Lab-to-Launch
Lab-to-Launch supports Virginia university spinouts by reimbursing patent and licensing expenses and funding early technology and market validation to turn research breakthroughs into viable companies.
Funder: Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation
Due Dates: Rolling (Applications accepted year-round)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000; minimum 1:1 match; anticipated project duration of 3–9 months
Summary: Lab-to-Launch helps Virginia university spinouts reimburse licensing expenses and advance early-stage technologies toward commercialization.
Key Information: Apply before executing the university license; awardees must maintain eligibility for three years or face full repayment.
Description
Lab-to-Launch (L2L) is administered by the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) through the Commonwealth Commercialization Fund (CCF). It supports Virginia-based, for-profit university spinouts at the proof-of-concept, product-development, or other early commercialization stage. Grants reimburse university patent and direct licensing expenses and can also support technology and market validation, including prototypes, minimum viable products, customer pilots, and intellectual property protection.
The initiative works with Virginia’s six R1-designated universities to connect research innovations with talent, capital, and industry. Alongside grants, it offers a standardized Virginia Fast-Track License, Entrepreneur-in-Residence support, searchable digital IP catalogs, and investor connections. Its goal is to double Virginia’s university spinouts over the next several years and turn more research breakthroughs into viable Virginia-based companies.
