July 31, 2026

Entrepreneur Resource Center at VTCRC Announces Inaugural Startup Awardees Funded by GO Virginia 

The Entrepreneur Resource Center (ERC) at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (VTCRC) has awarded $132,850 to five regional startups through its GO Virginia-funded commercialization award program, providing critical funding to help early-stage companies accelerate growth, strengthen commercialization efforts, and create high-quality jobs across Virginia’s New River and Roanoke Valleys. 

The award program is part of the ERC’s mission to support entrepreneurs by connecting them with the resources they need to successfully launch and scale innovative companies. Awards are made on a quarterly basis, providing recurring opportunities for eligible startups to access non-dilutive funding and business support. 

The inaugural award recipients represent a diverse range of industries and technologies driving innovation across the region: 

  • Fricxel: Developing AI-native, rapid electromagnetic simulation tools for Radio Frequency (RF) components. 
  • Tokay Systems: Delivering secure, defense-validated wireless communication systems for industrial IoT markets. 
  • Music Advocacy Project: Building a data-aggregation platform that helps independent music venues optimize artist bookings and de-risk live shows. 
  • Elevate Displays: Designing innovative, custom display solutions for sports jerseys and memorabilia. 
  • Lytic Biotechnologies: Pioneering oral drug delivery technology that uses engineered bacteriophages to produce therapeutic proteins directly within the gut. 

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

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.