Regional Impact Series: Nexus 234 Innovation District

Description

The Prince William Chamber of Commerce invites you to the inaugural event in our Regional Impact Series, a new program highlighting the organizations, initiatives, and leaders shaping the future of our region.

Our first event will feature Nexus234, Northern Virginia's first official innovation district, with special guest speakers Jacqueline Connor and Amy Adams. Learn how this transformative initiative is driving innovation, attracting investment, strengthening the regional economy, and creating new opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, researchers, and students.

About Nexus234:  

Launched in July 2025 as Northern Virginia’s first official innovation district, Nexus234 builds on nearly 30 years of investment by George Mason University, Prince William County, and the City of Manassas. The district creates the conditions for ideas to move forward by bringing together the people, spaces, and support needed to take technologies from discovery to delivery, helping companies start, locate, and scale more quickly. Startups, established companies, and researchers collaborate using shared labs, equipment, and expertise to develop and test new innovations. Students gain paid, hands-on experience, while professionals build skills, expand their work, and grow their careers.

Member Rate: $30 | Non-Member Rate: $50

Featured Speakers: 

About Jacqueline:

Jacqueline Connor is the Associate Director of Development for University Priorities, focused on the Science and Technology Campus of George Mason University.

Jacque represents Mason in the business community, seeking corporate and individual prospects interested in supporting students, research, and programs at the SciTech Campus, including the Nexus234 Innovation District. Before joining Mason, Jacque was an award-winning marketer with Belvoir Federal Credit Union and the United States Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment.

Jacque has a BA in Political Science and Speech Communication from McKendree University and an MA in International Affairs from George Washington University.

About Amy: 

Amy Adams is Executive Director of Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District, anchored by George Mason University’s SciTech Campus in partnership with Prince William County and the City of Manassas, where she co‑led the district from ideation through implementation to advance research‑based economic development in sectors including life sciences, aerospace, defense, semiconductors, and AI‑powered data centers. She also serves as Executive Director of George Mason University’s Institute for Biohealth Innovation and brings 24 years of experience in higher education leading research, innovation, and workforce development initiatives. Ms. Adams holds a Master of Science in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Science in Biology, is an author on one patent and fifteen peer‑reviewed publications, and serves on the boards of BioHealth Innovation, Inc. and the Association of University Research Parks.

This discussion will conclude with a Q&A session featuring Amy Adams and Jacqueline Connor, joined by Prince William County Department of Economic Development Executive Director Christina Winn and City of Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger, as they discuss the impact of Nexus 234 and its role in shaping the future of our region.

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