Commercialization Funding Resources
For UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center members, the Accelerating Innovation Fund supports innovative, entrepreneurial cancer-relevant biomedical research projects with commercialization potential. In addition, several external funding opportunities exist to advance technology towards commercialization.
The UVA Licensing and Ventures Group LVG Seed Fund supports new ventures emerging from the UVA research portfolio. Managed by the UVA Licensing & Ventures Group, the $10 million LVG Seed Fund is uniquely positioned to assess new ventures created from UVA research ideas and discoveries. The investment team works closely with the licensing professionals to identify opportunities and is governed by an oversight committee comprised of leaders in early stage investing and startup development who are all UVA alumni. Investments from this fund are typically joined by other investors in each respective industry.
To learn more about the LVG Seed Fund process and apply for funding, click here. If you have questions or for assistance contact Bob Creeden, Managing Director, UVA LVG Seed Fund and New Ventures, at creeden@virginia.edu.
The Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) offers a variety of funding opportunities to support groups and their technology throughout the “innovation continuum.”
Commonwealth Commercialization Fund (CCF) is a state-funded grant program that supports Virginia’s small businesses, colleges, universities, and nonprofit research institutes in the early stages of entrepreneurship and commercialization.
Virginia Venture Partners (VVP) is venture capital platform that invests in seed-stage Virginia startups with high growth potential, aiming to generate strong returns for entrepreneurs, co-investors, and the Commonwealth.
The Federal Funding Assistance Program (FFAP) is Virginia’s top support program for companies seeking Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding.
Virginia Catalyst supports the development and commercialization of projects that address major unmet needs for improving human health and advance Virginia’s economy. Its funds are awarded to help accelerate translational research and the commercialization of Virginia’s innovations.
NCI’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs support small businesses across the United States to develop innovative cancer technologies. The SBIR and STTR programs seek to stimulate technological innovation, increase private-sector commercialization of federal research and development and increase small business participation in federally funded research and development.
Projects supported by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Catalyze Program receive funding, project management support, access to technical services and expertise, advisory services (IP, regulatory, commercialization), training opportunities, access to best practices, and the opportunity to become part of an innovation network.
CAV Angels funds startups in the technology and healthcare industries. Startups must be seeking a seed or Series A round and have a completed product or advanced prototype.
The Charlottesville Angel Network (CAN) invests in seed, angel, and friends-and-family rounds in promising startups raising less than $5 million. They typically invest $100,000-$300,000 in a round and frequently partner with co-investors on Series A and B rounds.