A defense technology company in Reston will invest $7 million to expand its headquarters, potentially creating nearly 200 new jobs.
Blue Sky Innovators plans to build out a 20,000-square-foot laboratory called “SkyLab,” which will provide a secure workspace for government customers, atop its current headquarters at RTC West (12120 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 330), according to a press release.
The new facility, which is expected to create 175 new jobs, will be used as “a secure modular agile collaboration hub software innovation laboratory,” the company said.
“SkyLab represents our belief that speed, security, and collaboration must coexist to meet today’s national security challenges,” Blue Sky CEO Tim Tkacz said in a press release. “This investment demonstrates the pace and commitment required to deliver innovation where it matters most, at the point of mission execution.”
The announcement was made jointly with Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger, who approved an $840,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Development Opportunity Fund — a fund used at the governor’s discretion to secure business expansions — to assist Fairfax County officials with the project.
“By expanding aggressively in Reston, [Blue Sky’s] leadership is showing the defense technology industry why Virginia is leading the way in our changing economy,” Spanberger said. “With unparalleled access to the nation’s top talent and decision makers, the Commonwealth is ready to help businesses grow as we build an economy that works for every Virginian.”
Spanberger’s remarks lauding Blue Sky’s expansion plans were echoed by state Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-38) and Del. Karen Keys-Gamarra (D-7) — who both represent the Reston area in the General Assembly — as well as Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay.
“By bringing together innovators and mission partners from across Fairfax County and Northern Virginia, Blue Sky is strengthening the connective tissue of our regional ecosystem,” McKay said. “This is the kind of applied innovation engine that strengthens both economic competitiveness and national readiness.”
Founded in 2016, Blue Sky has worked with government and commercial contractors on a variety of “advanced technology” projects, with the goal of solving “the toughest challenges,” according to its website.
“With innovators across five states, the company has grown into a trusted partner for the U.S. Department of War and intelligence community, leveraging expertise in areas such as prototyping, research and development, disruptive technologies, electromagnetic spectrum operations, integration and acquisition,” the press release said.
No timeline for the project has been publicly announced.
