Following the Elizabeth River Trail from Old Dominion University through Fort Norfolk and downtown to Norfolk State University, the Norfolk Innovation Corridor (NIC) connects research, business and community life.
Founded in 2019, the NIC is designed as a compact, transit-accessible and technologically connected innovation corridor. Unlike traditional office parks, it encourages the informal encounters that can spark partnerships and new ideas.
Paula Loomis, a senior architect, planner and program manager with The Urban Collaborative, said serving on the NIC’s board for the past year has given her a better understanding of its importance. The organization relies on one staff member, Caroline Cassidy, along with a 75-member volunteer board.
The NIC focus is on five clusters: energy and sustainability, medical and biotechnology, resilience and water, logistics, and cyber and defense. The corridor aims to attract and retain local talent, support technologies with both civilian and military uses, and draw businesses connected to the region’s defense economy. Qualified businesses may also be eligible for tax incentives.
The NIC invites innovators, institutions and residents to take part in its activities, recommend potential partners and help strengthen Norfolk’s role as a hub for collaboration. Upcoming activities include Norfolk Kick Back on Oct. 28 and an Innovators Invite planned for January 2027.
