October 9, 2026

Entrepreneur Resource Center at VTCRC Announces October Startup Awardees

October 9, 2026 

By Heidi Angle 

BLACKSBURG, VA —  The Entrepreneur Resource Center (ERC) at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (VTCRC) has awarded $183,270 to seven regional startups through funding from GO Virginia, the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) and donor support, providing critical funding to help early-stage companies accelerate growth and strengthen commercialization efforts. 

The ERC’s funding programs are designed to help entrepreneurs advance commercialization efforts, strengthen their businesses and accelerate growth. Awards are made periodically, providing eligible startups with access to non-dilutive funding and additional support through the ERC and broader VTCRC ecosystem. 

The October awardees include: 

  • Qlutch QMS — CJ Page, CEO: Qlutch QMS is a modern, AI-driven, modular Quality Management System designed for small and mid-sized businesses, offering intuitive document control, compliance management and rapid implementation. 
  • VeriPass — Dr. Nadia Saklou, Founder: VeriPass is building trusted digital identity infrastructure for animals, beginning with horses. Its EquiLedger platform enables secure, verifiable identity, ownership, health and regulatory records designed to improve trust, traceability and interoperability. 
  • Symind, Inc. — Dr. Xiaoting Jia: Symind is a neurotechnology startup developing scalable neural interface platforms designed to support the coevolution of natural and artificial intelligence. By integrating CMOS electrode arrays with closed-loop system architectures, Symind is creating high-bandwidth, bidirectional connections between biological neural systems and intelligent machines. 
  • Libertas Naturals — Dr. Bryan Hsu, Founder: Libertas Naturals is developing a novel biomaterial designed to transform menstrual fluid into a hydrogel, making it easier to manage, reducing leakage and improving menstrual care. 
  • ECOVIVA USA, Inc. — Sophie Lee: ECOVIVA USA is advancing sustainable materials science through compostable packaging solutions made from bio-derived raw materials while expanding its work in high-performance materials. 
  • Helix Acoustics — Dr. Alexia Stettinius: Helix Acoustics is developing focused-ultrasound-powered systems for rapid biospecimen processing and nucleic acid extraction. Its Focused Ultrasound Extraction technology uses acoustic energy to mechanically disrupt biological samples and release biomarkers in seconds, with the goal of improving nucleic acid yield and quality while reducing variability between samples. 
  • Triptos Veterinary — Dr. Eli Vlaisavljevich: Triptos Veterinary is developing focused ultrasound technologies for the non-invasive treatment of diseases in cats, dogs and horses. Its systems are designed to provide a safe, non-invasive alternative to surgical treatments that can carry significant costs and side effects. 

In addition to direct non-dilutive grant funding, awardees gain access to the ERC’s collaborative workspace, specialized mentorship, and the broader VTCRC ecosystem. 

Ready to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey?  

Whether you’re developing an early-stage idea or growing an existing company, the ERC offers mentorship, programming, strategic connections, and resources to help founders succeed. Learn more about the ERC, upcoming events, and available programs HERE. 

About GO Virginia 

This project was funded in part by GO Virginia, a state-funded initiative administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) that strengthens and diversifies Virginia’s economy and fosters the creation of higher wage jobs in strategic industries. 

About Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation 

The Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) serves as Virginia’s designated statewide technology and innovation economic development authority.  VIPC fuels Virginia’s innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems across the Commonwealth to accelerate startup growth, technology commercialization, and investment attraction through public-private partnership.  For more information, visit www.VIPC.org.