7 Reasons to Apply to RAMP in residence

Are you a Virginia entrepreneur with a great idea in technology or life science? Apply to RAMP In Residence and hone your skills. RAMP is the premier entrepreneurship accelerator in the area and offers a unique blend of world-class resources and tight-knit community support.  

Get valuable industry advice in the Roanoke Blacksburg region—a hub for tech innovation. Be a part of RAMP’s proven success in accelerating 66 companies and developing over 900+ jobs.

The deadline to apply is January 25, so don’t miss this opportunity to launch your company with unparalleled resources and support.

7 Reasons to Apply to RAMP In Residence

• Funding: Spring 2026 Cohort members will receive $10,000 in non-equity funding.
• Mentorship: Receive weekly mentorship from the RAMP team and instructors and get introduced to subject matter experts within the region. You’ll cultivate ideas and get advice from experts who have been in your shoes. 
• Clarity: Complete our intensive customer discovery curriculum led by world-renowned innovation expert Mike Abbott. You’ll refine your ideas, understand your customers, solidify your business plan, and define your goals. 
• Education: Receive world-class programming that prepares you for commercialization. Our Lunch-and-Learn series gives insights from subject matter experts on essential topics in business. Here’s a sneak peek of this Spring’s Lineup: 
  • Allen Foster, Cortex Leadership – Topic: DISC Assessment 
  • James Ramey & Greg Fisher, VTC Ventures – Topic: Investment 101 
  • Fourd Kemper & Nick Mirra, Woods Rogers – Topic: Legal and IP 
  • Spencer Marsh, Tiny Cargo Co. – Topic: Founder Stories 
  • John Hagy, Caterpillar – Topic: Market Sizing 
• Space to Grow: You’ll receive resources, including free office space for the duration of the program with high-speed internet. 
• Community: Build valuable relationships with your fellow cohort, RBIA team, and the wider innovation ecosystem. Develop relationships with tech entrepreneurs and business leaders in the Roanoke region and key partners throughout the state.
• Ongoing Support: RAMP ensures that you have the support you need to remain successful. In addition to comprehensive programming (more below!), alumni receive:
  • Two-year free membership in RBTC
  • One year in Virginia BIO for health and life science companies
  • The opportunity to apply for Exit RAMP
  • Three years with Shenandoah Club

To be eligible to apply, the applicant founder and business must be located in Virginia. Your company must already be formed and have evidence of market need, and your solution must be technologically differentiated, scalable, and defensible. RAMP In Residence is technology and industry-agnostic. More details regarding eligibility can be found on our website.

The 12-week program consists of roughly 5 hours of in-person instruction in Roanoke, VA for 60 total hours of instruction over the course of the program. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to dig deep and gain clarity through about 10 hours of independent customer discovery work each week.  

Extended Programming to Support Your Success

As a RAMP In Residence cohort member, support doesn’t end when you complete our accelerator program. We have a suite of programming and resources carefully designed to meet your needs as an alumnus so you stay connected while you grow.

• Alumni-Only Events: Get access to exclusive alumni events to boost connection, networking, and valuable knowledge and skills.
• Alumni Workshops: Attend alumni-only workshops with topics specific to your needs, like taxes and financial management, fundraising and funding opportunities, hiring, and more.  Our workshops feature subject matter experts from relevant industries and are primarily offered virtually to accommodate a busy founder lifestyle. 
• Exit RAMP Investment Pitch Series: This series is exclusively available to alumni companies that are preparing for or actively pursuing outside investment and are ready to refine their investor pitch and fundraising strategy. After applying, selected companies participate in multiple pitch-polishing sessions with venture capitalists and experienced mentors, along with Lunch & Learn sessions covering topics such as Venture Capital 101, due diligence and the data room, and fundraising strategy and market research.  
• Annual Investor Roadshow: If you participate in the Exit RAMP Investment Pitch Series, you may be considered for the annual Investor Roadshow, although participation is not guaranteed as space is limited.
  • In 2024, RAMP partnered with Lighthouse Labs to take 10 companies to Durham, with five RAMP companies pitching to 10 investment firms in the Triangle.
  • In 2025, RAMP again partnered with Lighthouse Network, along with Launch Chapel Hill and R!oT, to present companies in Chapel Hill.  Three RAMP companies pitched to approximately twelve investment firms.
• Discounted Office Space: Get high-quality workspace at a discounted rate so you can focus on building your company.

Register for the RAMP In Residence Info Session to Learn More 

If you’re a VA-based tech or biotech startup, RAMP can help take your company to the next level. You’ll receive development coaching and an ever-growing suite of support services. 

Unsure of whether RAMP In residence is right for your startup? Register for the info session and learn how RAMP can help your company grow. 

The RAMP Info session will be held virtually on Tuesday, January 20, from 4-5 pm. Bring questions on how RAMP can help YOU! Don’t miss it; register today!