RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today announced TECHnista — an education consulting company specializing in K-12 curriculum and workforce ecosystem development for defense and advanced manufacturing industries — will invest $15.1 million in Danville.
To accommodate its growth, the company plans to lease the 30,000 square-foot Cyber Park Shell Building in the City of Danville, owned by the Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority, and plans to create at least 22 new jobs in the community.
“TECHnista’s expansion in Danville speaks to the strength of Virginia’s workforce and the stable, predictable environment for business growth here in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “By investing more than $15 million, TECHnista is helping connect classroom learning to real-world careers while strengthening the talent pipeline that supports our nation’s growth and defense. I am proud that Virginia continues to be the place where companies choose to grow, scale, and prepare the next generation for success.”
Earlier this summer, Governor Spanberger celebrated Virginia’s rise to #3 in CNBC’s “America’s Top States for Business” rankings, reflecting a strong business climate that continues to attract high-caliber companies to the Commonwealth. Since taking office, Governor Spanberger has announced more than $5 billion in new business investment and more than 3,200 new jobs across the Commonwealth.
“TECHnista shows what innovation looks like by bridging the divide among education, workforce development, and industry in a way that addresses current and future talent needs,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. “This expansion further reinforces Virginia’s reputation as an incubator for advanced manufacturing and workforce innovation. We are excited to support TECHnista’s continued growth as it expands its national reach from Southern Virginia and helps prepare students and educators for the careers that will drive America’s economic competitiveness.”
“TECHnista was founded on the belief that we can strengthen America’s future by connecting K-12 education, workforce development, and the needs of our nation’s most critical industries,” said TECHnista Founder and CEO Kelsey Robertson. “This investment marks an exciting new chapter for TECHnista as we expand our capabilities in the City of Danville and prepare to scale our programs to communities across the country. We are proud to grow our team, deepen our roots in the region, and play a role in developing the skilled workforce needed to support America’s defense and advanced manufacturing industries.”
TECHnista’s latest expansion comes on the heels of a five-year federal contract to implement the Manufacturing and Engineering Education Reimagined for All (MEERA) pilot program, secured in 2024. To support that initiative, TECHnista established a National Training and Technology Center in Pittsylvania County. MEERA currently operates in seven states and one U.S. territory with an anticipated enrollment of more than 18,000 students for the 2026–2027 school year.
Through these efforts, TECHnista is helping build the nation’s future advanced manufacturing workforce pipeline by aligning K-12 education with industry needs, deploying MEERA middle and high school programs that introduce students to manufacturing technologies and careers, and establishing Build Freedom Centers that provide educator training, program support, and industry engagement in participating states and communities.
“Preparing our children for the jobs of tomorrow requires a different approach to education – one that uses hands-on, applied learning that builds interest, understanding, and retention,” said Southern Virginia Regional Alliance Executive Director Linda Green. “TECHnista’s innovative approach to curriculum development and teacher training is bringing robotics, automation, and emerging technologies into the classroom, and we are proud to see a Southern Virginia company growing here at home while expanding its impact in states across the nation.”
“This year has been another transformative year for Pittsylvania County and TECHnista is part of that success story,” said Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors Chairman Robert Tucker. “We are so proud to announce that TECHnista will be expanding its operations and investing $15.1 million in capital investments and creating 22 new jobs. This County is proud to be a part of TECHnista’s evolving pipeline for advanced manufacturing. TECHnista has had great success over the last couple of years, and we are so excited to see this company grow and teach students in this County and beyond. Thank you TECHnista for choosing Danville-Pittsylvania County to expand your business. We are so proud of your accomplishments.”
“I am thrilled to announce that TECHnista has chosen Danville-Pittsylvania County again to expand their operations,” said Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority Chairman Vic Ingram. “Having a National Training and Technology Center that is being recognized all over the world headquartered here in our region is truly amazing. Over the last few years, it has been inspiring to see the success that TECHnista has earned and how they have given back to our community. Thank you TECHnista for choosing Danville-Pittsylvania County to continue your success while providing 22 new job opportunities for our citizens.”
“The IDA is very proud of TECHnista and all their accomplishments and we are very excited that they have chosen Danville-Pittsylvania County to grow their business,” said Pittsylvania County Industrial Development Authority Chairman John Daniel. “In just a short amount of time, TECHnista has had great success as a tenant of the Pittsylvania County Industrial Development Authority, and now they are investing another $15.1 million into our community while creating 22 additional new jobs. TECHnista is transforming the K-12 education pipeline with their specialized curriculums one lesson at a time, and we thank you for trusting Pittsylvania County to expand your business.”
“TECHnista’s decision to make this investment in Danville is another strong vote of confidence in our community and the workforce we are building here,” said Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones. “What makes this especially exciting is the work they’re doing to connect young people with the skills and opportunities that will prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow, specifically in advanced manufacturing and support industries that are critical to our nation. Danville is a great place to grow, and we’re proud TECHnista has chosen to grow here.”
“The Cyber Park Shell Building was developed for opportunities just like this,” said Danville Industrial Development Authority Chairman T. Neal Morris. “Having a quality facility ready for a growing company gives Danville an important advantage when projects move quickly. We’re excited to see TECHnista put this building to work, create new jobs, and make a significant investment in our community.”
“I am proud to welcome this investment by TECHnista in Southside,” said Senator Tammy Mulchi. “Today’s announcement is another strong vote of confidence in the hardworking people of Southside Virginia. New investment means new opportunities for our families, a stronger tax base for our community, and continued momentum for a region that is proving it can compete and win. I will always work to keep taxes and regulations competitive, strengthen workforce and career training, and invest in the infrastructure necessary to make Southside Virginia one of the best places in the Commonwealth to do business.”
“It is great to have TECHnista based in our region and to see it expand its capacity to deploy the training programs nationally,” said Delegate Madison Whittle. “The $15 million expansion and creation of more than 22 jobs will enable some of our brightest local talent to join their training teams. TECHnista has the bold goal of helping to connect K-12 curriculum to workforce development all across the country in support of the Defense and Advanced Manufacturing industries. We are happy that they have chosen us as their launching pad and wish them continued success.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Danville, Pittsylvania County, the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, and the Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Spanberger approved a $75,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the City of Danville and the Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority with the project. |
