George Mason University is embarking on a major initiative to make an even greater impact on our region. Recognizing our reputation for graduating top technology talent, Mason will receive $235 million in state funding for capital (building) needs and for additional program support to increase the number of graduates in computer science, computer engineering and software engineering. These funds are authorized over a 20-year period and will be released as they are matched in part by $125M in private philanthropy.
In June 2020 the Institute for Digital InnovAtion (IDIA) was launched in order to connect Mason’s world class research community with other communities to engage in cutting edge work to shape the future of our digital society, promoting equality, wellbeing, security and prosperity. In the next five years, through a Public-Private Partnership (P3), Mason will combine $250M of state funding, private philanthropy and investment from a developer partner to build the Institute for Digital InnovAtion headquarters (IDIA-HQ) on Mason’s Arlington campus.
Mason’s Arlington campus expansion will provide a headquarters for the work of our students and faculty engaged in IDIA as well as multi-disciplinary computing related graduate programs. The IDIA-HQ will anchor a nascent Innovation District developing in the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor in Arlington, and serve as a beacon for tech talent, new partnerships, new companies, innovation and inclusive economic development.