Entrepreneurs, startups and researchers in Patrick and Henry counties and the City of Martinsville are eligible to apply for a new eight-week commercialization accelerator designed to help bring innovative ideas to market.
The program is a partnership between RISE (Regional Investment in Startups and Entrepreneurs) and RAMP (Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program). It is funded by the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission and the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corp.
RAMP Up is open to startups, existing businesses, researchers and innovators working in agriculture, forestry, food systems, animal sciences, natural resources, advanced manufacturing, automation, sustainability, rural technology and related industries.
Participants will work with experienced entrepreneurs, researchers and industry experts to validate customer needs, evaluate market opportunities, refine business models and develop commercialization strategies.
There is no cost to participate.
Teams that complete the program will be eligible for grants of up to $10,000 to support commercialization efforts, including product development, pilot projects, customer validation and other approved business expenses. The grants are non-dilutive, meaning participants do not give up ownership in their companies.
“Southern Virginia has a long history of innovation rooted in agriculture, forestry, manufacturing and rural enterprise,” said Lauren Mathena, director of economic development and community engagement for the Southern Virginia Innovation Hub and program director for RISE. “Through this partnership with RAMP, we are creating new opportunities for innovators to connect with experts, test ideas and explore pathways to bring new products and solutions to market.”
Chip Bobbert, director of innovation for the Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance, which operates RAMP, said the program is intended to help innovators overcome one of the biggest hurdles to launching a business.
“Many innovations never reach the marketplace because innovators lack access to commercialization support,” Bobbert said. “RAMP Up is designed to bridge that gap by helping innovators understand customers, markets, partnerships and commercialization pathways before they enter a full accelerator program.”
The inaugural cohort will meet from 2 to 5 p.m. on eight consecutive Mondays, Sept. 21 through Nov. 9. Seven sessions will be held in person at the Southern Virginia Innovation Hub in South Boston, with one virtual session.
Applicants must either operate an existing Virginia business or commit to establishing operations in Virginia. Eligible localities include Martinsville and Danville, along with Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Halifax, Pittsylvania and several other Virginia localities.
Applications are due by Sept. 3.
For more information or to apply, visit sovarise.com/ramp-up.
