National Innovation Quarter Names Michael Manuccia as Inaugural CEO
National Innovation Quarter Names Michael Manuccia as Inaugural CEO
Mission-Driven Founder and Operator at the Intersection of National Security and Emerging Technology to Lead Northern Virginia's Premier Innovation District
ARLINGTON, Va. — September 8, 2026 — National Innovation Quarter (National IQ) today announced the appointment of Michael Manuccia as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer. A founder, operator, and strategist whose career has spanned the FBI, defense technology, and venture-backed enterprise software, Manuccia will lead the nonprofit as it scales to strengthen national competitiveness by convening people, programming, and places across National Landing in Northern Virginia.
"National IQ was established to be the connective tissue of an ecosystem – a place where builders across government, industry, academia, and startups converge to solve the most consequential problems facing our nation," said Michael Manuccia. "Companies tackling hard problems have enough challenges. National IQ is here to remove roadblocks and help them build, fund and operationalize technology that matters."
Manuccia brings more than 15 years of experience building and scaling mission-driven technology organizations in Silicon Valley, London, and Arlington. In this role, he will work closely with National IQ’s board of leaders including partners from Amazon, Northrop Grumman, SAIC, Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), Virginia Tech, Arlington Economic Development (AED), Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP), JBG SMITH, and the National Landing Business Improvement District to advance the organization’s next phase of growth.
"Michael is exactly the leader National IQ needs at this moment," said Michael Hauser, Board Chair, National Innovation Quarter, and Managing Partner, SAIC Ventures. “As a founder and operator, Michael understands both the mission and the mechanics of scaling technology. He knows how to rally stakeholders, build from zero, and deliver results. We are thrilled to have him at the helm.” "National Landing has become the region's most compelling address for companies at the nexus of technology and national security,” said Evan Regan-Levine, Chief Strategy Officer, JBG SMITH.
"Michael has built companies that thrive on exactly the density of talent and capital that exists here – he knows how to turn a place into a platform.” “National Landing has all of the ingredients for a thriving innovation ecosystem - world-class companies, research institutions, talent, and proximity to the nation’s decision-makers,” said Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, President and CEO of the National Landing BID. “National IQ brings those assets together, and Michael is the right leader to accelerate the momentum.”
"Since establishing HQ2, we've seen firsthand what happens when world-class talent and bold ambition share the same neighborhood,” said Brian Stout, Senior Manager, U.S. Public Policy, Amazon. “Michael has the operating experience to turn that energy into real outcomes for the world’s best innovators and their customers."
Announced during Deep Tech Week Washington 2026, the appointment comes amid continued momentum for National IQ. In August, Silicon Valley Defense Group, VC in DC and Virtus Innovation Center opened offices at 1550 Crystal Drive alongside National IQ’s own headquarters, bringing defense technology, venture capital and startup expertise together within the district. The additions build on the nearly $4 million in GO Virginia funding awarded to support National IQ’s Innovation Lab, workforce development initiatives and accelerator programs, further strengthening its ability to connect government, industry, academia and entrepreneurs. "Michael's record of building mission-driven organizations from the ground up, supporting entrepreneurs, and his deep roots in the national security community, makes him the right person to lead National IQ into its next chapter,” said David Baker, Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff for Virginia Tech in the Washington, D.C. area.
“National IQ gives Virginia Tech and the region's other research institutions a direct channel to turn ideas into fielded technology." “Strong, experienced leadership at the helm will be essential as National IQ moves from vision to execution,” said Anna Nissinen, Chief Economic Development Officer for Arlington, and Director of Arlington Economic Development. “Arlington is proud to be a founding partner in this effort, and we look forward to working closely with Michael to connect our extraordinary assets and accelerate the growth of our unique innovation ecosystem with national significance."
"Michael brings the entrepreneurial vision, operating discipline and collaborative leadership needed to take National IQ to the next level,” said Marian Marquez, Senior Vice President, Alexandria Economic Development Partnership. “As a founding partner, AEDP is excited to support Michael as he advances National IQ’s vision and realizes its full potential as a home for people building what comes next."
Under Manuccia's leadership, National IQ will expand its year-round programming across National Landing, including startup accelerators, technology showcases, hackathons, and venture capital summits, deepening engagement with its Founding Partners and sponsors along the way.
About National Innovation Quarter (National IQ)
National Innovation Quarter (National IQ) is a mission-driven nonprofit at the intersection of national security and technology, located in National Landing, Virginia. Operating as an independent 501(c)(6) organization, National IQ serves as the managing entity for an innovation district spanning Arlington and Alexandria that brings together leaders in academia, entrepreneurship, government, and industry to solve the region’s most pressing technology and national security challenges. National IQ is driven by its Founding Partners — Amazon, Northrop Grumman, SAIC, Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), Virginia Tech, Arlington Economic Development (AED), Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP), JBG SMITH, and the National Landing Business Improvement District — with additional support from sponsors and members. For more information, visit national-iq.com.