By Tim Ryan

Hey, Innovate Hampton Roads community! If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, tech trailblazer, or innovation enthusiast in the 757, buckle up. Last week, REaKTOR Technology Innovation Center dropped their FY25 recap, and it’s nothing short of explosive. As your go-to hub for all things entrepreneurial in Hampton Roads, Virginia, we’re here to break it down—not like stuffy traditional media, but with the raw energy of a next-gen launchpad. This isn’t just REaKTOR’s win; it’s a massive boost for our entire region, opening doors for you to collaborate, fundraise, and scale like never before. Perhaps, most importantly, this is a win for the founders and startups that put everything they have into building a winning business.

Let’s rewind a bit for context. REaKTOR didn’t just appear out of thin air—it’s the evolution of a bold vision from the early 2000’s, sparked by the City of Hampton to leverage technology coming from NASA Langley Research Center. Starting as an unmanned systems accelerator under the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA), it quickly became a powerhouse for turning wild ideas into world-changing products. Over the years, REaKTOR has assisted dozens of companies, created more than 100 jobs, and generated $26 million in revenue through its programs. Fast-forward to today, and it’s a center piece of our regional startup ecosystem, leveraging Hampton Roads’ unique blend of coastal vibes, military might, and space-age tech to foster sustainable growth.

Now, onto the FY25 fireworks. REaKTOR smashed their goals, welcoming five new companies instead of the targeted three. We’re talking HerculE-Q innovating wireless charging for micro-mobility vehicles, Clear Aspect Solutions advancing Model-Based Systems Engineering for defense command and control, Maxbyte driving Industry 4.0 transformations with AI and robotics, and Agria pushing boundaries for a possible solution for lunar food production for NASA. That’s right—our backyard is innovating for the moon! These additions created 27 new jobs (way over the goal of 10), expanding their portfolio to 16 ventures supporting 103 staff members. And get this: they supported seven client companies in securing or pursuing NASA technologies, tripling their target.

But the real game-changer? Capital and connections. In FY25 alone, REaKTOR facilitated over $4 million in capital raised across five standout startups, empowering them to scale and innovate. Programs like the REaKTOR were key, landing VIPC grants for Tidal Flight (sea planes that could redefine logistics) and VroomBrick (transforming real estate with automation). REaKTOR continued to strengthen their bench of resources up with seven new service providers and three top investor connections, including heavy hitters from Plug and Play and Valor VC. Agria even got patent guidance to protect their groundbreaking work.

Partnerships amplified everything. Teaming up with VIPC, 757 Collab, Lighthouse Network, and AUVSI Hampton Roads meant more mentoring, investor intros, and events like RVA757 Connects, where our community mingled with founders and funders. REaKTOR was even submitted for the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Entrepreneurship Award—fingers crossed for results in late August.

So, how does this light up your path? If you’re in Hampton Roads, REaKTOR’s momentum means more accessible resources for you: collaborative spaces, fundraising support, NASA tech integrations, and a network that’s got your back. Imagine pitching your idea at their next event, securing that VIPC grant, or joining forces with a diverse set of founders to tackle global challenges. This FY25 surge is proof that our region’s entrepreneurial spirit is thriving, creating jobs, attracting investment, and positioning the 757 as a national innovation hotspot.

Looking ahead, REaKTOR’s expanding lab space for ventures like Agria and deepening NASA ties promise even bigger leaps. We’re celebrating this on a grand scale because it underscores Hampton Roads’ trajectory—from a nascent ecosystem to a launchpad for the future.Ready to ignite your own venture? Dive into REaKTOR’s full recap here and join us at upcoming Innovate Hampton Roads events. Let’s keep the innovation fire burning—together, we’re unstoppable.

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