Branson, Chambers Bringing Hyperloop, Millions Into Emerging Appalachia

• Richard Branson’s Virgin Hyperloop plans to open a certification center and testing track in West Virginia for its transformative transport technology.
• Branson’s friend, former Cisco CEO and JC2 Ventures founder John Chambers, a native West Virginian, is among tech titans making big investments in the distressed Appalachian region, with the aim of bringing its coal and chemicals economy into the future.
• Intuit’s Brad Smith is also giving back to his home state West Virginia and has gifted $60 million in scholarships, a talent recruiting program, and a center for business and innovation at his alma mater Marshall University.

SAVE THE DATES: John Chambers, January 21; Brad Smith, January 28 on Silicon Global Online