Batten Institute
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 $5,000+ funding per venture.
View application details and eligibility requirements for the 2025 i.Lab Incubator program
24 years of startups and counting! Check out i.Lab Incubator ventures from previous cohorts
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 sarasajadi@virginia.edu
- McIntire School of Commerce: Eric K. Martin em5dq@virginia.edu
- School of Engineering: Dean West engrdean@virginia.edu
- Batten School: Amanda Crombie am3de@virginia.edu
- UVA Wise: Shankar Naskar sn8sf@uvawise.edu
- Darden and all remaining schools: Anya Eisenfrats eisenfratsa@darden.virginia.edu
- 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
i.Lab Incubator FAQs
Commonly asked questions about participation in the i.Lab
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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.
-
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