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Applicant FAQ
Common questions
How much funding do challenges award?
Award amounts vary by challenge. Across its programs RISE has provided more than $10 million in funding and support to small-business innovators.
Who is eligible to apply?
Challenges are open to startups and innovators developing near-term resilience solutions. Specific eligibility is set per challenge.
What is a living-laboratory pilot?
RISE facilitates access to living-lab sites where innovators test and validate solutions. More than 45 pilot projects have been supported across Virginia.
Do you accept applications from outside Virginia?
RISE has received more than 400 challenge applications from around the world. Pilots focus on Virginia communities; applicants may be based anywhere.
Who owns the work and IP?
Innovators retain their core intellectual property. Specific licensing for funded deliverables is set in each challenge agreement.