Batten Institute - Ventures - i.Lab Incubator

Our Mission

The UVA i.Lab guides 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:

The 2025 i.Lab application is now open!

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.

2025 Timeline:

• 5 December: Darden Early Admission Deadline

• 14 January: i.Lab Application Q&A Session (held in person at the i.Lab Classroom at Darden Business School. 5:30-6:30PM)

• 27 January: i.Lab Application Opens

• 10 February: 1st Application Round Deadline

• 17-21 February: 1st Round Interviews (Decision by March 7). Interviews are by invitation only.

• 5 March: 2nd Application Round Deadline, Application closes

• 16-20 March: 2nd Round Interviews (Decision by March 28) Interviews are by invitation only. *All alumni venture interviews will take place during this round*

• 2-5 June: Virtual Incubator Orientation

• 9-12 June: Kick Off Intensive (In person)

• 14-17 July: Mid-summer Intensive (In person)

• 11-12 August: Demo Showcase (In person)

• September through November: Accelerate phase

Incubator Benefits:

• Baseline grant funding available from the Incubator and/or UVA entrepreneurship initiative for current student teams
• Additional funding may be available from individual schools on a per student basis. For questions related to additional funding please see below contacts:
  • College of Arts and Sciences: Sara Sajadi [email protected]
  • McIntire School of Commerce: Eric K. Martin [email protected]
  • School of Engineering: Dean West [email protected]
  • Batten School: Amanda Crombie [email protected]
  • UVA Wise: Shankar Naskar [email protected]
  • Darden and all remaining schools: Anya Eisenfrats [email protected]
• 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 combining in person and virtual participation. Participation is counted by attendance, stakeholder updates, and goal progress

In Person Weeks

Content includes: workshops, group breakouts, venture work time, founder introductions.

• In-person Intensive weeks: 9-12 June, 14-17 July, 11-12 August

  • In-person Intensive week schedule: Monday: 12-5; Tuesday: 9-5; Wednesday: 9-4, with evening networking event; Thursday 9-1

  • Demo Showcase Schedule: Monday, August 11: 12-5; Tuesday, August 12: 11-8

Virtual Weeks

Content includes: group meetings, stakeholder updates, pitch camp, mentor meetings, networking events, virtual/IRL workshops.

Program Expectations:

• MVP (or initial/working version) 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 week (3-6 June), mid-summer gathering week (8-11 July), and Demo Showcase (7-8 August) in Charlottesville 
• Deep engagement in regular programming, including speakers and other topical workshops and deep dives
• Joining weekly check-ins (approximately two hours) with Incubator staff and peer founders
• Being a positive and contributing member of, and resource to, the cohort
• Working with your assigned mentor to conduct at least three meetings

Questions?

Please don't hesitate to reach out!