Sources: 
Virginia Tech has inaugurated the Institute for Advanced Computing at its recently opened Alexandria campus, aiming to foster collaboration among academia, industry, and government in the greater Washington, DC area.
The institute will focus on cutting-edge fields such as
artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum computing, providing graduate students with advanced research opportunities.
"As Virginia's land-grant research university, we are connecting the world's best talent and partners to the commonwealth and bridging the gaps between academia, industry, and government in the greater DC area," said Virginia Tech President
Tim Sands.
The new center complements Virginia Tech's existing academic presence, as the university opened the Alexandria campus in February, which also houses its colleges of business and engineering, while the main campus remains in Blacksburg.
Leading the institute is
interim director Kirk Cameron, a computer science professor, who will guide the center's mission to integrate research and practical applications across sectors.
This initiative reflects Virginia Tech's commitment to leveraging its expertise and strategic location to drive innovation and economic development in the region.
"The Institute for Advanced Computing will serve as a hub for graduate students and researchers working on transformative technologies," Cameron noted, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.
By situating the institute in Alexandria, Virginia Tech positions itself at the nexus of government agencies, private industry, and academic research, facilitating partnerships that can accelerate technological advancements.
The institute's establishment marks a significant step in Virginia Tech's strategy to expand its impact beyond its traditional campus and contribute to the dynamic tech ecosystem of the DC metropolitan area.
Sources: 
Virginia Tech has launched the Institute for Advanced Computing at its new Alexandria campus, focusing on AI, machine learning, and quantum computing. The institute aims to bridge academia, industry, and government in the DC area, with Kirk Cameron as interim director, enhancing collaboration and innovation.