Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces Luna Labs to Expand Research and Development Operations in Charlottesville

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that Luna Labs USA, LLC, a product development company that creates breakthrough solutions across defense, industrial, and healthcare markets, will invest $200,000 to expand its operations in the City of Charlottesville, creating 20 new jobs. Privately owned since 2022, Luna Labs has operated locations in both Charlottesville and Blacksburg, and recently expanded its Blacksburg facility as well. The company works with leading firms and government agencies to develop unique solutions to complex challenges, with some products sold under the Luna Labs name and others licensed or produced by partner companies. Luna Labs is also enrolled in the Virginia Leaders in Export Trade Program and is set to graduate from it in July 2026.

State and local leaders welcomed the news, with Governor Youngkin, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick, Senator Creigh Deeds, Delegate Katrina Callsen, and Charlottesville Mayor Juandiego Wade all citing the expansion as evidence of the region’s strength in research, talent, and innovation. Luna Labs CEO James Garrett pointed to central Virginia’s access to talent, partners, and customers as a key advantage for the company’s continued growth. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Charlottesville to bring Luna Labs into the program, with support for employee recruitment and training funded through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.