Innovation Starts Here

1. Identify an Idea or a Problem

   Almost all great innovations start with an idea or problem. Innovations are often created without any intended use case. Where can it be used? To whom do we believe great value can be delivered? These are all things to consider at the start of the innovation process. Existing clients looking to launch another business or idea should proceed to the " Existing Clients" page to get started with the LaunchLab on their next project.

2. Fill-out the Intake Form

   To begin the process of receiving LaunchLab services and becoming a LaunchLab client fill-out an intake form. Click the link below, and you will be prompted to enter your email address* and password. You will then be redirected to the West Virginia University-branded CAS (Central Authentication Service) page, which will prompt you for your Login Username and Password. If this is your first time logging into a SharePoint site, you may be directed to a generic landing page. In that case, click this link again after you’ve completed the login process.

   Become a Client - Complete an Intake Form

   Notice to Students: Although WVU student email addresses end in "@mix.wvu.edu", students should use @mail.wvu.edu here. This is a special username used for Office 365, and is not an email address that can be used elsewhere. Example: If your Login username is "glweinrib", enter the address as follows: "glweinrib@mail.wvu.edu". Click here for more information.

3. Lift Off!

   At the LaunchLab we offer our clients guidance throughout the entire innovation process. From ideation to commercialization we can provide advice, coaching, and resources. Once onboarded as a LaunchLab client, the process for business or idea success will proceed as detailed in our roadmap processes which can be viewed in our White Pages. See a list version of the diagram below here. 

Other Opportunities

The LaunchLab is a portal for students, offering guidance and assistance with opportunities through pitch competitions, grant applications, workshops and more. Checkout the student resources available below.

• Entering innovation pitch competitions offers several benefits. The practice helps build your confidence, while receiving valuable feedback from judges. They allow you to network giving you access to areas and people that can propel your idea further. You gain exposure, and it helps refine your idea.  WVU LaunchLab hosts several innovation pitch competitions each year giving students the benefits of pitching and the opportunity to earn funding for their idea. 


• HOW TO  workshops give the benefit of learning best practices from industry professionals. It also offers networking opportunities while giving students the edge-up to succeed.


• For a limited time, the LaunchLab offers access to a startup seed funding grant for clients. 


• Forming A Company
  Forming a company is an important milestone in the process of applied innovation. When a team is ready to form a legal entity with the state of West Virginia, they can do so at the Secretary of State office at www.wvsos.gov. The cost of forming an LLC is $100. The cost of registering a business name is $15. The LaunchLab can help you with every step of this process.


• Intellectual Property
  The LaunchLab workers closely with student clients to help register their IP. The LaunchLab takes no ownership or interest in student intellectual properties.