Venture Development Center

The 6,700 square-foot Kevin M. McGovern Family Center for Venture Development in the Life Sciences is  the first center of its kind at Cornell. It will be a focal point for business incubation, technology transfer, and economic development. The center will be among the most publicly visible components of Weill Hall, welcoming scientists, students, other members of the Cornell community, and visitors and investors.

The occupants will be assisted by identification of venture capital; state-of-the-art equipment; office and library services; expandable lab space; and guidance from the center’s director and staff. They  will help researchers with advice on business plans and intellectual property concerns; guidance on how to access capital sourcing networks; and other means of helping start-up companies succeed.

Programs will also assist companies with the transition from campus to the community, with special emphasis on retaining businesses in the region and continuing their association with Cornell. 

The center is expected to house four to six tenant companies at any given time. Designed for adaptability, six flexible lab units and shared facilities will accommodate different physical configurations to fit a specific company’s needs. Each lab unit includes wet labs, support and equipment rooms, a primary investigator’s office, and shared sterilization and walk-in cold rooms.

To discuss naming opportunities for Weill Hall, contact Laura Toy.