By Tim Ryan
The Power of Stories: Celebrating Innovation in Hampton Roads
As 2024 comes to a close, Innovate Hampton Roads takes a moment to reflect on the stories that resonated with you, our vibrant community of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators. This year, we shared 189 articles, each a testament to the extraordinary spirit driving our region forward. These stories are more than headlines—they are proof that Hampton Roads is becoming a center of innovation worth watching.
In this two-part series, we’re unveiling the 25 most-read stories of the year. Here, in Part 1, we count down #13-25, spotlighting some of the most exciting achievements and initiatives that captured your attention in 2024.
The Countdown: #13-25
13. 757 Accelerate’s Cohort 7: Innovation Ignites in Hampton Roads
Entrepreneurial brilliance shone brightly with 757 Accelerate’s Cohort 7, showcasing how local startups are transforming ideas into thriving businesses.
14. Driving Innovation and Growth: Drew Lumpkin’s New Chapter with the Hampton Roads ExecutiveRoundtable
A leader’s journey to shape the future of the region’s business landscape.
15. Applications for Startup Virginia’s Next Idea Factory Are Open
A call to the next wave of bold entrepreneurs, fostering creativity and collaboration.
16. DroneUp: Soaring to New Heights in 2024
A standout year for this trailblazer, expanding drone technology in innovative ways.
17. Magazine Jukebox Raises $2.7 Million in Seed Round, Paving the Way for Global Expansion
Hampton Roads startups are making waves on a global stage with groundbreaking ideas.
18. Explore the Future of Science at Jefferson Lab’s Open House This June!
Inspiring minds and fostering curiosity, Jefferson Lab’s event showcased the future of science.
19. EO Accelerator Program Now Accepting Applications for 2024
An empowering program fueling the entrepreneurial spirit across Hampton Roads.
20. Empowering Entrepreneurship: Eileen Brewer’s Insightful Dissection of the Startup Lifecycle in CEO World
A masterclass in navigating the ups and downs of startup life.
21. Hampton Roads DevFest 2024: Uniting the Software Development Community
A celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the future of tech in Hampton Roads.
22. DroneUp’s Game-Changing Approval for Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations: A Leap Forward for DroneDelivery in Hampton Roads
Breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible in drone delivery technology.
23. A New Commission Has Been Created for Hampton Roads Gen-Zers, Here’s Why It Matters
Empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators in our region.
24. Joe Benevento Appointed as VIPC President and CEO to Propel Virginia’s Innovation Landscape
Leadership that promises to elevate innovation across Virginia.
25. Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable Welcomes New Leaders to Drive Regional Prosperity
Collaboration and leadership paving the way for a brighter future.
Why It Matters
Each of these stories is a building block in the growing narrative of Hampton Roads as a thriving hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. These are not just moments of success—they are milestones that remind us of the power of a supportive community and the boundless potential of our region.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we reveal the top 12 most-read stories of 2024! Let’s continue celebrating the visionaries and changemakers who make Hampton Roads a destination for innovation and opportunity.
