VCU Startup Showcase: University Intellectual Property in Action

Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Time: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: General Assembly Building, House Room 3 (1000 Bank St. Richmond, VA)
About this Event

On behalf of the VCU Office of the Vice President of Research and Innovation, you are invited to the VCU Startup Showcase: University Intellectual Property in Action.

This premier event highlights the commercial potential and real-world impact of high-tech startups built on university-owned intellectual property, connecting cutting-edge innovators with state policymakers, investors, industry leaders, and economic development partners.

Event Details

· Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026

· Time: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

· Location: General Assembly Building, House Room 3 (1000 Bank Street Richmond, VA)

Featured Program

· Opening Remarks: VCU Vice President of Research and Innovation P. Srirama Rao, Ph.D. shares insights on the social and economic impact of university research licensed to startup companies.

· Special Guest Speaker: Carrie H. Chenery, Secretary of Commerce and Trade discusses the vital role of university-industry collaboration in driving Virginia’s economic growth.

· Lightning Pitch Session: Facilitated by Debbie Irwin (Director, Lighthouse Network), featuring fast-paced, high-impact pitches from 12 selected VCU-affiliated startup teams spanning life sciences, advanced manufacturing, technology, and energy.

· Networking & Company Showcase: An opportunity to meet directly with the startup founders, explore partnerships, and discuss investment and licensing opportunities.

We will be joined by our regional partners who have provided vital support to VCU start-ups as well as the broader Virginia entrepreneurial ecosystem, including Lighthouse Network, Activation Capital, Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), VIPC, and GenEdge.