In its 19th year and produced by the Charlottesville Business Innovation Council (CBIC), the day-long technology-focused program aims to expose students to the exciting and diverse career possibilities offered by the region's varied technology businesses and innovators. The CBIC Tech Tour is designed to help students envision themselves as technology employees, professionals, and entrepreneurs in the next wave of tech advancements in the area.

Twenty-four groups of more than 250 students, including 20 regional school systems and home-schooled students, will gather at North Fork to hear from Signature Science chemist Carrick Clark-Cearley about his path to a career in science, followed by an engineering-themed team-building activity. Students will then embark on tours throughout the region to learn more about career possibilities ranging from robotics and artificial intelligence to performance theatrics and bioinformatics.

Seven companies located at North Fork will participate in student tours and demonstrations, including the UVA Biocomplexity Institute, the UVA Center for Applied Biomechanics, Klöckner Pentaplast, Perrone Robotics, SRC, Signature Science, and Solis Applied Science.

In addition to programming at the park, students will also tour MicroAire, Hourigan Construction, Icarus Medical Innovations, UVA’s FAB Lab, Castle Hill Gaming, Rivanna Medical, Lighthouse Instruments, STEAM Discovery Academy, 434 Accelerator, Afton Scientific, and General Atomics-CCRi. 

"North Fork is delighted to once again serve as the host for the CBIC Tech Tour, emphasizing our commitment to advancing STEM education. We recognize the vital importance of fostering learning opportunities for local students, paving the way for a future where innovation thrives," said Misty Parsons, marketing and relationships manager at North Fork.