Celebrating the Anil and Anupama Sharma Center for Innovation on October 29

Celebration of Innovation

On October 29, 2026, George Mason University will host a formal celebration for the newly named Anil and Anupama Sharma Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Fuse in Arlington, Virginia. This event follows an earlier ribbon-cutting ceremony held on October 5 that marked the unveiling of the Center, which aims to enhance opportunities for students and boost the local innovation economy.

The celebration will feature the founders of 22nd Century Technologies, Inc. (TSCTI), Anil and Anupama Sharma, alongside university leaders. The Sharmas have a long-standing connection with George Mason University, where Anil Sharma serves on the President's Innovation Advisory Council and the university's Foundation Board of Trustees. Esteemed attendees at the ribbon-cutting included U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) and other prominent figures from academia and business.

The renaming of the Center recognizes the Sharmas' personal gift aimed at creating supportive environments for aspiring entrepreneurs. The focus is on equipping students with essential resources – mentorship, technology, talent, and capital – to help them transform innovative ideas into real businesses. Anil Sharma emphasized that this initiative seeks to foster a vibrant ecosystem akin to Silicon Valley, right in Northern Virginia.

"This Center's renaming isn't solely about our names; it's about the values we uphold: education, innovation, entrepreneurship, service, and facilitating opportunities for others," he stated. "Our hope is that students who come here with an idea can access everything they need to turn that idea into a successful venture, and in doing so, generate job opportunities for others."

Originating from India in 1997, Anil Sharma founded TSCTI, which has since evolved into a national leader in IT systems integration with over 7,000 employees. The Sharmas believe in the transformative power of education, drawing from their personal experiences in America, and this conviction underscores their support for the Center.

Established in 2014, the Anil and Anupama Sharma Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is dedicated to guiding students through the venture creation process. The significant investment from the Sharmas is anticipated to strengthen the region's innovation ecosystem, creating further opportunities for students and the wider community.

As the October 29 event approaches, excitement builds around this initiative, which not only enhances the university's reputation but also aims to solidify its role in fostering entrepreneurial spirit within Northern Virginia. Participants can look forward to networking opportunities, insightful discussions, and a shared vision for the future of technology and businesses emerging from the university community.

The celebration will take place at Fuse at Mason Square, which serves as an innovation hub connecting university scientists and students with industry leaders and potential investors. This venue is crucial for fostering collaborations that drive real-world applications of cutting-edge research, enhancing the prospects for future innovators.

About 22nd Century Technologies
Founded in 1997 and based in McLean, Virginia, 22nd Century Technologies is a recognized Certified National Minority Business Enterprise that delivers integrated IT and cybersecurity solutions to government agencies nationwide, including in Canada and Mexico. The company proudly employs over 6,000 skilled professionals, ensuring a strong workforce to meet the technological needs of today and tomorrow.