Batten Institute - NEW | UVA Darden School of Business

The Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology

Where Big Ideas Meet Bold Leaders

We are the Batten Institute — the heart of entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology at the UVA Darden School of Business.

We believe in the power of new approaches and new ventures to unleash human potential—laying the foundation for great products, great companies and a better world.

Explore Our Focus Areas

See how Batten is shaping the future of business through hands-on education programs, cutting-edge research and perspectives, and stories of innovative impact from our community.

ilab demo night

Entrepreneurship for All

Equipping students of all ages to lead with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Babylon Microfarms

Empowering Tech Journeys

Enabling leaders to thrive amidst technological disruption.

Jefferson Innovation Summit UVA Rotunda 1545x1090

Innovation in Action

Helping individuals and organizations innovate where they are.

Featured Perspectives

We bring new ideas, frameworks and perspectives to the world — grounded in Darden faculty research.

Good Disruption Podcast

Good Disruption Podcast

Learn about cutting edge technologies and practices that are challenging the status quo. Two of Darden's finest make a call whether it is a good or bad disruption.

Worried About AI Ideas to Action Image

Worried About Artificial Intelligence? You Aren't Alone.

Many people are worried about AI taking their jobs. The companies making AI tools are also concerned, notably about the public’s trust in the new technology. Ideas to Action checked in with UVA Darden faculty to learn more about trust and AI.

Innovation Starts Here

Meet changemakers from Darden's community.

Minoj Sinha Husk Power Systems UVA Darden

CEO and Founder, Husk Power Systems

Manoj Sinha (MBA '09)

Husk provides low-cost renewable power to remote rural communities across South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa through the world’s largest fleet of solar hybrid minigrids.

Alexander Olesen and Graham Smith, Co-founders of Babylon Micro-Farms, iLab Incubator Alumni

Co-founders of Babylon Micro-Farms

Alexander Olesen and Graham Smith

Babylon Micro-Farms, a participant in the Batten Institute's i.Lab Incubator, was named to the TIME Top GreenTech Companies in America list for 2024.

Virginia Covo Global Sustainability AB Inbev

Global Director, Sustainability, Anheuser-Busch InBev

Virginia Covo (MBA '16)

Covo is a sustainability professional with deep knowledge of climate-related issues, who was recently responsible for AB InBev's North America sustainability agenda acceleration.

Engage With Batten

DC Tech Connect 2023

Signature Events and Programming

From tech workshops for students to innovation convenings for practitioners and alumni, our events feature timely and relevant topics and invaluable networking opportunities.

Tech Learning Series
Jefferson Innovation Summits
i.Lab Incubator Program

Courses

Darden's top-ranked education experience uniquely fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and tech leadership. Explore a few elective course highlights:

Professor Roshni Raveendhran

Professor Roshni Raveendhran

Minds and Machines: Flourishing in the Age of AI

Minds and Machines explores how AI shapes human behavior and workplace dynamics, equipping leaders to leverage its power responsibly.

first coffee conversations

Professor Les Alexander

Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition

Learn how to find, evaluate, and acquire a small business. This course covers deal structuring, negotiation, financing, due diligence, and the path to becoming a CEO.

classroom photo uva darden

Professor Jim Zuffoletti

Venture Velocity

Entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be lonely. In this course, students collaborate, support each other, and build ventures—whether as a side gig or a full-time business.