Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program
The Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program by Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation embeds entrepreneurs in Virginia’s public research universities to accelerate commercialization and startup creation from university innovations.
Funder: Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation
Due Dates: March 16, 2026 | March 16, 2027
Funding Amounts: Up to $250,000 per award for April 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027; 1:1 matching funds required.
Summary: Supports Virginia R1 and R2 public research universities in embedding entrepreneurs-in-residence to accelerate technology commercialization and startup creation.
Key Information: Applications must be submitted by the institution’s Office of Sponsored Programs; matching funds are mandatory.
Description
The Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Program, administered by the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) through the Commonwealth Commercialization Fund (CCF), is designed to accelerate the commercialization of high-potential research emerging from Virginia’s public R1 and R2 research universities. The program provides grant funding to embed experienced entrepreneurs within academic settings, where they collaborate with faculty and students to identify commercialization opportunities, develop go-to-market strategies, and launch technology-driven startups. The initiative aims to foster university spinouts, strengthen Virginia’s innovation ecosystem, and catalyze the growth of new companies based on university innovations.
