JMU Becomes First R2 University in VIPC's Lab-to-Launch Program
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Richmond, Va. – October 07, 2026 -- James Madison University has become Virginia's first R2 research university to join the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation's Lab-to-Launch initiative, extending a statewide technology-transfer program beyond its original six R1 universities. JMU President Jim Schmidt and VIPC President and CEO Joe Benevento signed a ceremonial Memorandum of Understanding in Richmond on October 6.
JMU gains access to Virginia's first standardized Fast-Track License
Through Lab-to-Launch, JMU can now use Virginia's first-ever Fast-Track License, a standardized agreement designed to cut the cost and time required for inventors to license university-held intellectual property and spin out startups. The license is backed by VIPC's new Lab-to-Launch grant program.