RAMP In Residence
Since its founding in 2017, RAMP – the Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program serving western and central Virginia – has accelerated 48 companies, employing more than 600 people and selling products and services to all U.S. states and internationally.
- During the 12-week cohort program, startups receive
- $20,000 in non-equity funding
- Expert 1:1 mentoring
- Free office space with high-speed internet in downtown Roanoke’s Gill Building.
- RAMP alumni also receive
- Two years of free membership in the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council
- One year of membership in Virginia BIO
- Three years of membership in the Shenandoah Club
- Membership in GAN for the lifetime of the company
- Discounted office space
- Three additional years of ongoing support through Exit RAMP – a suite of ever-growing and developing coaching and support services.
- RAMP is an affiliate of Verge, a collaborative strategic alliance that includes the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council, which was established to grow the region’s innovation economy.
RAMP In Residence
Since its founding in 2017, RAMP – the Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program serving western and central Virginia – has accelerated 48 companies, employing more than 600 people and selling products and services to all U.S. states and internationally.
- During the 12-week cohort program, startups receive
- $20,000 in non-equity funding
- Expert 1:1 mentoring
- Free office space with high-speed internet in downtown Roanoke’s Gill Building.
- RAMP alumni also receive
- Two years of free membership in the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council
- One year of membership in Virginia BIO
- Three years of membership in the Shenandoah Club
- Membership in GAN for the lifetime of the company
- Discounted office space
- Three additional years of ongoing support through Exit RAMP – a suite of ever-growing and developing coaching and support services.
- RAMP is an affiliate of Verge, a collaborative strategic alliance that includes the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council, which was established to grow the region’s innovation economy.
Criteria
- Founder is full time and can participate in-person
- Located and operating in Virginia
- MVP that is a technologically differentiated solution that is scalable and defensible
- Industry agnostic (Technology or Health and Life Sciences)
- Evidence of problem-solution fit and market traction
Demo Day
Entrepreneurs present their pitch live on stage to the region’s business leaders and community at the conclusion of each cohort program.
Thank you to Verge alliance sponsors for allowing this event to be free to attend: VIPC, Carilion Clinic, Virginia Tech, City of Roanoke, Truist, Woods Rogers and Vandeventer Black, Delta Dental, Power School, Gentry Locke, Mitchell Law Firm, Virginia Western Community College, Torc Robotics, National Bank of Blacksburg, Commonwealth Capital, Middleland Capital, Botetourt County, City of Salem, Virginia Bio, Verge, Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council, and the Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program.
Why it Matters
With over 45 tech and biotech start-ups accelerated so far, we are preparing companies in the health and life sciences space as they prepare for post-RAMP programs like Johnson & Johnson Innovation — JLABS.
The acceleration resources and connections we offer are free or low-cost to entrepreneurs, and we never take equity, so companies maintain their ownership. Our organization relies on grant funding and private donations to continue to grow the innovation ecosystem.