Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Program
Forecasted
The Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program by Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation embeds entrepreneurs in Virginia research universities to turn scientific innovations into successful technology startups.
Funder: Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $250,000 per award; project period typically 6–24 months; 1:1 matching required.
Summary: Supports Virginia R1/R2 research universities to embed entrepreneurs-in-residence who drive commercialization of university innovations and launch technology-driven startups.
Key Information: One-to-one matching funds required; only Virginia R1/R2 universities are eligible.
Description
The Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Program, administered by the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) under the Commonwealth Commercialization Fund (CCF), provides annual grant funding to Virginia's R1 and R2 research universities. The program embeds experienced entrepreneurs within these institutions to accelerate the commercialization of high-potential innovations, strengthen go-to-market strategies, and help launch technology-driven startups. By pairing entrepreneurial leadership with university research, the program aims to increase the success rate of university spinouts and enhance Virginia’s innovation ecosystem.
