Virginia Tech created the energy incubator to attract and retain engineers, researchers, scientists, and related business tenants to the Tobacco region. To this end, Virginia Tech is currently integrating the academic communities of several universities with the business communities in and outside of the region. To date, this synergy has created research and commercial opportunities that enhance new energy technology development. AVID, LLC and Tetra Tech, Inc. are two commercial enterprises that have benefited from Virginia Tech's presence in Riverstone, and both companies recently expanded their offices to this location. Virginia Tech, with its key business partners, provides support services to incubate new manufacturing processes and products, as well as renewable energy technologies that have potential for commercialization and market penetration. 

	To assist renewable energy researchers and entrepreneurs, we have joined the Alliance for Clean Energy Business Incubators (ACEBI) and DOE national laboratories, all of whom have an impressive network of researchers, investors, and industry leaders who have provided mentoring, financing, and networking opportunities for our developing clean energy community.
Our new energy center has also built collaborations with the other energy centers funded by the Tobacco Commission to create the Clean Energy Alliance's 14th US business incubator and the first major collective energy effort for Virginia (click map above to enlarge image).

Listen to Dr. Carole Cameron Inge discuss the Clean Energy Business Technology Incubator on WHLF's Breakfast Club.

Using Tobacco Commission resources, we are developing a web portal for shared information and links to the rest of the energy efforts in the Tobacco region. Together, we are creating a climate for energy activities that is supported by ACEBI. Our application for ACEBI membership is currently in process. CaseNEX, LLC., is our on-line outreach and training partner for these efforts. CaseNEX, LLC., is a 15-year-old spin-off company from the University of Virginia's Darden Business and Curry Education Schools. It is envisioned that this partner will work with our center and the other energy centers in a climate of collaboration on the outreach and training side of the program. Training of future energy and environmental scientists and engineers will be critical to this effort in the next decade.