The projects represent exciting advancements in five industries: clean energy, cybersecurity, data analytics, life sciences, and unmanned systems. AgroSpheres is on the receiving end of another $50,000 grant.
About AgroSpheres
AgroSpheres Inc. is a Charlottesville, VA-based agricultural biotechnology company. AgroSpheres’ mission is to create products to enhance the delivery of crop protection products, making them safer and more environmentally friendly while also enhancing their efficacy. Co-founders, COO Payam Pourtaheri and CTO Ameer Shakeel developed AgroSpheres’ core technology while students at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville and formed AgroSpheres to commercialize their technology.
About the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT)
CIT concentrates on the early commercialization and seed funding stages of innovation, helping innovators and tech entrepreneurs launch and grow new companies to create high-paying jobs throughout the entire Commonwealth of Virginia. Founded in 1985, CIT, a nonprofit corporation, has been a primary driver of advocating for innovation and entrepreneurship in the Commonwealth. CIT accelerates next generation technologies and technology companies through commercialization, capital formation, and market development initiatives. Programs include CIT GAP Funds, CRCF, Virginia Founders Fund, Broadband/Rural Broadband, Smart Communities, Cybersecurity, Unmanned Systems, Small Business Innovation Research & Small Business Technology Transfer programs, University Partnerships, Startup Company Mentoring & Engagement on behalf of Virginia Entrepreneurship & Economic Development. CIT’s CAGE Code is 1UP71. CITTwitter | CIT LinkedIn | CIT Facebook
About the CIT Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund (CRCF)
The CRCF advances science- and technology-based research, development, and commercialization to drive economic growth in Virginia, create and foster high-potential technology companies in the Commonwealth, and to encourage and strengthen collaboration and partnerships between the public and private sector. The Fund seeks to advance Virginia’s position in strategically important areas including, but not limited to human health, cybersecurity, smart communities, and unmanned systems.
Proposals submitted to CRCF undergo a multi-stage review process. The process includes assessment by subject matter experts (SMEs), followed by evaluation and award recommendations made by the Research and Technology Investment Advisory Committee (RTIAC) to the CIT Board of Directors. The Board makes final award decisions. CRCF awards contribute to the Commonwealth’s overall plan to enhance economic development through technology research and commercialization and, as such, the CRCF supports technology priorities of the Commonwealth.
The list of Fiscal Year 2019 and prior year CRCF award recipients are available here.
Future CRCF funding opportunities are available on the CIT website. Those interested in receiving CRCF announcements should fill out the online form to join the CRCF listserv. Please direct questions to the CRCF team at crcf@cit.org.