Funding

Lab-to-Launch

Lab-to-Launch is a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to fast-track the commercialization of high-growth technologies emerging from Virginia’s research universities.

In collaboration with Virginia’s six R1-designated universities – University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Virginia Commonwealth University, George Mason University, Old Dominion University, and the College of William & Mary – VIPC will accelerate the path from invention to startup by connecting university innovation with talent, capital, and industry through:

Virginia Fast-Track License

The Virginia Fast-Track License is a standardized, founder-friendly IP licensing process that shortens the typical 9–12-month timeline to just 30–60 days and eliminates upfront and annual fees.

Startups utilizing the license may also qualify for up to $50,000 in VIPC commercialization funding. 

Entrepreneur-in Residence Support

VIPC’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) support, powered by the Commonwealth Commercialization Fund (CCF), connects inventors with experienced business leaders who provide market insight, commercialization expertise, and startup guidance.

Digital IP Catalogs

Through the development of digital intellectual property (IP) catalogs, Lab-to-Launch will create searchable, user-friendly databases to help industry and investors easily discover innovation opportunities across Virginia.

Venture Capital and Investor Engagement

Lab-to-Launch expands connections with venture funds and investor networks to attract private investment and accelerate the growth of university startups.

 

Lab-to-Launch aims to double the number of university spinouts in Virginia over the next several years and position the Commonwealth as a national leader in research commercialization and technology transfer. By aligning universities, entrepreneurs, and private-sector partners, Lab-to-Launch addresses the critical “valley of death” between discovery and commercialization — ensuring more research breakthroughs become viable, Virginia-based companies.

Together with our university partners, VIPC is building a statewide commercialization network that unlocks the potential of Virginia’s research innovations and drives economic growth across the Commonwealth.


Learn More!

Learn more about VIPC’s funding opportunities, including Lab-to-Launch, with this presentation from our January 2026 Virginia roadshow.


Stay Up-to-Date

Join our listserv for updates on Lab-to-Launch and HE POC funding opportunities, upcoming application cycles, and other resources to help advance emerging technologies toward commercialization.


Questions about Lab-to-Launch?

Reach out to Doug Buerkle at doug.buerkle@virginiaipc.org.

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