Deep Tech Track
WVU Pilot — 2027
What This Track Is For
WVU produces research worth building on. This track creates a structured, visible path to market for that work. The Deep Tech track is for WVU faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers whose work has commercial potential but has not yet entered a structured path to market. This track is exclusively for projects involving WVU-owned intellectual property (IP). Total available to Deep Tech finalists: $50,000
This track fits best if your work is:
– Lab-based and capital intensive
– Moving toward a spinout or licensing opportunity
– Eligible for SBIR or STTR funding
You do not need to have a business. You need a strong idea and a willingness to explore where it could go.
This track does not include:
– Ideas not tied to WVU research or WVU-owned IP
– Simple retail or service business ideas
– Businesses already selling to customers
Round 1
In round 1, The WVU Office of Innovation and Commercialization (OIC) staff review every application as a team. Each application is scored on the strength of the underlying technology, and the clarity of the commercial opportunity. No business plan is required. A short technology summary and a clear problem statement matter more.
Applications are not scored against each other by college or department. Every team competes on the same criteria regardless of research area. OIC scores Round One using a rubric, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
Once the top 10 are chosen, OIC sends each team’s technology summary to Country Roads Angel Network (CRAN). CRAN matches each team with an EIR (Entrepreneur In Residence) based on industry sector within one week. Teams meet their EIR for the first time at or before the October 5 announcement.
Round 2
Each team has 10 minutes total with the judging panel. This includes a pitch of up to 5 minutes and 5 minutes of questions from judges. Teams do not have to give a formal pitch. If a researcher prefers, the full 10 minutes can be run as an interview, with judges asking questions from the start. Judges evaluate every team on the same criteria, whether the team pitches or answers questions the whole time. EIRs help teams prepare beforehand but do not sit on the panel judging their own team. Round 2 is February 17th & 18th.
Round 3
The top 5 finalists pitch publicly at Bridging Innovation Week in Charleston, WV, on April 13th and 14th, 2027. Awards are distributed at the event. Finalists are referred to Vantage Ventures following the event.
Eligibility
The Deep Tech track is open to WVU faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers. All team members must be 18 or older. Clinical faculty with a dual WVU/WVUHS appointment (such as UHA) are eligible. Physicians without a WVU appointment are not eligible for this track. Teams may apply as individuals but must have at least one additional team member in place before the final round. A business may only receive IgniteWV funding once. If a business has previously received IgniteWV funding, it may not reenter, even if ownership or team members change. Winning businesses must register with the West Virginia Secretary of State before funds are released.
How to Apply
Deep Tech applications are submitted through VentureDash. There is no video requirement. Applications are due October 1, 2026, by noon. OIC reviews all submissions. The top 10 teams are announced on October 5, 2026.
Invention Disclosure
You do not need a filed invention disclosure with WVU OIC to apply for Round 1. If your team is selected for the top 10 cohort, you must have a completed invention disclosure on file with OIC by December 18, 2026. OIC will work with you to file one during the coaching period. Judges do not sign NDAs, but do sign a confidentiality form.
EIR Coaching
The top 10 teams are each assigned an Entrepreneur-in-Residence, or EIR. EIRs are recruited through the Country Roads Angel Network and matched to teams by sector. EIR matching happens within one week of the Top 10 announcement. Coaching runs through the finals in April 2027. Plan for a minimum of one hour per week on this work.
Finalist Support
Each finalist team receives:
– Continued EIR mentorship through finals
– 5 hours of LaunchLab support for pitch deck preparation and practice
– A standard pitch deck template and graphics support
– A referral into Vantage Ventures after BIW
Who Manages What
OIC: Reviews all applications. Selects the top 10. Provides IP protection advice and counsel. Contact: Jess Ott.
IgniteWV: Manages the application process and competitive structure. Runs semifinals and finals. Contact: Tara St. Clair.
EIRs: Recruited through CRAN. Assigned by sector. Mentors teams from selection through finals. LaunchLab: Provides each finalist team 5 hours of pitch deck and presentation support.
Vantage Ventures: Receives finalist referrals after BIW. Contact: Ryan Angus.