Batten Institute - Ventures - i.LabX

What is i.LabX?

i.LabX is a multi-week venture acceleration program for UVA founders who are building beyond the MVP stage. Designed for startups that have validated a core solution and are now navigating product-market fit (PMF), the program provides strategic guidance, expert mentorship, and peer support to help founders scale their ventures effectively.

Who's It For?

i.LabX is open to University of Virginia students, faculty, and staff who are actively working on ventures with early traction. Ideal participants include those who have completed the i.Lab Incubator, winner or runner up of eCup Launch, or are highly recommended by entrepreneurial professors across Grounds.

Where Is It?

Virtual: A hybrid experience with bi-weekly live sessions and asynchronous content.
In Person: Optional gatherings and networking events.

Program Benefits

• Access to online resources, including:
  • Speaker recordings
  • Effectuation and scaling videos
  • Group Asks and peer collaboration
  • Expert feedback and advisory
• Invitations to exclusive speaker events and founder roundtables
• Bi-weekly group meetings and topics for accountability and shared learning
• Pairing with an EIR and subject-matter expert for your venture (subject to availability)

Bi-Weekly Topics May Include

• Product-Market Fit (PMF) Deep Dive
• Customer Retention & Feedback Loops
• Go-to-Market Strategy
• Fundraising & Investor Readiness
• Legal & Operational Infrastructure
• Sales & Revenue Models
• Team Building & Founder Resilience

How Do I Apply?

Applications to i.LabX will include a 4-month timeline for the venture, including SMART goals, and evidence of traction.

A pre-application consultation is required before applying.

• Ongoing – Pre-application interview signup
• Sept 1 – Apply following pre-application interview
• Sept 15 – Application Deadline
• Sept 16–25 – Review Period
• Sept 26 – Decisions Announced

i.LabX Staff

Jason Brewster, Director, Venture Programs