This Week in 757 (Happenings) Sep 12, 2025

A recap of the week’s biggest success stories, and insights from local entrepreneurs.

Author

Innovate 757
September 12, 2025

LOCAL HEADLINES

NASA Langley and Embry-Riddle Join Forces: Igniting Hampton Roads’ Aerospace Revolution and Your Next Big Opportunity

On a crisp Thursday at NASA Langley, Dr. Trina Marsh Dyal, the acting center director, and Dr. Jeremy Ernst from Embry-Riddle sealed the deal in a ceremony that marks a new chapter in aerospace advancement. By partnering with academia like Embry-Riddle, NASA ensures Hampton Roads remains at the forefront of national aerospace leadership. Read More ➜

Assembly Powers Up: New Tenants and Expansions Ignite Hampton Roads’ Innovation Engine

Born from the adaptive reuse of three historic department stores—the Fergus Reid Building (1910), Ames & Brownley (1919, later Rice’s), and adjoining structures—this campus transformed dusty retail relics into a 50,000-square-foot powerhouse when Phase 1 launched in 2021. Over the years, it’s hosted workshops, networking events, and socials that have sparked countless collaborations, proving Hampton Roads can rival any coastal tech hub…all while gearing up for Phase 2. Read More ➜

Crunchy Hydration Expands with New Flavor, Rebrand, and National Partnerships

Crunchy has quickly expanded into more than 650 retail locations nationwide, including Whole Foods, Wegmans, Food Lion, and independent grocers. At the Startup World Cup, the company hosted the Freelife Crunchy Drink Off, where five locals had 60 seconds to drink as many Crunchy’s as possible—think Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, but with sparkling water. Read More ➜

FOR FOUNDERS

Start Peninsula Hosts Micro Pitch 3: Ten Local Startups Compete for Big Prizes

This event offers an exciting opportunity to see emerging startups in action and connect with founders driving innovation in Hampton Roads. [The] pitch competition will be available via Zoom. Three judges will evaluate the presentations, with the top three finalists winning $500 each and earning a chance to compete for $5,000 in the November finals. Read More ➜

Dive into Startup Virginia’s Idea Factory and Fuel Hampton Roads’ Innovation Boom

Startup Virginia has deep roots in our area through partnerships like the 757 Startup Studios in Norfolk, where innovators gather to build the next big thing. This seven-week hybrid program…dives deep into customer discovery—the secret sauce for building businesses that stick. Applications close on September 12, so don’t wait! Head to www.startupvirginia.org/idea-factory to learn more and apply. Read More ➜

From JuiceBar to High-Tech Innovation: Joseph Wright and Loyalty Technologies Take Flight

A key innovation from Loyalty Technologies is replacing mined graphite with renewable carbon nanomaterials made from waste, creating cheaper, cleaner, and more resilient batteries and composites, built right here in Hampton Roads. As a hub for water innovation and defense, the region offers mentorship, partnerships, and investment opportunities—exactly the support Loyalty Technologies is seeking to tackle global challenges locally. Read More ➜

FERVENT FOUR
Navigating Startups and AI: Insights from Mari Soonsoo Bae on Innovation and Growth
https://youtu.be/dU90vgm3pPo

Major Takeaways

  • Leaving a high-paying tech job to prioritize personal fulfillment and family can lead to discovering new entrepreneurial opportunities.

  • Building resilience through rejection and persistence is essential for success in the startup world.

  • Embracing one's authentic self and leveraging personal experiences can drive innovation and growth in business.

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