The DMV Has a Name for Its Tech Future: Nexus234

I spent two decades of my career in what’s known in tech circles as “Silicon Beach” in Los Angeles, working for PR agencies that launched companies like YouTube, Pandora, and Dropbox. From there, I had the chance to work alongside entrepreneurial tech leaders across the country—from Silicon Valley to New York’s “Silicon Alley,” and even Denver’s growing “Silicon Mountain.”

Along the way, I always wondered what a true, cohesive tech hub in the DMV region would look like—and what it would be called.

Now I know.

Nexus234 Innovation District, officially unveiled this week in Manassas, is Northern Virginia’s first innovation district, anchored by George Mason University SciTech Campus. It’s a focused effort to grow a connected ecosystem of tech companies, startups, and the businesses that support them—restaurants, retail, services, and everything in between—bringing more jobs and more opportunity closer to home.

At the launch event, Gregory Washington, president of George Mason University, said aloud what many in the crowd were thinking. Nexus234 could be the next Reston — renowned as the area’s most notable tech scene — but “better,” because of the extraordinary talents, backgrounds, and spirit of the people in Manassas. He also noted that 73% of George Mason graduates stay in the region—building companies, joining organizations, and contributing to the local economy. In other words, the talent is already here. Nexus234 is about giving it a place to gather and grow.

The launch itself reflected that same level of intention. It went about as perfectly as any VIP event possibly could—thoughtful, precise, and clearly the product of careful planning. It felt like a preview of what the district aims to be: organized, collaborative, and built with purpose.

The event closed with the official brand reveal: nexus234—a simple, strong name with real meaning behind it. “Nexus” speaks to connection, collaboration, and the coming together of ideas, industries, and people. And “234” is an homage to Route 234, grounding the district in the community it’s designed to serve while signaling movement and momentum forward.

And while a project like this takes many hands, I’d be remiss not to mention my friend and neighbor, Amy Adams, who was truly at the heart of making it happen. Amy is one of those rare people who combines a brilliant scientific mind with an instinctive ability to connect people and build coalitions. She has a way of bringing the right voices together and keeping them aligned around a shared vision—and she does it all with passion, persistence and genuine warmth.

Congrats to all involved in this ambitious project. The pieces are in place—talent, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose. Now it’s a matter of execution, and if the launch was any indication, nexus234 is off to a strong start.