George Mason University names Innovation Center after Indian American philanthropists Anil and Anupama Sharma

Anil Sharma is the CEO of 22nd Century Technologies, based in the Washington, DC, area.

George Mason University’s Costello College of Business is renaming its Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in honor of Northern Virginia entrepreneurs Anil Sharma and his wife, Anupama Sharma. The center will now be known as the Anil and Anupama Sharma Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The recognition follows a philanthropic gift from the Sharmas aimed at expanding the center’s role in innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration. University officials said the investment will help strengthen George Mason’s support for students, emerging startups and the region’s growing innovation economy. A formal ceremony celebrating the new name is expected to take place this fall. The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship serves as a hub for experiential learning, entrepreneurship education and support for students and aspiring business founders. It also supports programs such as the Patriot Pitch Competition, which gives students and recent graduates an opportunity to develop and present business ideas. The new investment is expected to help the center expand beyond individual programs and become a broader platform connecting students, faculty members, entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders. University leaders envision the center becoming a catalyst for new ventures, mentorship and collaboration across the regional business community. Anil Sharma is the chief executive officer of 22nd Century Technologies, one of the largest privately held government contracting companies in the United States. His experience in technology and government contracting has also contributed to his involvement with George Mason’s business community. Sharma serves on the Costello College of Business Dean’s Advisory Council and has been involved in supporting the university’s entrepreneurship initiatives. Costello Dean Ajay Vinzé described the naming as a significant milestone for the college and its entrepreneurship center. He said the partnership with the Sharmas would help expand opportunities for students, alumni and community members while strengthening the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Sharma said students are graduating at a transformative point in history as artificial intelligence, automation and digital transformation reshape industries. He emphasized the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, critical thinking and resilience as young professionals prepare for a rapidly changing economy. The investment will support initiatives including the Patriot Pitch Competition, the Honey Bee Initiative and the SOAR Initiative. The university hopes to bring these efforts together within a more integrated entrepreneurship platform. The center’s mission extends beyond helping students launch businesses, with programs designed to connect entrepreneurs and community members with training, mentorship and business resources. Some initiatives also serve immigrants, refugees and underserved communities. Sharma’s relationship with George Mason extends beyond his financial support for entrepreneurship programs. He was invited to join the university’s President’s National Leadership Council, an advisory group that works with President Gregory Washington. University leaders have highlighted Sharma’s willingness to support local institutions and create pathways for future entrepreneurs, workers and community leaders. His connection to the university also includes participation in major student and business events. Sharma recently served as a keynote speaker at the Costello College of Business’ 2026 Outstanding Student and Excellence in Business Awards, where he spoke about perseverance, resilience and the challenges behind professional success. The recognition reflects George Mason’s view of the Sharmas’ contribution as more than a philanthropic donation. The university sees the investment as a long-term commitment to developing students, supporting startups and strengthening the regional economy. Sharma’s own entrepreneurial journey has also become an example for aspiring business leaders. He arrived in the United States in the late 1990s with reportedly just $100 and eventually built 22nd Century Technologies into a technology company with hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue and thousands of employees. The naming of the center places the Sharma family’s name alongside one of George Mason’s key platforms for developing future entrepreneurs. It also underscores the growing role of philanthropy and industry partnerships in expanding entrepreneurship education. Through the renamed center, George Mason aims to create new opportunities for students and innovators while contributing to the long-term growth of Northern Virginia’s business and technology ecosystem.