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Cybersecurity investigation, innovation, & impact

Anchored in deep cross-disciplinary research, the southwest node of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative stimulates and strengthens cybersecurity investigation, innovation, and impact in the region, the greater commonwealth, and beyond. 

Led by Virginia Tech, CCI SWVA is one of the four regional nodes of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI), which was founded in 2019 to establish Virginia as a global center of excellence at the intersection of cybersecurity, autonomy, and intelligence. CCI marshals a network of researchers from institutions of higher education across Virginia, along with industry partners, to build an ecosystem of cyber research, innovation, and workforce development.

Regional focus, collaborative approach

CCI SWVA leverages regional strengths and resources to achieve the following goals:

  • Build world-leading Cyber Physical Systems Security (CPSS) research capabilities that address the security challenges of emerging technologies to improve the safety and reliability of applications like autonomous vehicles, intelligent agriculture, and the smart power grid.
  • Accelerate cyber startup creation and technology commercialization by growing cyber training opportunities, supporting entrepreneurs, and connecting Southwest Virginia’s innovation community.
  • Grow workforce-ready cybersecurity and CPSS talent to meet today's demands and fuel tomorrow's economy.
  • Build a collaborative network that fosters ties with the greater CCI community and strengthens regional connections.