cs/root cohort

Thank you for your interest in applying to an upcoming cs/root cohort! The application for submission to the next cs/root Cohort can be found here. Submissions will be reviewed  December 15, 2023 for the cohort starting in January 2024. Please contact cs/root Director James Harder for additional information or questions, jharder@vt.edu.

Who can apply to a cs/root cohort? 

CS/root serves students (graduate and undergraduate), faculty, and members of the community, providing opportunities and support to develop and execute technical ideas. The community consists of the cities of Covington, Lynchburg, Radford, Roanoke, and Salem; and the counties of Alleghany, Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Botetourt, Campbell, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, and Roanoke.

Who will review applications? 

A small review team composed of the cs/root leadership, alumni mentors, and community advisors will review applications and, in some cases, setup interviews for potential cohort teams.

What do I need to apply? 

The application can be found here. Applicants should have basic information about their idea, the problem it solves, and why it is a distinctive solution. Pre-launch, early-stage, nascent ideas are encouraged and applicants are not required to have taken previous action.

When can I apply to a cs/root cohort? 

Applications will be taken on a rolling basis; however, applications will be reviewed May 1st and December 1st of each year. 

When will cs/root cohorts begin and what is the commitment level? 

cs/root cohorts will begin in August 2023 and continue throughout the fall. A spring cohort will start in early 2024 for applications received in December 2023. [Amount of meetings.]

I already have a developed business, can I still apply to a cs/root cohort? 

cs/root is intended to support pre-launch and early stage companies and ideas. However, cs/root acts as a hub for entrepreneurship and frequently coordinates with other business support organizations at Virginia Tech and the local community. Please feel free to reach out to the cs/root leadership team for advice for locating support for all stages of computer science businesses. 

I’ve been accepted to cs/root. What can I expect to do in the cohort? 

Teams will participate in:

1. Mentorship and advising from seasoned technical founders;

2. Hands-on training and support to brainstorm, encourage, develop and implement new technical ideas; and

3. Networking activities that encourage entrepreneurial mindshare and community among CS-focused entrepreneurs.

Cohorts will meet several times a month and accepted teams will develop a consistent relationship with a mentor from their area of specialization.