image: Catherine DeMarino, PhD student in Biosciences, concentration in Microbiology and Infectious Disease, from Fatah Kashanchi's Molecular Virology lab
Credit: Evan Cantwell | George Mason University
Northern Virginia is debuting a program that brings biotech, medtech, and deep-tech innovators from around the world into its broadening business community. The Northern Virginia International Soft Landing Accelerator (NISA) gives startups the tools to reach the market, connect with investors, and flourish.
The program is rooted at George Mason University’s SciTech campus, right in the center of the region’s new Innovation District. It’s backed by regional economic development groups alongside private-sector partners who are helping to influence what comes next. Part of the funding comes from the Innovation District grant, a $3.9 million investment from GO Virginia, a state-funded initiative administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development that strengthens and diversifies Virginia’s economy and fosters the creation of high-wage jobs in strategic industries. At the helm is Naugen, an international accelerator recognized for assisting ventures successfully enter and grow in untapped markets.
“Many international startups bring outstanding technologies, but they often face challenges with the U.S. investment landscape and limited networks. NISA exists to bridge that gap,” said Jaehan Park, founder and CEO of Naugen. “By combining Naugen’s global expertise with Northern Virginia’s thriving ecosystem, we are building a launchpad where international innovators can put down U.S. roots and scale into true global enterprises.”
NISA begins with the buzz of conversations that deepen into relationships. Out of those early connections, new pathways take shape and flow into Northern Virginia’s growing current of innovation.
“NISA, along with investments in expanding the life science ecosystem and establishing the Innovation District, is helping make Northern Virginia a destination for next-generation companies from around the world,” said Christina Winn, executive director of the Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Tourism. “Propelling this sector and bolstering the local entrepreneurial network is creating a place where industries can succeed and choose to build their future.”
What NISA brings isn’t only growth. It creates chances for companies to contribute to the life of the City of Manassas itself.
“Our goal is not just to attract businesses. We want them to see Manassas as home,” said Patrick Small, economic development director for the City of Manassas. “That means matching founders with the right resources and making sure their employees have access to strong schools, welcoming neighborhoods, and the amenities that make people want to stay.”
At NISA, startups break out of the mold of a typical program, diving into George Mason’s cutting-edge labs and collaborating with the people turning innovation into reality.
“NISA participants can take advantage of George Mason’s world-class core facilities, including our biocontainment facility and CAP/CLIA-accredited laboratory,” said Amy Adams, executive director of the Innovation District. “George Mason helps innovators shorten the journey from concept to commercialization through pairing these resources with top-tier expertise.”
Applications will soon open for the first NISA cohort. Selected companies can receive up to six months of free lab or office space and leverage legal, banking, real estate, and accounting partners to streamline their move into the community.
For more information about NISA and application details, contact Irene Kim, director of operations at Naugen, at irene.kim@naugen.com or Amy Adams at avanmete@gmu.edu.