle real-world challenges sourced from industry, gaining hands-on experience and problem-solving skills while working alongside industry leaders. This approach will develop future leaders and contribute to a thriving innovation ecosystem over time.

Our research portfolio is equally impressive and driven by exceptional faculty. Through the Sanghani Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, we aim to lead AI and machine learning in practical applications across diverse fields. Our wireless research is among the best globally – important as we seek ever-faster communication methods.

We’re also expanding into quantum computing, a field with transformative potential beyond what we can currently imagine. Finally, our work in intelligent interfaces explores the intersection of technology and society: and area where Virginia Tech holds deep expertise. This initiative will be key to shaping the future of the new Alexandria campus and ensuring that technology serves humanity in meaningful ways.

The Virginia Tech Innovation Campus, located in Potomac Yard at the south end of National Landing, opened to students in January 2025 and is celebrating its public grand opening and ribbon-cutting on Friday, Feb. 28. Learn more about the event and watch the livestream here.