Entrepreneurship
Batten Institute - Ventures - i.Lab Incubator
i.Lab Incubator
The i.Lab Incubator is a summer program that guides entrepreneurs from idea to market readiness.
The Incubator is an initiative of the Batten Institute at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, with financial support to current students from the University’s “Great and Good” entrepreneurship initiative. The Incubator supports UVA founders committed to building and growing early-stage ventures they want to see in the world with cohort-based strategic operational, legal, mentoring and financial support.
Founders will be part of a supportive community, with tailored mentorship, workshops, peer collaboration and funding per venture.
View application details and eligibility requirements for the i.Lab Incubator program
25 years of startups and counting! Check out i.Lab Incubator ventures from previous cohorts
Our Mission
The UVA i.Lab guides serious entrepreneurs through a journey from idea to market readiness. By fostering a supportive community with tailored mentorship, workshops, and peer collaboration, the i.Lab helps founders understand their problem, validate their value proposition, and accelerate growth. Participants access structured programming, Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, and funding opportunities. Upon completion, ventures leave with a refined pitch, tested MVP, and a valuable network, positioning them for continued success and scalability.
How to Apply:
View the application process web page to learn more and apply. Please review the Program Expectations below before submitting an application.
Apply as soon as you feel like you can put together a strong application. With each passing deadline, fewer seats in the cohort will be available.
2026 Timeline:
- November 17: Darden FY Early Decision Application is Due
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January 12: iLab Application Opens
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January 14: iLab Q&A Session held in the iLab Classroom CLA 180 at Darden
Round 1
- February 8: Round 1 Application Deadline due by 12am (Sunday at midnight)
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February 16-20: Round 1 Interviews. Interviews are by invitation only.
- March 3: Round 1 Decisions Announced
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March 20: Round 1 Signed iLab Contract is Due Confirming Applicants Decision
Round 2
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February 27: Round 2 Application Deadline due by 12(Sunday at midnight)
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March 12-17: Round 2 Interviews. Interviews are by invitation only.
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March 27: Round 2 Decisions Announced
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April 13: Round 2 Signed iLab Contract is Due Confirming Applicants Decision
Summer Incubator Dates
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June 2-4: Virtual Orientation
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June 8-11: Founder Foundations Intensive Week (In person)
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June 15-July 2: In Person Coworking Sessions
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July 6-9: Venture Viability Intensive Week (In person)
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July 13- July 30: In person Coworking Sessions
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August 3: Demo Night Prep (In person)
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August 4: Demo Night (In person)
Incubator Benefits:
- Baseline grant funding available from the Incubator and/or UVA entrepreneurship initiative for current student teams
- Intensive in-person kick-off week and mid-summer gathering week
- Demo Night where founders present progress and make connections
- Workshops, online resources and special events
- Mentorship and advisory support from experienced founders and industry experts
- Access to coworking space, community, and connections
- Immersion in the principles of effectuation
Program Structure
The i.Lab summer program is a full time program in Charlottesville combining in person and virtual participation. Participation is counted by attendance, stakeholder updates, and goal progress.
- One Cohort, One Community: Everyone in the program shares foundational frameworks, core venture viability sessions, and key cohort experiences such as pitch camp, accountability sessions, mentor support, and networking events.
- Stage Focused: Each venture received targeted support from the i.Lab that is aligned with one of the three i.Lab Stages. Graduates of the i.Lab program are welcome to reapply to the next stage the following summer as their venture progresses.
- Progression Arc: Foundation -> Viability -> Growth -> Demo Night Milestones
The Build Stage: Idea to Product
- Pre i.Lab Application: Founder has an idea, problem definition, but no product.
- Demo Night Milestone: End summer incubator with a working prototype/product and gather learnings from testers.
The Pilot Stage: Product to Market
- Pre i.Lab Application: Founder has a product or MVP.
- Demo Night Milestone: End summer incubator with first paying customer or equivalent traction including a successful pilot, an LOI, and significant user engagement.
The Launch Phase: Customer to Revenue
- Pre i.Lab Application: Founders has early customers (beta or testing).
- Demo Night Milestone: End summer incubator with measurable revenue growth.
Venture Expectations
- Venture traction by the beginning of the summer program and commitment to consistent product/service development for the duration of the program
- Continued focus on iterating the product/service
- Progress on plan to accomplish goals, outcomes, and deliverables
- Attendance at in-person intensive weeks and Demo Showcase in Charlottesville
- Deep engagement in regular programming, including speakers and other topical workshops and deep dives
- Joining weekly group check-ins (approximately two hours) with Incubator staff and peer founders
- Being a positive and contributing member of, and resource to, the cohort
- Weekly meetings with an Entrepreneur in Residence
- Working with your assigned mentor to conduct at least three meetings over the summer
i.Lab Incubator FAQs
Commonly asked questions about participation in the i.Lab
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Do I need to be incorporated?
Yes, ventures must be incorporated (ex. create an LLC) to receive funding as a participant in the i.Lab program. International students should consult with the International Studies Office before pursuing incorporation for additional guidance. More details about incorporating your venture can be found here.
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Is my idea the 'right' idea?
During the i.Lab program, founders get time and resources to discover if their concept is the ‘right’ idea for them by speaking to customers, testing their idea, and doing market research. Founders should start this research before applying and share in their application the research, conversations, and discovery process they’ve undergone to explore their concept.
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Can I do i.Lab part time? What about my cofounders?
- The i.Lab is a full-time program. Participating founders must attend the required programming to receive their full participation stipend (via grant payment).
- For ventures that have more than one founder:
- Full-time venture participation requires that at least one co-founder is a UVA student, alumni, or faculty.
- If a cofounder is unable to participate in the full program but would like to participate in some of the workshops/programming, the i.Lab team is happy to discuss what could work best for the team and the impact on grant payments.
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What if I have a conflict and can't attend some of the summer programming?
The i.Lab summer program is a full-time program that combines in person and virtual participation. Participation is counted by attendance in in-person programming, stakeholder updates, and goal progress.
This program is not for founders who have additional full time jobs and internship. The participation requirements of the iLab summer incubator are full time and all ventures are expected to commit a minimum of 50 hours each week. Founders in the iLab with a full time internship will be dismissed from the program.
Missing required programming can result in a reduction of grant payments which are based upon full participation in the program. It is essential for founders to confirm the team's ability to participate in scheduled activities and be proactive in communicating and seeking assistance when necessary.
We understand founders might face unforeseen circumstances that could impact their participation and will consider absences attributed to significant events on a case-by-case basis (additional guidance is available via the i.Lab program’s policy document). If an excused absence affects scheduled in-person participation, i.Lab staff will work with you to set a makeup plan for the content that was missed. Unexcused absences will impact the venture's ability to fully participate in the program and the venture’s grant payment.
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Beyond incorporation, is there anything else required of my venture to participate in the i.Lab program?
It is recommended that ventures selling goods or services obtain business insurance. Proof of insurance may be required for startups operating in spaces owned by UVA.
Demo Night in the UVA Rotunda
At the “Demo Night” on 8 August 2024, 28 new ventures that completed a 10-week startup program run by the Batten Institute of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology at the Darden School of Business made pitches to an audience of peers, mentors and supporters, including Caren Merrick, the Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade.
Questions?
Please don't hesitate to reach out!
Anya Eisenfrats
Program Manager, i.Lab Incubator, Batten Institute
Apply to the 2025 i.Lab
2025 Deadlines:
February 10
March 5