Lab-to-Launch
Lab-to-Launch supports Virginia university spinouts with patent and licensing expense reimbursement and early commercialization funding to connect research innovations with talent, capital, and industry.
This grant was recently updated
Eligibility now includes James Madison University, expanding beyond the previous six-university list. Applications now require a pitch deck (maximum 10 slides), a designated budget template, and a signed TTO letter with itemized IP expenses; IP reimbursement rules and reapplication conditions also changed.
Funder: Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation
Due Dates: Rolling (Applications accepted year-round)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000; minimum 1:1 cash or in-kind match; anticipated duration 3–9 months
Summary: Supports Virginia university spinouts with licensing reimbursement and early-stage commercialization funding.
Key Information: New licensees only; applicants need preliminary university agreement before applying and an executed Virginia Fast-Track License before award.
Description
Lab-to-Launch is a Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) initiative funded through the Commonwealth Commercialization Fund (CCF). It supports high-potential, Virginia-based, for-profit technology companies at proof-of-concept, product development, or another early commercialization stage. Grants primarily reimburse the licensing university for patent and direct licensing expenses, while remaining grant funds and matching contributions advance commercialization.
Supported activities include prototype development, customer evaluations and pilots, additional IP filings, strategic partnerships, first revenue, fundraising, and hiring. The broader initiative combines founder-friendly licensing with Entrepreneur-in-Residence support, digital IP catalogs, and investor engagement. It aims to double Virginia’s university spinouts over the next several years by connecting research innovations with talent, capital, and industry.
