Innovation Challenge

A hands-on innovation challenge connecting industry leaders with entrepreneurial talent to solve real-world problems. Through an immersive sprint and collaborative prototyping, participants co-create solutions with lasting impact—fueling new ideas, new ventures, and stronger regional industries.

Program Goals

Enhance Innovation

Help companies shift from rigid operational models to entrepreneurial problem-solving frameworks.

Train Teams & Expand Problem Solving Capacity

Provide firms with hands-on experience in collaborating with entrepreneurs.

Enable manufacturing companies to develop solutions they may not have been able to create in-house by leveraging external entrepreneurial expertise.

Develop Feasible Solutions

Strive to deliver a feasible solution to a defined problem, ready for further prototyping by or in partnership with host companies.

Support Entrepreneurs with Funding & Access

Provide direct compensation to participants for their expertise in ideation and early-stage design.

Upcoming Sprint

Step into an innovation experience and help shape the progress of manufacturing efficiency in Southwest Virginia. The upcoming reverse pitch sprint invites founders, engineers, designers, and creative problem-solvers to work side-by-side with VFP Inc. to tackle challenges faced in their manufacturing workflow. You'll get paid for your expertise, gain access to insider insights, and have a chance to develop solutions that could lead to a new product, startup, or lasting partnership. If you're ready to build, collaborate, and make an impact—we need you.

Target Profiles for Participants

Founders + Startups – potentially with early-stage products or interest in manufacturing
Engineers + Designers – especially those with backgrounds in mechanical, industrial, or process design
Problem Solvers + Innovators – from academia, labs, or the maker community

Dates: July 17-19, 2025

Location: Duffield/Big Stone Gap, Virginia

Host Company: VFP Inc.

Industry: Manufacturing

Expectations

Time Commitment: Participants should plan for on-site participation during the program period. *Workspace, meals, and lodging provided.

Location: Duffield/Big Stone Gap, Virginia

Idea Type: The program involves innovation in the manufacturing process for the concrete shelters that VFP Inc produces. Some problems presented could potentially be solved with a physical product the company is currently unable to source.

Idea Stage: Evaluating problems and working with a team to develop solutions that could be further prototyped and commercialized.

Skill Criteria: Strong problem-solving abilities and experience in areas like product design, engineering, product development, manufacturing processes, or business strategy.

Get To Know

VFP Inc.

For over 50 years, VFP has been providing quality-engineered building solutions designed to protect critical equipment. Their commitment to excellence and superior customer service has given them a world-wide reputation of being the best in the industry.

Learn More

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