Batten Institute at UVA Darden

Entrepreneurship, innovation and technology at UVA Darden

University / ResearchDMV-wide

About Batten Institute at UVA Darden

What it is

The Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology is part of the University of Virginia Darden School of Business in Charlottesville. Its stated mission is to improve society by creating knowledge about entrepreneurship and innovation and by developing principled, entrepreneurial leaders. It works across three areas, entrepreneurship, innovation and technology, and runs initiatives on effectuation, disruptive innovation, design thinking and sustainability. Darden also has a DC Metro location at 1100 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington.

What it offers founders

i.Lab Incubator: a full-time summer program that takes ventures from idea toward market readiness with cohort-based mentorship, workshops, operational and legal support, and grant funding per venture. Ventures commit 35 to 40 hours per week, and the program ends with a Demo Night.
Funding and competitions: Batten Innovation Grants for enrolled Darden MBA students, Batten Founder and Search Fellows for graduating MBA founders, the Batten Venture Internship Program, which provides matching grants to help startups hire Darden MBA summer interns, and sponsorship for student teams at outside competitions. The page also points to UVA-wide options such as the UVA Entrepreneurship Cup (E-Cup).
Mentoring: Entrepreneurs-in-Residence who hold office hours and workshops, plus Alumni Office Hours for Darden alumni working on ventures.
Education and events: an Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition course, the Tech Learning Series, Jefferson Innovation Summits for practitioners and alumni, and events such as Darden DC Tech Connect in Rosslyn.

Who it is for

Most programs are tied to the UVA community. The i.Lab Incubator is open to UVA students, alumni and faculty, and at least one cofounder must be a UVA student, alumni or faculty member for full-time participation. Ventures must be incorporated, for example as an LLC, to receive funding. Several grants are limited to current Darden MBA students or graduating MBA founders. Founders without a UVA connection can still benefit indirectly, for example by hosting a Darden MBA intern through the Batten Venture Internship Program or attending public events.

How to engage or apply

The i.Lab Incubator page lists the Summer 2027 timeline: applications open January 15, with Round 1 due February 8 and Round 2 due March 1, and the program running from a June 7 orientation to an August 10 Demo Night. Grant and competition options are listed on the Funding and Competitions page, and the full menu of founder resources is on Founders and Ventures. General inquiries go through the connect form on the institute's site or Darden's main line at +1-434-924-3900.

Why it matters in the DMV ecosystem

Batten is a central entrepreneurship hub for UVA and Darden founders and reports supporting 275+ companies since 2020 and awarding $1.5 million+ in grants to founding teams. Through its Rosslyn programming and Darden's Arlington location, it also connects Charlottesville founders and alumni to the Northern Virginia and DC tech community.

Programs

i.Lab Incubator
A full-time, application-based summer incubator for UVA-affiliated ventures with cohort-based mentorship, workshops, legal and operational support, grant funding and a closing Demo Night.
Batten Venture Internship Program
Matching grant funding that helps early-stage ventures, startups, search funds and recently acquired companies hire Darden MBA summer interns.
Funding and Competitions
Batten Innovation Grants, Batten Founder and Search Fellows, competition sponsorship and links to UVA-wide programs such as the UVA Entrepreneurship Cup for student and alumni founders.
Alumni Office Hours
Peer-driven, advisor-supported sessions for Darden alumni on venture creation, innovation and technology needs.
Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition
A Darden course on building a business by acquiring an existing company.
Darden DC Tech Connect
An annual tech event in Rosslyn, VA for Darden students, alumni and industry leaders focused on networking and the latest technology in the DC region.

Who it serves

UVA and Darden students, alumni and faculty building startups or pursuing entrepreneurship through acquisition, plus practitioners interested in innovation and technology.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a UVA connection to join the i.Lab Incubator?

Yes. i.Lab is open to UVA students, alumni and faculty, and for full-time participation at least one cofounder must be a UVA student, alumni or faculty member.

When are i.Lab applications due?

For Summer 2027, applications open January 15. Round 1 is due February 8 and Round 2 is due March 1, both at 9am ET. Darden first-year students have an early decision deadline of November 16.

Does i.Lab provide funding?

Yes. The incubator offers grant funding per venture, and the Founders and Ventures page cites $5,000+ per venture. Ventures must be incorporated to receive funds, and payments depend on full participation in required programming.

What is the time commitment for i.Lab?

It is a full-time summer program. Ventures commit 35 to 40 hours per week from a June orientation through an August Demo Night, with a mix of in-person and virtual participation in Charlottesville.

Can a startup without UVA ties work with the Batten Institute?

Indirectly. Startups can apply for matching grant support to hire Darden MBA summer interns through the Batten Venture Internship Program, and some events such as Darden DC Tech Connect bring together students, alumni and industry leaders.