Innovate Hampton Roads Helping Build the Region’s Innovation Economy
June 1, 2026
By Bob McKenna
Virginia Peninsula Chamber
As Hampton Roads continues working to diversify its economy beyond traditional defense and maritime industries, Innovate Hampton Roads has emerged as a key connector for the region’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Formed through the merger of StartWheel Corporation and the Hampton Roads Innovation Collaborative (HRIC), the organization was created to strengthen collaboration among startups, investors, universities, business leaders, and economic development organizations across the region.
Led by Executive Director Tim Ryan, Innovate Hampton Roads serves as the region's storyteller and operates signature programs, including Start Peninsula and REaKTOR. The organization focuses on helping entrepreneurs access mentorship, networking opportunities, educational programming, and funding resources. It has become increasingly visible through startup events and innovation programming, including its flagship events: the State of Innovation Address, the Virginia Cup (scheduled for September 17), and 757 TechNite (scheduled for October 29). Innovate Hampton Roads also curates the IHR200, an ongoing list of the top 200 privately owned companies in the region.Â
All of these efforts support the organization’s overarching goal of establishing a unicorn company (a company valued at $1 billion or more) in each of the localities across Hampton Roads.
Perhaps most importantly, Innovate Hampton Roads reflects a growing understanding that regional collaboration will be essential to building a stronger innovation economy. By connecting people, organizations, and ideas across Hampton Roads, the organization is helping position the region for long-term growth driven by entrepreneurship, technology, and talent.