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Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program (ICAP)

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Upcoming Programs

ICAP is hosting an Introduction to Lean Startup Course that will teach founders the Lean Startup Methodology and focuses their on identifying an initial customer segment and value proposition. This course is open to all innovators and completing the application below will get you started. 

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ICAP Application

2026 ICAP Introduction to Lean Startup Cohorts

August / September Course

October / November Course

Dates: 

  • 6 Virtual Course Sessions: Tues 8/4, Thurs 8/6, Tues 8/11, Thurs 8/13, Tues 8/25, Thurs 9/10  |  Each 3-6p EST
  •  Application Deadline: Tues July 14, 11:59pm

Dates: 

  • 6 Virtual Course Sessions: Tues 10/6, Thurs 10/8, Tues 10/13, Thurs 10/15, Tues 10/27, Thurs 11/12  |  Each 3-6p EST
  •  Application Deadline: Tues Sep 15, 11:59pm

Program Overview

The Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program (ICAP) assists Virginia-based technology and innovation-driven startups on their path to success. Supporting startups – from ideation, all the way through seeking Series A level of funding and beyond – ICAP services are offered at no cost to participants and all advising is strictly confidential. Experiential learning programs and one-on-one advising with our experienced team of ICAP Mentors (all successful entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs), have created a long track record of success for our clients. Through ICAP, our clients have been able to: learn how to validate their business model (for themselves and funders) before investing significant dollars, connect with subject matter experts, deeply understand their marketplace and competition, and make industry and funder connections. 

What to Expect in ICAP

The ICAP Team emphasizes the five key milestones on a startup’s path to investment and scaling:

  1. Validating a Business Model
  2. Forming a Team
  3. Creating an MVP (Minimal Viable Product)
  4. Securing Pilots/Early Sales
  5. Developing Key Partnerships (Investors, Distributors, Suppliers, etc.)

Each company begins their time in ICAP with an initial meeting with an ICAP Mentor for them to get to know the entrepreneur, understand their venture, assess the company’s needs, and develop a plan for moving forward. Whether your goal is to better understand your market, join an accelerator, connect with industry partners, or meet early-stage investors, the ICAP Team is dedicated to making the right connections when the company is ready. The ICAP team stays engaged as a company progresses through their milestones, becoming a later-stage startup and eventually transitions from a startup to a growth company and the unique needs this entails.

Benefits of ICAP

The overall goal of ICAP is to assist startups on their path towards success, and to provide customized support and connection to resources based on their needs and when they are ready.

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Accelerate Commercialization

Reduce the time to translate a promising idea or research to the marketplace

Focus on the 5 Big Things

The five big things are validating a business model, forming a team, creating an MVP, securing traction, and developing partnerships to scale.

Grants and Federal Funding

Improve your chances of being awarded competitive CCF, SBIR, and other grants through our National Science Foundation affiliated programming

Dedicated ICAP Mentor

Our highly-experienced group of ICAP Mentors provide one-on-one advising for as long as you continue working on your venture

Introductory Course

The 2-month Introduction to Lean Startup Course helps entrepreneurs to take the right first steps to bring technologies and innovations to market. 

Connection to Resources

Whether it is support to join an accelerator or introductions to early-stage investors, the ICAP Team is dedicated to make the right connections when the company is ready

George Mason I-Corps Program for University-Based Teams:

ICAP is partnered with George Mason’s NSF I-Corps Program to support their Regional Course by providing each team an ICAP Mentor. This course is open to university-based research teams and is one of the first steps to additional federal programs and funding opportunities. To learn more about the program, see upcoming dates, and apply, please visit their website. You can also learn more about NSF I-Corps by visiting their website.

Impact Statistics

0 245
M+


Total Capital

0 1300
+


Jobs Created / Retained

0 1700
+


Clients

0 32
K+


Counseling Hours

ICAP Success Stories

Contact

Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program  (ICAP)
Virginia Small Business Development Center Network
10306 Eaton Place
Suite 180
Fairfax, VA 22030

Phone: 703-277-7723 (o)

Email: icap@virginiasbdc.org