Where Ideas Become Companies
A high-tech business incubator that helps founders turn emerging technology into companies, with coaching, mentorship, capital pathways, and a Certified International Soft Landings program.
What we do
The ETSU Innovation Lab, in Johnson City, Tennessee, has served the region as a high-tech business incubator since 2002 and holds a Certified International Soft Landings designation earned in 2015. The Lab is industry-inclusive and has supported ventures across cleantech (algae, hydrogen), software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, aerospace, automotive, robotics, logistics, medical technology and devices, wound healing, sports medicine, recreational technology, farm tech, streaming, skin-care microbiome technology, synthetic biology, polymer and plastics chemistry, ionic technologies, environmental technology, metal technology, and media and entertainment.
Beyond space, we help founders with business model generation and pitch training.
The Innovation Lab is a cooperative entrepreneurial hub and network built to be a catalyst for sustainable economic growth. Its worldwide scope and Certified International Soft Landings designation make it a nexus between entrepreneurs, universities, economic-development councils, and the international business community, with both physical and virtual business support for growing companies. The iLab is led by Dr. Audrey Depelteau.
Innovation Lab staff services
Comprehensive business assistance programs designed to nurture emerging ventures from concept through commercialization.
Needs Assessment
- Determine whether applicants are ready for incubation, and whether the program’s value-added services fit their needs.
- Proactive, ongoing assessment of member needs from concept through commercialization.
Coaching and Facilitation
- Oversight and support as members use the program’s resources.
- A sounding board for the many challenges of starting a new venture.
- Outside perspective and strategic thinking that founders can miss while running daily operations.
Monitoring Member Progress
- Keep members accountable to milestones, goals, benchmarks, and timelines, from proof of concept to securing capital and building strategic partnerships.
Professional Infrastructure
- A Know-How Network that opens doors to experts not typically accessible to early-stage ventures.
- Expanded technical and professional expertise for forming and growing a business.
- Match members to mentors.
Capitalization and Financing
- Help members identify funding sources.
- Notify members of grant training programs such as SBIR and STTR.
- Partnerships with TN SBA, TN ECD, Life Science Tennessee, and others.
- Coach members on pitch presentations.
Client Networking
- A cooperative environment that promotes synergy.
- Notify members of networking opportunities on and off site.
- Introduce members to Innovation Lab stakeholders.
University Resources and Linkages
- Publicity and visibility for member companies.
- A source of new technology, research, and faculty partnerships.
- Connections to student talent for internships and future hires.
- Strategic alliances with the ETSU Research Corporation, the College of Business and Technology, researchers, and university departments.
- The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Administration (ORSPA) helps secure and manage external funding.
- Access to the Molecular Biology Core Facility, and additional resources as needed.
Facilities Management
- Building maintenance, fire safety, security, grounds, and snow removal.
- Shared spaces including kitchens, meeting rooms with audio-visual capabilities, the Innovation Studio, the Entrepreneur & Resource Center, and a mail and copy center.
What members get
- Guidance from concept through commercialization
- A cooperative entrepreneurial hub and network
- Virtual incubator support for non-residential companies
- Certified International Soft Landings for companies entering the U.S. market
- Real-world experience for ETSU faculty, staff, and students
International Soft Landings
The iLab holds a Certified International Soft Landings designation, held by fewer than 1% of incubators worldwide, helping global companies enter the U.S. market with less risk. Soft Landings has grown into its own program, bigger than the Lab itself.
The space itself
Move-in-ready office and lab modules, shared resources, meeting rooms, and a media studio in Johnson City.
Ready to set up shop?
Tell us about your company and we'll talk space, resources, and fit.