Center for Innovative Technology (CIT)

"Often used as a tool to tackle dull, dirty and dangerous jobs, unmanned systems, like drones, may soon be more commonplace in the Hampton Roads area.

“We talk a lot about the art of the possible, there’s so much more that these technologies can do to help us with,” said Tracy Tynan, director of the Virginia Unmanned Systems Center at the Virginia Center for Innovative Technology. 

CIT and the Virginia Institute for Space Flight and Autonomy recently launched a program to develop a Hampton Roads-Eastern Shore Unmanned Systems (UxS) Strategic Playbook. The goal of the program is to focus on the continued development and expansion of unmanned ground, aerial, maritime and space technologies. 
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“We want to be able to demonstrate that these technologies can help us perform tasks more safely, more efficiently, at a lower cost and actually provide us with much better and more accurate data than maybe what our traditional methods have done,” Tynan said..."

​CIT GAP Funds, the direct investment program of the Virginia Innovation Partnership Authority (VIPA) Investment Division, is proud to announce that four CIT GAP Funds portfolio companies were included on the 2021 Inc. 5000 List: HUNGRY, Urgently, Ostendio, and ID.me. The annual guide highlights the 5,000 fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States, which are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2017 to 2020. To qualify for the 2021 list, companies must have generated revenue by March 31, 2017 and achieved $2 million in revenue in 2020.
 
“We are extremely proud to have four portfolio companies listed on this year’s Inc. 5000.,” said Tom Weithman, Managing Director of CIT GAP Funds. “There is an incredible amount of new technology coming out of Virginia every year, impacting a variety of industries. The innovative spirit and deep experience of these entrepreneurs are just two of the many factors we look for in an early stage company. These qualities have undoubtedly played a role in the rapid growth of HUNGRY, Urgently, Ostendio, and ID.me.”

Raymond Magee created BloomCatch to help plant parents find and identify the greenery around them. The startup looks to add a personal touch.

"BloomCatch, which is available for iOS and Android users, just received $50,000 in funding from the Center for Innovative Technology’s (CIT) GAP Fund, which makes seed-stage investments in local startups. "

​Rapidly growing customer-centric data tool helps contractors find, track and compete for the right business opportunities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - S&T Public Affairs - RED BLUFF, CALIFORNIA

​The evaluation was conducted during a controlled, prescribed burn at the Dye Creek Preserve near Red Bluff, California, in partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and The Nature Conservancy. Additional observers included partners from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).
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The test was the second phase of S&T’s Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) wildfire sensor technology program, part of the Smart Cities Internet of Things Innovation (SCITI) Labs initiative, which brings together government and private sector partners to identify technologies that meet first responders’ operational needs and ensure the nation’s critical infrastructure remains secure and resilient.

Smart City Internet of Things Innovation (SCITI) Labs - Homepage | Wildfire Video
DHS Science and Technology Directorate's (S&T's) SCITI Labs initiative leverages cutting-edge Smart City and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to deliver new capabilities to DHS components and to enhance public safety in communities across the country. SCITI brings together key government and private sector partners to identify new and existing technologies that both meet first responders’ operational needs and enhance commercial buildings, ensuring the nation’s critical infrastructure and those who protect it are secure and resilient.

https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/st-smart-city-internet-things-innovation-sciti-labs

​​CIT would like to acknowledge and congratulate the Commonwealth Commercialization Fund (CCF) awardees & the CIT GAP Funds portfolio companies who made the DCINNO 50 on Fire List 2021

"It’s time, once again, to single out the Greater Washington companies, investors and players who are setting its startup ecosystem ablaze.
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That’s right. We’re unveiling the 50 winners of the Washington Business Journal and DC Inno Fire Awards of 2021. The honorees range from nascent to mature, across industry and geography within the DMV..."

Writen by Nick Serfass, rvatech/CEO
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The Commonwealth of Virginia recently announced that 34 small technology-focused businesses in Virginia will receive a total of $3.4 million in Commonwealth Commercialization Fund (CCF) grants to commercialize research in an array of sectors. Five of those companies hold strong ties to greater Richmond. In case you’re wondering who they are and what they do, we have the answers! ​

Swathi Young
Forbes Councils Member
Forbes Technology Council COUNCIL POST| Membership (fee-based)
Innovation Chief Technology Officer at Integrity Management Services, Inc., where she is leading cutting-edge technology solutions (AI) for clients.

​SCOUT is building the first in-space observation systems to safeguard orbital infrastructure

​Richmond, Va. – July 14, 2021 – The Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) today announced that two CIT GAP Funds portfolio companies were included on the Summer 2021 Forbes Next 1000 list: Linebird and AnswersNow. Forbes Next 1000, a list highlighting entrepreneurs and pre-revenue startups in every region across America with less than $10 million in revenue or funding, is published in classes of 250 standouts throughout the year. Screened by top business minds in a competitive judging process, entrepreneurs featured on the Next 1000 list are redefining what it means to build and run a business. 
 
“We are extremely proud to have two founders of CIT GAP Funds portfolio companies listed in the 2021 Forbes Next 1000 list. Linebird’s Michael Berio and AnswersNow’s Jeff Beck are an example of resilience and American entrepreneurship during unprecedented times,” said Tom Weithman, Managing Director, CIT GAP Funds. “The Next 1000 list shines a light on many bold leaders from all different industries, and we are thrilled to see Linebird and AnswersNow recognized for their incredible work.” 

Two technology companies in Tysons have each received $100,000 grants as part of a new state initiative intended to support projects that turn research into commercial products or services.

Gov. Ralph Northam announced yesterday (Monday) that Virginia will award $3.4 million in grants to 34 small, technology-focused businesses for the inaugural round of the Commonwealth Commercialization Fund (CCF), which launched in 2020 to help advance promising technology through the development process.

The Tysons-based recipients are the cybersecurity company Onclave Networks, Inc. and Jeeva Informatics Solutions Inc. (JEEVA), which is developing a cloud platform to help medical researchers recruit and work with patients for clinical trials.

The CCF consolidated Virginia’s existing Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund and Virginia Research Investment Fund. Each of the Fiscal Year 2021 recipients received $100,000 and will provide matching funds.

https://www.tysonsreporter.com/2021/07/13/virginia-awards-grants-to-tysons-tech-businesses-for-commercial-research-projects/

​34 small technology-focused businesses to receive grants in inaugural round of Commonwealth Commercialization Fund awards

RICHMOND--Governor Ralph Northam today announced that 34 small technology-focused businesses in Virginia will receive a total of $3.4 million in Commonwealth Commercialization Fund (CCF) grants to commercialize research in an array of sectors, including agricultural and environmental technologies, autonomous systems, clean energy, cybersecurity, data analytics, life sciences, and space and satellites. These awards mark the inaugural funding round for CCF, which was developed through the Virginia Innovation Partnership Authority (VIPA).

“Facilitating research breakthroughs and getting new technologies out of the lab and into the hands of consumers is key to driving economic growth and creating jobs in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Northam. “I am confident this first round of CCF awards will produce far-reaching benefits and congratulate these innovators and entrepreneurs on their success in developing transformative solutions to improve lives and address some of the most pressing challenges we face.”

CCF was launched in 2020 to promote innovative and collaborative commercialization efforts, consolidating two legacy programs, the Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund and the Virginia Research Investment Fund. The Fiscal Year 2021 round offered grants of up to $100,000 to advance early-stage technology projects in strategically important industries through product or service development, market research, intellectual property protection, marketing, pilots, and more. Award recipients will provide 1:1 match funding.

“The new Commonwealth Commercialization Fund signals Virginia’s commitment to increasing commercialization outcomes for small Virginia businesses across many industries,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “Early funding is essential in bringing new products and innovations to market and we look forward to watching the awardees’ innovations thrive in the Commonwealth.”
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“We are excited to announce these awards from this first solicitation of CCF,” said Bob Stolle, President of VIPA. “VIPA was created to be a catalyst for expanding innovation and entrepreneurship in Virginia with a clear goal of accelerating scientific, technology-based research and commercialization. These awards are just the beginning of our work with companies, universities, and research institutes to advance research from proof-of-concept to commercialization.”

Funding will be used to expand services offerings to financial institutions wanting to deliver a superior customer experience and further invest in their communities​

​Givio Inc, creators of a mobile giving and fundraising platform designed to meet the needs of givers, today opened their first round of seed funding with the closing of an initial investment from the Center for Innovative Technology’s CIT GAP Funds. This funding follows the advancement of Givio’s Minimal Viable Product (MVP) to a feature-rich, charitable giving and fundraising solution, already integrated with multiple service providers in the charitable giving technology and financial services space. Givio plans to use this funding to expand services offerings from nonprofits, schools and companies for workplace giving, to financial institutions wanting to deliver a superior customer experience and further invest in their communities.

​June 17, 2021 - By John Furner, CEO and President, Walmart U.S.
In our ongoing effort to get customers the items they want, and fast, we know it will take a well-coordinated network of delivery solutions that span the streets, sidewalks and skies. Some of these solutions are still emerging, but they’re already showing encouraging results.

Last year, we partnered with DroneUp, a nationwide drone services provider, to launch trial deliveries of at-home COVID-19 self-collection kits. The trial demonstrated we could offer customers delivery in minutes versus hours. Now, after safely completing hundreds of drone deliveries from Walmart stores, we’re making an investment in DroneUp to continue our work toward developing a scalable last-mile delivery solution.

February 07, 2019 | CIT GAP Funds Invests in DroneUp to Revolutionize Commercial Drone Pilot Services | ‘Mission Match’ platform tracks pilot certification, experience and guarantees qualified pilots are alerted for matching missions
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Richmond, VA, June 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) today announced that CIT GAP Funds, the direct investment program of the Virginia Innovation Partnership Authority (VIPA) Investment Division, has invested in Arlington, Va.-based OxiWear. Provider of a wearable earpiece that monitors blood oxygen levels, OxiWear’s device alerts users when it falls below safe thresholds, allowing help to be called in time for treatment. OxiWear will use this investment to support growth, conduct further research, and expand relationships with more hospitals and pharmacies.

​Ear-wearable device continuously monitors blood oxygen levels and alerts users if it falls below safe thresholds, preventing delays in assistance

​Richmond, Va. – June 11, 2021 – The Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) today announced that CIT GAP Funds Managing Director, Tom Weithman, and Senior Investment Director, Jen O’Daniel, will present at the upcoming PitchPlus Clinic presented by RAMP, the regional accelerator and mentoring program. The clinic, taking place Tuesday, June 15 at 9:00am EST, will feature a panel of experts providing venture capital education to help participating startups prepare for early-stage investment opportunities.
 
As the direct investment program of the Virginia Innovation Partnership Authority (VIPA) Investment Division, CIT GAP Funds is a key part of the Commonwealth's strategy to leverage venture capital for Virginia-based startups. Weithman and O’Daniel will join speakers Greg Feldmann, President of Skyline Capital Strategies, LLC, and Fourd Kemper, Principal at Woods Rogers, PLC. Registration is free and open to the public.
 
              When: Tuesday, June 11, 2021 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST
 
              Where: Zoom – Click here to register

​Startup app re-imagines job platforms, instantly connecting qualified talent with employers in retail and restaurant industries

"Now that the Richmond ecosystem has been talking about the challenges facing Black and other underrepresented founders for more than a year, what’s changed? And — perhaps more importantly — what work remains?"

"Funding: The Crucial Piece"

"...The Center for Innovative Technology, or CIT, launched the Virginia Founders Fund in 2018 and has since directed more than $3 million toward founder who are women, BIPOC and veterans, as well as those located outside of Northern Virginia. 

There are aspirational, strategic and programmatic goals throughout the Fiscal Year 2022 operating plan that are dedicated to furthering our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts - especially in light of the national conversation about systematic racism,” spokeswoman Sara Poole

Last fall, CIT Gap Funds hosted a roundtable event to bring together BIPOC founders to discuss barriers to forming and funding minority-led startups, a discussion that is expected to yield changes going forward..."