We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who participated in the DT-RICH Workshop IAB Planning Meeting hosted at Virginia Tech on February 19-20th, 2026. With 74 participants, including 48 representatives attending in person, this meeting showcased Virginia Tech’s strong engagement and commitment to fostering collaboration with our academic and industry partners.
During this two-day session, members of the Industrial Advisory Board and invited stakeholders worked together to review progress, refine our strategic priorities, and shape the research and innovation agenda for the upcoming year. The structured discussions and focused sessions allowed us to identify high-impact research areas, align our efforts with industry needs, and enhance the framework for sustained collaboration between industry and the university.
The in-person setting at Virginia Tech facilitated rich dialogue and direct exchanges between board representatives and our researchers, leading to meaningful planning conversations critical for effective governance and strategic alignment. Additionally, virtual participation broadened our representation and ensured diverse perspectives were included in the discussions.
The meeting emphasized actionable outcomes and clearly defined next steps, with representatives helping to prioritize research themes, identify partnership opportunities, and guide implementation strategies for upcoming proposals and project development.
We sincerely appreciate the leadership and thoughtful contributions of all IAB representatives. Our gratitude also extends to the presenters for their high-quality, forward-looking content, and to our organizers for their meticulous coordination of a seamless and productive event. The strategic direction established during this planning meeting positions Virginia Tech and its partners for sustained progress and measurable impact in the year ahead.