UVM Innovations
The VIA is a student-driven initiative founded in 2026 through the Office of the Vice President for Research and UVM Innovations, with support from the Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships. VIA connects UVM students across disciplines with Vermont organizations through hands-on, mentored projects.
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Why VIA Exists

Many Vermont organizations lack access to affordable talent and modern tools, while students seek meaningful, real-world experience before graduation. VIA bridges this gap by turning student skills into tangible impact for local and rural communities.
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Our Process

Vermont organizations bring real operational or business challenges to VIA, and multidisciplinary student teams are matched based on skills and interests. Teams work through structured, mentored engagements that deliver practical outcomes.
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Donate and Support VIA

Your support equips students with training, mentorship, and real-world opportunities while strengthening Vermont’s innovation ecosystem. Donations help build long-term capacity for both students and community partners.

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Get Involved!

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Organizations can engage through a flexible partnership model, with student wages based on the number of hours requested and a small experiential learning fee to support student development and program operations.

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Local Maverick

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A sales and marketing platform for small, Vermont businesses. Click here to explore their website.

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BRIC

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A non-profit in Springfield, Vermont, focused on building a rural tech ecosystem through STEAM education, startup incubation and acceleration, and collaborative initiatives. Click here to visit their website.

Black River Innovation Campus

Gener8tor

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A non-profit, technology-driven incubator and accelerator based in Rutland, Vermont. Click here to learn more.

StartUp Rutland

GiftDrive

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A free, UVM-student-founded online platform that enables nonprofits to create, manage, and promote donation drives. Click here to visit their website.

GiftDrive Students

Vermont Association of Naturopathic Physicians (VANP)

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The VANP supports strong professional standards, continuing education for NDs, and promotion of the full scope of naturopathic medicine throughout the state and region in a regulatory environment consistent with protection of the public interest. Learn more.

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Aprexis Health Solutions

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Aprexis Health Solutions is a specialized, technology-based health care company that provides development and management of integrated, evidence-based patient support programs focused on adherence to medication management and treatment therapy. More about the company here

Aprexis Health Solutions

QOR360

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Based out of Burlington, VT, QOR360 makes ergonomic, "active sitting" chairs designed to eliminate the static sitting that causes back pain. Click here to view their full website. 

Founders of QOR360

Nabu Optical Systems

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Nabu Optical Systems is a Dayton, Ohio-based semiconductor technology company developing advanced maskless lithography tools for the modern chip economy. Click here to learn more. 

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