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Start-up
While the Office of Innovation and Commercialization does not provide direct startup support, the following is a list of available resources to assist you in the process.
LaunchLab
The award-winning LaunchLab Network consists of applied innovation centers providing WVU students with a collaborative working environment to create their ideas. Whether the idea is for-profit or non-profit, the LaunchLab offers hands-on idea development support, education, mentorship, resources and connections to help advance innovative entrepreneurs.
NSF I-Corps
Are you ready to start your own company? Do you need to test your hypotheses about who your customers are and what your value proposition for them is? Then sign up to participate in an NSF I-Corps cohort at WVU.
SBIR/STTR
Vantage Ventures
Vantage Ventures is a campus and state-wide initiative to systematically connect untapped talent and ideas in the Mountain State. We take experienced, time-tested approaches on bringing an idea to market and a network of committed industry partners, mentors, talent and venture capital all in one cool space. We are here to help see West Virginia ideas make it into the market and positively impact the world. Check out Vantage to see how our hands-on approach and co-working space can help your company be more successful.
WV CTSI Launch Funding
The West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute offers Launch pilot funding of up to $50,000 to accelerate the translation of intellectual property into inventions and patents in the fields of cancer, neuroscience, obesity and metabolic disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke. Applications should address one of more of the following criteria: poised for commercialization with specific targeted demonstration or test results; technology can be developed with resources provided by grant to the point that it can be used for additional commercialization funding or be licensable within 6-9 months; initial research scale results require the development of a prototype; project has progressed to the point where typical academic research funding sources are no longer applicable but the project has yet to reach a commercial value inflection point; demonstrate that successful project will be a technology that has interested licensing or funding partners.
WV Small Business Development Center
The West Virginia Small Business Development Center provides expert guidance to help small businesses succeed. We provide the services and assistance your business needs throughout the development process including concept, startup and growth. Our statewide network of business coaches partner with you to help you move your business to the next level. WV SBDC business coaches are highly skilled individuals who have professional certifications ranging from exporting, innovation, technology and economic development, to finance, management, marketing and entrepreneurship. Our coaches can guide you in how to write business plans, manage projects effectively and find greater access to capital.
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