10/13/2026
The ribbon has been cut at the newly named Anil and Anupama Sharma Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at George Mason University - Costello College of Business - a milestone that represents much more than a name.
For Anil Sir and Anupama Sharma Ma'am, this is an investment in what the next generation can achieve.
At the ribbon cutting held on October 6, Anil Sharma spoke about the values behind their commitment: education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and service to the community. They are values that have also shaped the journey of 22nd Century Technologies.
Thirty years after Anil came to the United States and began the journey that would lead to 22nd Century Technologies, his commitment now extends to helping the next generation of entrepreneurs build something of their own.
Anil Sir and Anupama Ma'am's vision for the Sharma Center is to help build a thriving innovation ecosystem here in Northern Virginia where students and entrepreneurs can access mentorship, technology, talent, and capital; where government, industry, and entrepreneurs come together; and where ideas in Al, cybersecurity, quantum, and other emerging technologies can move from classrooms and labs into the real world.
As Anil Sir shared at the event, success will ultimately be measured by what comes next - the students who turn ideas into businesses, create jobs, and then create opportunities for others.
We are incredibly proud of Anil Sir and Anupama Ma'am, and excited to see what begins here.
Anil Sharma, George Mason University, George Mason University - Costello
College of Business
