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News & Stories from the SOVA Innovation Hub
RISE and RAMP Launch RAMP Up Program to Help Agricultural, Forestry, and Rural Innovators Reach the Marketplace
RISE and RAMP Launch Program to Help Agricultural, Forestry, and Rural Innovators Reach the MarketplaceNew RAMP Up accelerator program will help innovators turn ideas into products, businesses, and real-world solutionsSOUTH BOSTON, VA - July 9, 2026 - RISE (Regional...
Inside EXCITE Halifax: Connecting Classrooms, Careers, and Community
What does the future of work look like in Halifax County, and how can educators help students prepare for it? That question is at the heart of EXCITE Halifax, a weeklong summer educator bootcamp sponsored by Microsoft TechSpark in partnership with the SOVA Innovation...
How Southern Virginia Organizations Are Using AI to Solve Real Business Challenges
Nine organizations completed the inaugural gener8tor Skills AI for Leaders cohort, exploring practical applications of artificial intelligence to improve operations, strengthen workforce development, and solve everyday business challenges.Artificial intelligence, or...
Tobacco Commission Investment Expands Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Southern Virginia
Update (July 2026): The accelerator program announced in this article has officially launched as RAMP Up, an 8-week accelerator for innovative Virginia entrepreneurs delivered through a partnership between RISE Collaborative and RAMP (Regional Accelerator &...
5 Years of the SOVA Innovation Hub
Celebrating 5 Years of Community & CoworkingOn February 1, 2021, the SOVA Innovation Hub officially opened its doors at 715 Wilborn Avenue. In February 2026, we are celebrating five years of community, connection, and the people who have made this space feel like...
SOVA Innovation Hub Begins Renovation to Expand Downtown South Boston Campus
SOVA Innovation Hub Begins Renovation to Expand Downtown South Boston Campus The Hub @ 801 will feature a Fab Lab, podcast studio, coworking spaces, and flexible meeting spaceSOUTH BOSTON, VA — January 20, 2026 — The SOVA Innovation Hub announced today that renovation...
Introducing SOVA AI Connect
Building Southern Virginia’s Future Through Community-Driven AI InnovationThe SOVA Innovation Hub is proud to announce that it has been awarded an OpenAI Foundation People-First AI Grant. The SOVA Innovation Hub was one of 208 nonprofits nationwide, and one of only...
Two Opportunities for Agriculture and Food Entrepreneurs in Southern Virginia
This fall brings two exciting opportunities for farmers, food producers, and agriculture entrepreneurs across Southern Virginia to grow their businesses and explore innovation — without leaving the region! Whether you’re a producer looking to expand into value-added...
Meet the EVOLVE Training Facilitators
The EVOLVE Nonprofit Training Series is almost here, and we are thrilled to introduce the talented facilitators who will be guiding each session. With expertise spanning nonprofit leadership, governance, fundraising, marketing, and team development, these trainers...
Festivals, Fairs, and Fun: Fall Events in Southern Virginia
When the leaves start to turn and there’s a chill in the air, Southern Virginia comes alive with fall fun. From hometown festivals to family outings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s the perfect time to try local treats, celebrate traditions, and spend...