Newport News, VA – September 15, 2026
For Immediate Release
Universal Solutions International (USI) celebrates the launch of the Hampton Roads Mobility Innovation Center (MIC) following execution of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between USI and the Newport News Economic Development Authority (NNEDA). The MOA formalizes USI’s role as the MIC’s private implementation partner and program integrator and operator. The MIC is a regional initiative supported by a $3,061,400 GO Virginia grant. The three-year project performance period runs through April 30, 2029. The center will advance Virginia’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Strategy by creating a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-aligned environment for advanced mobility development, training, and workforce development across Hampton Roads.
In that role, USI will lead the integration, implementation, and day-to-day operation of the MIC’s systems, ensuring the center is equipped to advance next-generation aviation, uncrewed systems, and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) capabilities. The MIC is designed to strengthen Hampton Roads as a regional hub for innovation, workforce development, and economic diversification in high-growth industries, supporting civilian, defense, public safety, and health applications.
“The Mobility Innovation Center is designed to deliver the operational capabilities and infrastructure needed to support advanced aviation development, training, and integration,” said Dan Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer of USI, Inc. “By establishing FAA-aligned environments and scalable systems, this project enables both workforce development and industry application in a practical and forward-looking way.”
Newport News, Virginia, is an independent city in the Hampton Roads region and, through the Newport News Economic Development Authority, leads the MIC initiative. The MIC supports the City’s economic diversification and workforce development goals while complementing strategic investment in Newport News-Williamsburg Airport and Air Commerce Park, positioning those assets to support high-growth aviation and aerospace industries and expand long-term career opportunities across the region.
Aligned with Hampton Roads’ innovation strategy, the MIC will enhance the region’s aviation ecosystem through:
- FAA‑aligned testing environments for uncrewed systems and AAM applications
- A dual-site operating model connecting crewed and future AAM activity at Newport News-Williamsburg Airport with uncrewed and BVLOS operations at the Newport New Park Radio Control Club (NNPRCC) Flying Field
- Applied research and technology validation in partnership with universities and industry
- Workforce development programs that prepare talent for high‑demand, high‑wage sectors
- Regional collaboration through a broad network of government, academic, and industry partners, including NASA Langley, Army stakeholders, and other regional organizations
These capabilities will support commercialization of emerging technologies, strengthen regional economic competitiveness, and expand opportunities for businesses and workforce partners across Hampton Roads.
USI remains committed to collaborating with local governments, educational institutions, and industry leaders. This includes the Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable, which brings together corporate leaders, higher education presidents, and regional economic organizations with a shared mission to strengthen the region’s economic competitiveness and diversification. The Roundtable also serves as the support organization for Region 5 of Virginia’s GO Virginia program. USI also acknowledges the Virginia Department of Aviation’s leadership in advancing safe and innovative aviation capabilities across the Commonwealth and its ongoing coordination with the MIC. Together, this regional network is helping Hampton Roads to advance aviation and mobility innovation. For more information about the Hampton Roads Mobility Innovation Center and how it supports Virginia’s leadership in advanced aviation technologies, please contact Universal Solutions International or visit the GO Virginia website at dhcd.virginia.gov/gova.
The Hampton Roads MIC is funded in part by GO Virginia, a state-funded initiative administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) that strengthens and diversifies Virginia’s economy and fosters the creation of higher-wage jobs in strategic industries.
About Universal Solutions International (USI)
Universal Solutions International, Inc. (USI) is a mission‑focused systems integrator and program management firm based in Virginia. USI plans, tests, and fields multi‑domain mobility, uncrewed systems, and counter‑UAS capabilities for federal, state, and commercial customers. The company combines safety‑led engineering, regulatory expertise, and disciplined data collection to move emerging technologies from concept to credible operations across air, land, and maritime domains, supporting both commercial applications and dual‑use deployments for U.S. Department of War.