VentureForward at UVA Engineering
Develop the skills and find the resources you need to become an entrepreneur.The entrepreneurial process is based on creative problem solving. At UVA Engineering, we believe the work afforded through entrepreneurship develops valuable skills for all stages of your career. VentureForward provides engineering students, faculty, and staff with seed funding, mentorship, and entrepreneurship training. Open to the entire UVA Engineering community, and for projects at any stage of idea or venture development, VentureForward provides up to $1,000 in support. The funding is intended to help you move forward in the startup process, this can be through prototype development, testing, or software building. As a program, VentureForward is investing in your experiential learning by giving you and your team the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship.
You can apply individually or as a team. Funding is distributed through reimbursements, though exceptions are possible in certain situations. Teams can remain in the program for 6-12 months and apply for multiple cohorts.
Applicants will complete a short form outlining a new project. This can be a software project, a hardware project, an art inspired technology project, or something entirely different. The application will include project timeline, team members, resources required, technical/expert assistance required, and a budget request. Please see application tab for more information.
Interested in entrepreneurship or innovation and not sure where to start? Check out UVA Innovates and The Foundry or email engineering_ventures@virginia.edu to join workshops through VentureForward.
About VentureForward
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How It Works
VentureForward is not a competition -- it's an opportunity for all members for the UVA Engineering community to develop skills in entrepreneurship.
Upcoming Events
Learn More About VentureForward at our upcoming events.
Information Sessions
VentureForward will host information sessions to help entrepreneurs learn more about the application process and funding model. Check the events page for the most up-to-date list.
Entrepreneurial Success at UVA
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Commercializing Ultra Low-power Circuits for the Internet of Things
Professor Benton Calhoun co-founded Everactive, which produces wireless sensors that generate continuous data without batteries.
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Developing the Next Generation of Environmentally Friendly Crop Protection
Biotechnology startup AgroSpheres, founded by UVA alums while they were still students, creates targeted, non-toxic pest control that is safe for humans and the environment.
Get In Touch
David Chen
Research Translation at UVA Engineering
Learn more about how UVA Engineering's Office of Research and Innovation can help you protect an invention or translate your research.