Innovation
Innovation at CCI
The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) is contributing to a vibrant cybersecurity innovation ecosystem in Virginia. In our five years of operations, we've supported 103 startups and created 10 spinouts.
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, our dedicated innovation programs are instrumental in guiding new and future businesses through the essential phases of ideation, feasibility, and formation. By providing key resources, mentoring, and support, these initiatives empower business leaders to establish a solid foundation that appeals to growth funding opportunities.
Support from Lab to Market
We support market discovery and economic impact through our CCI Accelerator (CCI+A) program. We help faculty and startups with access to mentors, subject matter experts, national trainers, best practices in launching cyber products, and funding. Companies, such as early CCI+A participant Hushmesh Inc., gain the initial footing they need to succeed.
CCI Accelerator (CCI+A)
The CCI+A program offers two distinct tracks: one tailored for teams emerging from Virginia public research universities, supported by the CATAPULT Fund; and another for startup teams collaborating with faculty subject matter experts through the ASCEND Fund.
During the 16-week CCI+A program, participating teams engage in business development workshops and interact with a diverse array of stakeholders, including prospective customers, partners, seasoned tech mentors, serial entrepreneurs, investors, and other influential figures within the ecosystem. This collaborative environment aims to assess the potential for transforming innovative technologies into viable products, processes, and services.
The CATAPULT Fund aims to enhance the development of cyber innovations during the pivotal “Valley of Death” phase. Through the CATAPULT program, innovators position themselves for further funding opportunities, including Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants and Commonwealth Commercialization Fund (CCF) support. Additionally, this partnership opens doors to strategic alliances and customer connections that are vital for product development and market testing.
Academic Support for Cybersecurity Entrepreneurship and Next-Gen Development (ASCEND)
In 2025, CCI introduced the ASCEND Fund, a mechanism designed to help early-stage companies and startups access and partner with academic subject matter experts (SMEs) to develop and further advance solutions to technical problems they've encountered in industry.
Tech Transfer
Not all Virginia public institutions of higher education have Tech Transfer Offices (TTO) to guide them through the patent process. We're here to support researchers and faculty members at universities or colleges without TTOs, with patent application fees, legal fees, or other professional support.
Regional Innovation Programs
One strength of the CCI network is how each region in Virginia has its own node based at a lead university to address issues specific to that area, including innovation programs. Regional nodes and corresponding leading universities are:
- Central, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Coastal, Old Dominion University
- Northern, George Mason University
- Southwest, Virginia Tech
Programs may begin at the regional level and then expand statewide. The CATAPULT Program is a notable example, having started at the Northern Virginia Node.
Students at two-year and four-year Virginia colleges create solutions to cybersecurity issues faced by local business and industry while earning a stipend and gaining experience. The Innovate Cyber Challenge Program began at the CCI Coastal Virginia Node and now accepts students from across the commonwealth.
The Southwest Virginia Node created the Innovation: Ideation to Commercialization (IIC) Program to help researchers move their work out of the lab and into a commercially viable product.
The Central Virginia Node supports the Dreams to Reality Incubator (D2RI). Products or prototypes Faculty/student partnerships are able to move research-based products or prototypes from concept to market.
Resources
If your college or university doesn't have an Office of Technology Transfer (and even if it does), you can find helpful resources through the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative, CCI member schools, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and other agencies.
For more information, please contact Sarah Hayes at sshayes@vt.edu. We look forward to working with you!
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