US Research Impact Alliance
Who we are
The U.S. Research Impact Alliance (USRIA) is a West Virginia-based nonprofit dedicated to overcoming the challenges of commercializing high-impact, research-driven innovations.
We believe in the power of networks and connection.
By leveraging extensive expertise in the federal laboratory R&D network, university technology transfer, deeptech industries, venture capital, and entrepreneurship, we are committed to driving greater impact through the commercialization of federally funded research.
Our team understands the unique hurdles faced by deep-tech startups and brings both technical and business acumen to support entrepreneurs in transforming the ideas into successful ventures.
Our Approach to Commercialization Success
Connection
We are building a network of investors who share a common commitment to deliver impactful solutions to address today's critical challenges.
Mentorship
We connect emerging entrepreneurs with highly experienced technical advisors, offering crucial one-on-one guidance to accelerate growth.
Alliance
We are gathering a community of stakeholders dedicated to expanding clean solutions for the hard-to-abate sectors
Meet the Team
Matt Harbaugh
Executive Director
Matt brings decades of experience in early-stage investment, economic development and technology commercialization, having personally deployed over $100M to advance the commercialization of new technologies. Previously, he was a member of the leadership team at West Virginia University (WVU), served as CEO of a company acquired by Facebook, and spent ten years at Innovation Works in Pittsburgh, PA, where he served as Chief Investment Officer. He also founded and is actively involved in WV’s only SBIC-licensed venture capital fund.
Katie Pettinger
Director of Strategic Partnerships & Growth
Katie is a seasoned technology commercialization expert with university and national lab tech transfer and accelerator background. She has written several awarded SBIR proposals, serves as advisor to venture-backed tech startups, and most recently was CEO and cofounder of a NSF-funded biomaterials spinout, where she led a team of researchers to a successful, multi-million dollar exit after five years.
Lee Ann Carnahan
Program Manager
Lee Ann has supported federally funded technology transfer projects at the Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and other federal agencies for more than 20 years. She supports USRIA programs and provides funding opportunity assistance to cohort companies.
Jamie Bissot
Operations & Marketing Manager
Jamie is a marketing and communications specialist with experience developing comprehensive internal and external communication strategies to encourage and support stakeholder engagement. She works directly with USRIA cohort companies to execute targeted programming and access startup assistance, as well as assists in managing USRIA’s operational processes.
Collaboration for Innovation.
We are building an ecosystem of essential program partners committed to the commercialization of innovative technologies. We believe collaborating with research institutions and universities is critical to our mission of supporting open innovation and that they represent critical beginning of the pipeline from lab to market.
