Fairfax Innovation for Research, Science, and Technology (FIRST) Program

Fairfax Innovation for Research, Science, and Technology (FIRST) Program is sponsored by Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED). The Fairfax Innovation for Research, Science, and Technology (FIRST) program supports early-stage, research-driven innovators actively pursuing external funding and commercialization opportunities.

Fairfax City Economic Development | Fairfax Innovation for Research, Science and Technology Do Business with the Government Ribbon Cutting/Milestone Celebration Fairfax Innovation for Research, Science and Technology Fairfax Innovation for Research, Science, and Technology (FIRST) Program The Fairfax Innovation for Research, Science, and Technology (FIRST) program is designed to support early-stage, research-driven innovators who are actively pursuing external funding and commercialization opportunities and who see Fairfax City as a long-term place to grow.

This guide is intended to help you determine whether FIRST is a good fit for your organization. Fairfax Innovation for Research, Science, and Technology FCED, in partnership with the Mason Enterprise Center, has launched Fairfax Innovation for Research, Science, and Technology (FIRST), a new incentive program designed to help early-stage, innovation-driven businesses establish and grow in Fairfax City.

The FIRST Program supports startups and research-based companies that develop new technologies and are positioning themselves for significant funding and commercialization opportunities. Apply for FIRST by filling out and submitting the form below. FIRST Is a Good Fit If You...

Are pursuing research or commercialization funding You are actively preparing or submitting applications for: Federal or state R&D funding (e.g., SBIR, STTR, ARPA, DoD, NASA, NIST) Corporate or government pilot programs Other research-based commercialization opportunities You can clearly identify: A specific funding source An anticipated award or decision window Need a physical business address to advance funding or commercialization FIRST is especially well-suited for innovators who: Need an office address to register in SAM.

gov Require a professional location to execute contracts or pilot agreements Are not yet in a position to sign a traditional commercial lease (note: non-virtual current MEC Fairfax tenants are not eligible for this program) Are early-stage but serious about commercialization University faculty-led ventures Research labs preparing to spin out Newly formed startups based on research or emerging technology Participants should have a credible pathway toward: Company formation or growth Licensing or product development Long-term presence in Fairfax City Align with Fairfax City and Virginia priority industries FIRST is a publicly supported economic development program.

As a result, priority is given to applicants whose research and development goals align with FCED key industries and Virginia’s strategic industry priorities.

Target customers or users in priority industries Research applications relevant to industry needs Technologies that strengthen regional innovation clusters Potential for long-term growth in Fairfax City We recommend applicants review VEDP incentives and VIPC potential funding streams for state-level opportunities.

Projects that span multiple sectors or represent emerging applications are encouraged to describe both current and future alignment.

Are prepared to transition to a paid lease after funding Up to six months of no-cost licensed office space while funding decisions are pending Upon successful receipt of funding, participants must: Commit to a two-year paid lease at the Mason Enterprise Center – Fairfax Register as a business with the City of Fairfax within 30 days of occupancy FIRST is not intended as free space indefinitely—it is a bridge to growth and sustainability.

For additional information before applying, please review the program overview and eligibility guidelines. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Fairfax Innovation for Research, Science, and Technology (FIRST) Program Application Form Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed once a quarter.

Acceptance into the program and the office space provided is based on eligibility, space needs, and space availability at the MEC Fairfax.

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How Did You Find Out About This Program? Technology & Industry Alignment Brief Description of Technology or Innovation: (1 paragraph max) Primary Technology Area(s) (check all that apply) Data / AI / Advanced Analytics Quantum / Advanced Computing Other Emerging Technology If Other Emerging Technology was selected, please explain how this technology aligns with Fairfax City and Virginia priority industries?

(1 paragraph max) Primary Funding Source(s) Being Pursued (check all that apply): DoD BAA / Rapid Innovation Fund NASA Transfer / Research Announcement Funding Opportunity Title / Program Name (Expected) Submission Date Funding Strategy: Please attach a maximum one-page Word document outlining your funding plan. Accepted file types: doc, Max. file size: 256 MB.

Prior Entrepreneurial Support Have you completed any of the following?

(check all that apply) ICAP (Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program) University accelerator/incubator Other counseling or commercialization support If yes, briefly describe outcomes Commercialization & Impact Expected Commercial Outcome (check all that apply) Spin-Out / Startup Formation Government or Corporate Contract Anticipated Economic & Societal Benefits (1 paragraph max) Program Participation & Space Needs Please certify that you understand and agree to the program structure: - Up to six months no-cost license while funding decision is pending - Commitment to a two-year paid lease upon receipt of funding - License terminates if funding is not awarded - Agreement to register as a City of Fairfax business within 30 days Registering as a City of Fairfax business is required before occupying the physical address.

A business license will be required (fee based on gross receipts), along with a commercial use and occupancy permit ($70) prior to move-in. The process is streamlined, and our team can provide support as needed. Please certify that you acknowledge this requirement.

Participants will be asked to provide financial data, such as year-over-year revenue from sales, licensing, all other sources; growth in capital added from any source during the year; number of new jobs created; data on any new partnerships or major contracts. All information reported will be kept confidential, unless the participant specifically authorizes its disclosure.

Please certify that you acknowledge this requirement and authorize sharing this information in the future with FCED. FIRST Participants will be required to meet with a mentor at the MEC Fairfax or Mason SBDC within two weeks of signing the license agreement to discuss their funding plan (grant application or contracting plans), and discuss alternative funding streams and applications as needed.

Please certify that you acknowledge this requirement. Please certify that you understand MEC Fairfax can assign your entity to any desk or office, and may be asked to move to another office for paying tenants. As part of this program, FIRST participants are encouraged to engage with all of the MEC Fairfax’s offerings, including events, collaboration opportunities, and counseling resources.

Participants may be asked to share non-confidential information on their research at MEC tech talks or other events. FCED is committed to fostering an ecosystem where research and innovation thrive, and supporting faculty innovators and research technology ventures to pursue research-driven entrepreneurship and commercialization. Receive a copy of your submission.

Receive a copy of your submission. Please email businessinvestment@fairfaxcityecondev. org with any questions regarding the FIRST program or your application.

Fairfax City Economic Development 10300 Eaton Place, Suite 235, Fairfax, VA 22030 contact@fairfaxcityecondev. org Do Business with the Government Ribbon Cutting/Milestone Celebration Check out Fairfax City Economic Development’s new look!