Mason Names Sharma Center for Innovation

George Mason University celebrated the naming of its Anil and Anupama Sharma Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at a formal event.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Remote Work

Modern brick and glass campus building entrance in autumn, with a paved plaza, young trees with golden leaves, and a steel-and-glass canopy. — George Mason University celebrated the naming of its Anil and Anupama Sharma Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at a formal October 29 event in Fairfax. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Costello College of Business held a formal naming celebration on October 29, 2026, at Fuse at Mason Square for the Anil and Anupama Sharma Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The Sharma family made a naming gift to the center, which has supported the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem since 2014.

Why it matters

The center is designed to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northern Virginia, connecting the university with the regional business community. The naming recognizes the Sharma family's support for innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.

The Sharma Center has operated since 2014, and 22nd Century Technologies, founded by Anil Sharma in 1997, now employs more than 6,000 people nationwide. The naming gift amount was not disclosed in the announcement.

The players

George Mason University

A public research university in Fairfax, Virginia, whose Costello College of Business hosted the naming celebration.

Gregory Washington

President of George Mason University, who leads the institution that houses the Sharma Center.

Joe Tannery

Executive director of the Sharma Center, responsible for its programming and regional entrepreneurship initiatives.

Anil Sharma

Founder of 22nd Century Technologies, who immigrated to the United States from India in 1997 with $100.

The details

A ribbon cutting was held at the center's headquarters in Enterprise Hall on the Fairfax Campus in September, followed by the formal program titled 'The Spark of Innovation' on October 29. A panel discussion featured Ajay Vinzé, Anil Sharma, Jennifer Taylor, and Khaled Alkurd.

1997: Anil Sharma arrives in the U.S. from India with $100 and founds 22nd Century Technologies.
2014: The Sharma Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is established.
September 2026: Ribbon cutting held at the center's headquarters in Enterprise Hall.
October 29, 2026: Formal naming celebration held at Fuse at Mason Square.

Remote Work Landscape

The Sharma Center's focus on regional entrepreneurship reflects how Northern Virginia's business community increasingly draws on university-based innovation hubs. The center's work in Fairfax connects local founders to a regional network rather than remote, distributed startup models.

Entrepreneurs in Northern Virginia gain access to the Sharma Center's programming through George Mason University. The center's regional network offers a local path for founders seeking mentorship and resources.

The takeaway

Regional universities are becoming central hubs for entrepreneurship, offering local founders structured support that extends beyond a single campus. Business owners in the area can look to such programs for mentorship and networking.