This May, startups from across the globe came to Manassas, Virginia. Along with their suitcases, they brought polished presentations, new technologies, and big plans.

They were about to spend two days in the Nexus234 Innovation District for the Global Innovation Showcase. Ten startups were selected from a competitive pool of 22 applicants representing the U.S., Israel, Japan, and South Korea.

Offered through the Northern Virginia International Soft Landing Accelerator (NISA), the program combined networking, facility tours, and investor conversations. It also included a pitch competition. All of these elements were designed to connect companies with the region’s growing innovation ecosystem.

“There’s only so much you can learn from a brochure or a website,” said Jaehan Park, founder and CEO of Naugen, one of the leading organizations of NISA. “Actually spending time here gives startups a much clearer picture of the opportunities and resources available in Nexus234.”

Throughout the showcase, startups visited places such as George Mason University’s Science and Technology campus, ATCC, and commercial wet lab facilities, including Endeavor, led by Prince William County’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and the Northern Virginia Bioscience Center located in Innovation Park. They also talked with George Mason faculty to discuss potential research collaborations and spoke with students about startup culture and what career development looks like in emerging industries.

“Northern Virginia is a rare blend that’s often very difficult for startups to find in one place: research institutions, industry collaborations, skilled talent, and proximity to major markets,” said Sarah Brooks, Director of Business and Financial Services at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. “This area is especially supportive for companies wanting to expand in the U.S.”

For many attendees, the pitch competition was the highlight of the showcase. Startups stepped in front of judges to present technologies ranging from wearable medical devices and regenerative medicine to AI platforms. The judges brought experience from venture capital, startup acceleration, healthcare innovation, business development, and entrepreneurship support organizations across the region and beyond. Lucina Biotherapeutics won first place, while TrackiMed came in second, and MedicosBiotech took third.

“The quality of the participating companies is what stood out most to me,” said Alex Euler, Senior Investment Director at the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation and one of the judges. “While many of these companies are still early in their commercialization journeys, the teams demonstrated a strong command of their technologies, a thoughtful understanding of the markets they hope to serve, and a clear commitment to building meaningful businesses.”

The conversations continued into the evening during Innovation After Hours, co-hosted by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, where companies, investors, chamber members, and business executives exchanged ideas on commercialization, hiring, and investment trends.

The showcase may have concluded, but the next phase is still ahead. In June, NISA program leaders will select a group of companies to continue expanding their presence in the U.S. through complimentary lab space, funding support, and direct work with researchers and businesses within the area.

“What makes NISA different from a typical accelerator is that it’s embedded in Nexus234,” said Jeanette Grant, co-founder and head of operations at Lucina Biotherapeutics. “You’re not just getting advice. You’re landing in a real innovation district with research facilities, a talent pipeline, and a community that’s actively building the next generation of technologies and businesses.”