Join us for a Discussion on CIT's Venture
and Grant Funding Programs!

CIT staff will introduce the Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund (CRCF), a multi-million dollar technology commercialization grant program that accelerates innovation and drives economic growth in Virginia. The team will discuss the FY2020 round, which includes programs available to higher ed, federal labs and other nonprofit research organizations, and the private sector. Topics will include eligibility criteria and the solicitation timeline, the Letter of Intent (LOI) – a revised approach this year, the application, and tips for strong submissions. In addition, presenters will discuss CIT's GAP Funds, which is a family of seed- and early-stage investment funds placing near-equity and equity investments, will present on the fundamentals (including due diligence) required to access this growth capital.

Heather Engen serves as Senior Program Associate, supporting the Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund (CRCF)’s solicitations, Annual Report, and community engagement. Heather rejoined the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) in February 2015; she first worked at CIT from 1999 to 2002 in the Marketing and Communications group. Heather’s professional experience includes writing, editing, office administration, marketing and public relations. Additionally, she successfully established and ran a small business – Heather Engen Photography. Heather serves on several boards and committees and has volunteered for numerous community organizations, including Loudoun Youth Volleyball.

Marco Rubin, Senior Investment Director, CIT, is responsible for sourcing, diligence and closing of seed and early stage investments on behalf of the CIT GAP Funds designated as "Virginia's Most Active Investor" by CBInsights. He serves as a board representative to a numerous portfolio companies and leads seed/early stage investment in aerospace/UAS, energy, and software sectors. Marco has held leadership roles with funds recognized on five occasions by Entrepreneur Magazine’s VC 100 rankings and has invested in over 200 early stage startups throughout his career. Prior to CIT, Marco founded Exoventure Associates, LLC. There he conducted diligence, mentored entrepreneurs and served as a judge in global business plan competitions sponsored by the World Bank and the State Department. Prior to Exo, he was founder of Monumental Venture Partners, LLC (MVP) making investments in security, information technology, telecom, software and medical device sectors.