| Virginia Bio Joins Governor Youngkin for Lab to Launch Initiative Announcement!
On August 13, a group of Virginia Bio member-leaders joined Governor Glenn Youngkin in Richmond for a discussion about the successes and future of our industry, and to be present for the Governor’s announcement about the new Lab to Launch Initiative. The initiative is a landmark collaboration between the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) and all six of the Commonwealth’s R1 research universities, George Mason, Old Dominion, UVA, VCU, Virginia Tech, and William & Mary, aimed at accelerating technology transfer and doubling the number of university spinouts. The program introduces Virginia’s first standardized Fast-Track License, streamlining intellectual property agreements with founder-friendly terms and offering up to $50,000 in grants to offset commercialization costs. It also expands private-sector collaboration through an Entrepreneur-in-Residence program, a statewide digital IP catalog, and enhanced investor engagement via VIPC’s Virginia Invest platform. The Governor highlighted the initiative as a way to move “at the speed of business” to bring more discoveries from lab to market, helping Virginia’s continued growth as a top state for technology, innovation, and access to capital. Yet another way the Commonwealth is helping our industry grow! If you have questions about this program, please contact the technology transfer office of one of the above-referenced universities.
SBIR/STTR September 30 Reauthorization Approaching…
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs-“America’s Seed Fund”-are foundational sources of funding for Virginia life science startups. Most recent 2022 data reveals that Virginia small businesses received nearly $240 million in SBIR/STTR funding. These programs require periodic reauthorization by Congress, and the current authorization is set to expire on September 30. A lapse in this authorization would create programmatic uncertainty, disrupt critical research projects for small businesses across our state, and cede our technological advantage to global competitors. It is imperative that Congress acts to pass a reauthorization without delay and without harmful amendments that could weaken the programs’ effectiveness. Virginia Bio has worked closely with the Biotechnology Innovation Organization’s (BIO) Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA) to submit timely comments and join sign on letters to legislators. We ask that you join our advocacy and contact your legislator, urging them to reauthorize these vital programs. Contact us if you have any questions!
Upcoming Events
- Women Building Bio – September 17
Join us at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC in Roanoke as we celebrate the 10th year of Women Building Bio, with the theme Shaping Science, Shaping Futures! This must-attend event features sessions on our regional BioHub growth, leveraging investment resources, motivational career journeys, student research spotlights and pitch presentations. Registration closes soon so click here for details. Getting into town early? Join us for a welcome reception at the Hotel Roanoke at 5pm on September 16. We’ll see you in Roanoke!
- BioDiscovery – September 18
Join CvilleBioHub for the 4th Annual BioDiscovery Summit in Charlottesville! Discover the limitless possibilities of biotechnology and explore the future of this rapidly evolving industry at this pitch event and conference. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, the BioDiscovery Summit offers a unique platform to expand your knowledge, network with industry leaders, and gain inspiration for your own projects. For more information and registration, click here.
- Biohealth Capital Region Forum – September 23–25
Virginia Bio is proud to once again cosponsor the Biohealth Capital Region’s 11th Annual Forum and Investor Conference, hosted at US Pharmacopeia in Rockville, MD. For the third year in a row, our region (VA/MD/DC) has been named the nation’s 3rd strongest biohealth cluster by Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News! Join us for discussions on AI, quantum technologies, federal partnerships, and investment trends. The Investor Conference, featuring investor partnering and a cash prize pitch competition is always a highlight. Best of all, this event is free to attend! Register here.
- Medical Device Interest Group – October 15
Be sure to join us for our next Medical Device Interest Group meeting! The next MDIG meeting is on October 15th, with a special guest discussing current regulatory challenges. If you are interested in joining the MDIG conversation, please contact Frank Wilton at wilton.frank@vabio.org.
- RBTC Emerging Technology Conference – October 30-31
Join the action in Roanoke at the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council’s Emerging Tech Conference! This year’s iteration brings together innovators in technology and life sciences to explore future-focused ideas, real-world AI applications, and the latest in emerging technologies. Featuring keynotes, fireside chats, panels, workshops, and networking, the event will highlight practical use cases from tech and biotech leaders while sparking bold conversations on topics such as generative AI, precision medicine, and startup breakthroughs. Attendees can expect fresh insights, collaboration opportunities, and connections with disruptors, founders, educators, and emerging talent driving the next wave of innovation. Register here.
- 2025 Accelerate Investor Conference – Nov 3-5
Looking even further ahead, mark your calendars for the 2025 Accelerate Investor Conference! Held at George Mason University’s Arlington Campus, this event showcases companies, connect with investors, and supports the forging of new partnerships. The event features biotechnology alongside other technology sectors, expert panels, and our annual pitch competition. This year, we are thrilled to welcome Jeff Conroy, Managing Director of Bayeux Ventures and former CEO of Embody, as a keynote speaker! Early bird registration is still available…Register here.
- Virtual Coffee Chat – December 9
Thank you for joining me at yesterday’s Virtual Coffee Chat, where we were joined by two outstanding leaders—Joe Benevento, President & CEO of VIPC, and Richard Chylla, Executive Director of UVA Licensing and Ventures Group—to discuss the Lab to Launch initiative. Those two leaders, among others, will be instrumental to the initiative’s success! My next Coffee Chat is December 9, 8:30 am, with a Special Guest to be announced…. Register here!
This is a pivotal time for life sciences in Virginia. I encourage you to stay engaged and participate in the above events and all events happening in the BioHubs across the Commonwealth. Visit the Virginia Bio events page for more, and connect to us on our LinkedIn page. Thank you for being part of this vibrant and growing community! Let’s close out 2025 with a “Bang”! |
