LAUNCH: Center for New Ventures

Shaping ideas into fundable opportunities

Your potential is our passion

LAUNCH: Center for New Ventures helps Virginia Tech researchers turn promising discoveries into new technology ventures for positive societal impact. Our programs and resources are designed to support collaborative teams in the Virginia Tech research community to advance technology commercialization, shape market readiness, and increase recognition within our university’s growing innovation ecosystem.

We support faculty, researchers, and entrepreneurs in navigating the complexities of new venture creation by

Demystifying the process of launching a technology-based startup
Providing tools, resources, and methodologies to empower informed decision-making
Cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset to maximize the impact of research-driven innovation

Whether you're exploring a startup idea or ready to take the next step, we’re here to guide and support you. Together, we can transform bold ideas into thriving ventures.

Contact our team

Vibrant new ventures

We catalyze startups by helping faculty, students, and partners shape ideas into fundable opportuntities and by offering founder-friendly terms.

Our team

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Teresa McCoy
Project Coordinator, LICENSE + LAUNCH//As a project coordinator for Innovation and Partnerships, Teresa McCoy supports the LICENSE and LAUNCH teams by working with faculty and graduate students to shape ideas and discoveries, and to identify key resources for startup opportunities.<br/>Prior to joining the team, Teresa served as program coordinator for the Apex Center for Entrepreneurs. Teresa has served the university in several roles, including assistant director for event services, student engagement, and campus life. She earned an A.S. in marketing from New River Community College.//teresas@vt.edu
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Mark Mondry
Director, LAUNCH//Mark Mondry leverages his extensive background in industry, law, academia, and entrepreneurship as director of LAUNCH. He has deep experience across all aspects of technological innovation, including new product development, intellectual property creation and transactions, and startup creation, investment, and growth. He served in legal and executive roles in Fortune 100 companies and helped to grow an early-stage medical device startup from a small team to a successful IPO on the Nasdaq stock exchange.<br/> A registered patent attorney, Mark earned his B.S. from Miami University in Oxford Ohio (engineering), his master’s in administrative science from Johns Hopkins University, and a J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law. He is currently conducting research at the intersection of entrepreneurship and university governance to complete his Ph.D. in business from Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business. //mmondry@vt.edu
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Andrea Hill
Associate Director, LAUNCH//Andrea Hill is an experienced materials science engineer and business development professional with an extensive background in a range of fields. As associate director of LAUNCH, she helps Virginia Tech researchers quickly transform their innovative technologies into commercial products, by leveraging opportunities from federal organizations and commercial sectors.<br/>Andrea is a Virginia Tech alumna, a former member of the Marching Virginians, and a longtime Hokie sports fan who enjoys working closely with the university’s innovative minds to benefit humankind and our world. She resides in the New River Valley with her Hokie husband and four children. <br/> Andrea holds a B.S. in materials science and engineering from Virginia Tech and was awarded the Young Alumnus of the Year Award in 2006 from the university’s College of Engineering.//andrea.hill@vt.edu

LAUNCH: Center for New Ventures