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501(c)(3) · Norfolk, Virginia · Since 2001

Advancing
Innovation.
Powering
Hampton Roads.

The NSU Research & Innovation Foundation bridges academic discovery and real-world impact — fueling applied research, commercializing breakthrough technologies, and driving economic growth across Virginia's most dynamic region.

Invest in Innovation Join Our Board
24+
Years of Impact
11
Board Leaders
3
Subsidiaries
VA
Commonwealth Partner
2001 Year Established
501(c)(3) Independent Foundation
NSU HBCU Affiliate
R&D Applied Research Focus
VA Commonwealth Partner

Mission Statement

“To promote applied research, enable technological innovations, and generate real estate solutions to benefit NSU — while contributing positively to the economic strength of Norfolk, Hampton Roads, and the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

Established in 2001, the Norfolk State University Research & Innovation Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) affiliate that transforms academic research into tangible economic outcomes for the City of Norfolk, the Hampton Roads region, and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

We cultivate partnerships between visionary faculty, ambitious students, forward-thinking entrepreneurs, and industry leaders — turning breakthrough ideas into market-ready innovations and lasting regional prosperity.

Explore Our Work

Our Purpose

Where Discovery
Meets Opportunity

Our strategic location near major federal research facilities and industry partners in the Hampton Roads metro area positions the Foundation as a critical engine of technology-driven economic development.

We connect every link in the innovation chain, from laboratory to marketplace, from classroom to boardroom, creating lasting value for researchers, entrepreneurs, and the communities they serve.

Learn Our Full Story

01

Innovation First

Championing quality, creativity, and forward-thinking in every program and service.

02

University Excellence

Aligned with NSU’s mission, amplifying the positive image and research agenda of Norfolk State University.

03

Regional Impact

Building economic strength for Norfolk, Hampton Roads, and Virginia through research commercialization.

What We Do

Three Pillars of
Transformative Work

From laboratory to marketplace, from classroom to boardroom, the Foundation connects every link in the innovation chain, creating lasting value for researchers, entrepreneurs, and the communities they serve.

Applied Research

Connecting NSU faculty and students with resources, industry partnerships, and federal funding to pursue groundbreaking applied research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Explore Research

Innovation & Commercialization

Transforming academic discoveries into market-ready technologies — supporting faculty inventors, patent development, licensing, and the creation of research-driven startup companies.

Innovation Pathway

Real Estate & Economic Development

Managing strategic real estate acquisitions and developments for NSU while generating economic activity that strengthens the urban fabric of Norfolk and the broader Hampton Roads region.

Economic Impact

Innovation Spotlight

Bridging the Gap Between the Lab & the Market

The Foundation’s Innovation Pipeline connects NSU researchers with industry partners, venture capital, and federal agencies, accelerating the commercialization journey from discovery to deployment.

STEM InnovationTech TransferEntrepreneurship

Why It Matters

A Research Ecosystem Built for the Innovation Economy

HBCUs receive less than 1% of federal R&D funding despite producing disproportionate shares of STEM talent. The Foundation exists to change that equation, building infrastructure, relationships, and resources that give NSU researchers a competitive edge on the national stage.

24+
Years Operating
3
Subsidiaries

Explore Our Work

Leadership

Board of
Directors

Guiding the Foundation’s mission to advance research, innovation, and economic development across Norfolk and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

JA

Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston

NSU President

Norfolk State University

WJ

Mr. Wayne Jones

Chairman

NSURIF

KB

Mr. Keith Basil

Secretary

NSURIF

DT

Dr. Doyle Temple

Treasurer

NSURIF

HC

Mr. Hudnall Croasdale

Member

NSURIF

RJ

Mr. Rodney Jordan

Member

NSURIF

CG

Mr. Cornelius Graves, Esq.

Executive Director / CEO

NSURIF

NSURIF Legal Counsel

EG

Mr. Edwin Green, Esq.

Legal Counsel

Green, Hampton & Kelly, PLLC

Board Recruitment

Shape the Future of
Innovation in Virginia.

We seek visionary leaders from business, government, technology, and community sectors who are passionate about accelerating research, driving economic development, and expanding the reach of HBCU excellence.

Direct influence over research priorities and innovation investments shaping the Hampton Roads economy

Access to a powerful peer network of business, political, and academic leaders across Virginia and beyond

Legacy building through named endowments, research initiatives, and real estate developments

Contribute directly to the growth of one of Virginia’s premier HBCU research institutions

Express Your Interest

11
Board Members
24+
Years of Service
3
Subsidiary Orgs
VA
Commonwealth Partner
Board Member Profile

We are actively seeking executives, investors, policy leaders, and community champions with deep ties to Virginia, Hampton Roads, or the national HBCU ecosystem.

Partner With Us

Invest in the
Innovation Economy

Gold Partner
$10K
Annual Contribution
Funds a named student research scholarship and supports one full semester of applied lab work.
  • ✓Named in Foundation Annual Report<br />
  • ✓Invitation to Annual Innovation Summit<br />
  • ✓Quarterly Impact Reports<br />
  • ✓Named Student Research Scholarship
Become a Gold Partner
★ Platinum Partner
$50K
Annual Contribution
Names a research initiative or lab and places your brand at the center of NSU's innovation agenda.
  • ✓All Gold benefits included<br />
  • ✓Named Research Lab or Initiative<br />
  • ✓Board-level engagement opportunities<br />
  • ✓VIP access to research presentations<br />
  • ✓Co-branding on research publications
Become a Platinum Partner
Legacy Society
$250K+
Endowment or Planned Gift
Creates a permanent named endowment — your legacy woven into NSU's research story for generations.
  • ✓Permanent Named Endowment<br />
  • ✓Building or facility naming rights<br />
  • ✓Seat at Foundation's Advisory Table<br />
  • ✓Customized legacy giving structure<br />
  • ✓Perpetual recognition on all platforms
Join the Legacy Society
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