CoMotion
CoMotion Labs is a multi-industry incubator program at the University of Washington that provides early-stage startups with physical workspace, mentoring, and networking resources across specialized sectors like life sciences, hardware, and technology.
Founder Stack
Listed in Programs
- Contact
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Facts
- HQ
- Seattle
- Sectors
- University innovation/technology transfer, Incubation, Climate tech
Community
Home for Startups, Entrepreneurs & Innovators
- Workspace
- Online forum
- Events
- Membership program
- Mixed
- Apply to join
Workspaces
- Startup Hall, 1100 NE Campus Pkwy, Seattle, WA 98105
What's next
Trump-Era Funding Cuts and Hiring Freeze Stall UW Protein Design Startups Led by Nobel Laureate David Baker
The University of Washington's Institute for Protein Design, led by Nobel laureate David Baker, faces a hiring freeze and funding cuts under the Trump administration, stalling its promising protein design startups and reducing opportunities for graduate students and postdocs. Despite Nobel-driven interest and advances in AI-designed proteins, budget constraints threaten future innovation and company spinoffs.
Seattle Opens AI House and Foundations Startup Hubs Amid Growing AI Ecosystem
Seattle launched two new startup hubs, AI House and Foundations, to support its growing AI ecosystem, hosting events with notable figures like venture capitalist Vinod Khosla and Mayor Bruce Harrell. These hubs aim to foster collaboration and growth within Seattle's burgeoning AI startup community.
UW’s CoMotion Relaunches Fintech Incubator with Curinos Partnership to Support 3-4 Startups Annually
The University of Washington's CoMotion has relaunched its fintech incubator in partnership with data intelligence company Curinos, aiming to support 3-4 startups annually with access to Curinos' AI-powered financial data and network. The incubator continues CoMotion's legacy of fostering fintech innovation on the UW campus.
UW Genetics Professor Mary-Claire King Awarded NAS Public Welfare Medal; T-Mobile Board and Seattle Startup Violett Announce Leadership Changes
Mary-Claire King, a University of Washington genetics professor, received the National Academy of Sciences' Public Welfare Medal for her impactful genome science work including discovering the BRCA1 gene. T-Mobile announced board changes with the return of Thomas Dannenfeldt and resignations of Kelvin Westbrook and Srinivasan Gopalan, while Seattle startup Violett appointed Michael Kurtzman as CEO.
Seattle’s Madrona Venture Firm Absorbs Madrona Venture Labs After 10 Years, Following $770M Fundraise
Seattle’s Madrona venture firm has absorbed its startup studio Madrona Venture Labs after over 10 years of independent operation and 30 incubated startups. This restructuring aligns with Madrona’s recent $770 million fundraise to consolidate efforts under one organization amid Seattle’s growing startup ecosystem.
Seattle, UW, 9Zero, and VertueLab Launch Climate Innovation Hub to Boost Clean Energy Startups and Downtown Recovery
Seattle, alongside the University of Washington, 9Zero, and VertueLab, has launched the Seattle Climate Innovation Hub to support climate tech entrepreneurs and revitalize the downtown area post-pandemic. The hub includes a climate tech incubator program starting in spring, aiming to foster clean energy sector growth in the Pacific Northwest.
Plug and Play Expands to Seattle with New Accelerator at UW’s CoMotion Labs
Silicon Valley innovation platform Plug and Play is expanding into the Seattle area with two new offices, including one at the University of Washington's CoMotion Labs, to support early-stage startups and regional innovation. The expansion is part of a strategic collaboration with SBI Holdings and SNBL.
Plug and Play Launches Two Startup Accelerators in Seattle with UW, SNBL, and SBI Holdings Partnership
Silicon Valley-based Plug and Play is launching two new startup accelerator programs in the Seattle region, partnering with the University of Washington and Japanese firms SNBL and SBI Holdings, to support early-stage tech startups, especially in AI. The initiatives include physical spaces, investment funds, and community events to leverage Seattle's growing tech ecosystem.
University of Washington Joins NSF-Funded $15M Northwest Innovation Hub Led by UC Berkeley for Technology Commercialization
The University of Washington has been selected as part of a new federally funded Northwest Region Hub by the National Science Foundation to support technology commercialization with up to $15 million distributed among eight universities over five years. UW’s CoMotion will administer funding and programming to enhance innovation training, mentorship, and customer discovery for entrepreneurs.
Pack Ventures and University of Washington Partner; Pack launches $30M fund to back UW faculty, students and alumni
Pack Ventures and the University of Washington formalized a partnership under an MOU to support UW-affiliated startups by creating a preferred venture channel through CoMotion, launching a second $30 million fund targeting UW founders, and expanding alumni investment and mentorship opportunities.
Pack Ventures partners with University of Washington, raises $30M fund to back UW founders
Pack Ventures, an independent VC fund, has formalized a partnership with the University of Washington and CoMotion to support UW-affiliated startups, launch its second fund, and is raising $30 million with over 50 investors so far. Founder Ken Horenstein says the fund will lower investment barriers for alumni, attract faculty and students, boost philanthropy, and he has pledged up to 2% of his personal proceeds to the UW.
Pack Ventures raises $30M second fund to back University of Washington spinouts across AI, biotech, robotics
Pack Ventures is raising a $30 million second fund to invest in University of Washington-linked startups across AI, biotech, robotics, and next-generation computing, building on prior investments in 29 companies and over 50 current investors in the new fund.
Pack Ventures Seeks $30M for Second Fund to Invest in University of Washington-Linked Startups
Pack Ventures, a venture capital fund focused on University of Washington-linked startups, raised $5 million for its first fund and is now aiming to raise $30 million for a second fund to expand its investments. The firm has established a preferred partnership with UW and co-invests with other Seattle VCs in companies across life sciences, software, and healthcare sectors.
Seattle Startup Autev Develops Autonomous Robots for Mobile Fast-Charging of Electric Vehicles
Autev, a Seattle-based startup co-founded by Syd Manna and Osama AlSalloum, is developing autonomous robots equipped with robotic arms to fast-charge electric vehicles by navigating to parked cars and plugging in without human assistance. This mobile, battery-powered system offers a plug-and-play alternative to costly EV infrastructure upgrades, targeting workplaces, apartments, and condos.
Seattle Startup Sanctum Develops Private Pods for Solo Travelers to Work or Rest, Targeting Airports and 2026 FIFA World Cup
Seattle startup Sanctum is creating private, enclosed pods designed for solo travelers to work or rest in airports, with plans to expand to gyms, co-working spaces, and major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The pods offer amenities like ventilation and charging ports and are intended to be rented by the minute.
University of Washington Opens $3M CoMotion HQ Supporting 285 Startup Spinouts in Innovation Hub
The University of Washington opened a $3 million new headquarters for CoMotion, its startup and technology commercialization program, featuring flexible workspaces and cultural elements. The space is part of a larger campus redevelopment aiming to enhance research and collaboration.
CoMotion Endorses AUTM COVID-19 Licensing Guidelines to Facilitate Access to University Innovations
CoMotion supports rapid access to university COVID-19 innovations by endorsing AUTM's humanitarian licensing guidelines and provides ongoing resources like webinars and podcasts for startups navigating the pandemic.
University of Washington’s David Baker Credits Open-Code Rosetta Commons for Protein Design Startup Success
David Baker, director of the University of Washington’s Institute for Protein Design (IPD), emphasizes open code sharing as key to the institute’s success in creating protein design startups. The IPD’s collaborative Rosetta Commons consortium has enabled widespread development of protein design tools, fostering innovation and spinouts in biotech.
UW Oceanographers Launch Banyu Carbon Startup to Remove CO2 from Seawater, Raising $8.5M and Securing $500K CO2 Removal Deal
University of Washington oceanographers Julian Sachs and Alex Gagnon co-founded Banyu Carbon, a startup developing technology to extract carbon dioxide from seawater to combat climate change. The Seattle-based company has raised $8.5 million, secured a $500,000 contract to remove 350 tons of CO2 by 2026, and is supported by notable programs and investors.
Cecilia Aragon, First Latina U.S. Unlimited Aerobatic Team Member, Becomes UW Data Scientist and Startup Co-founder
Cecilia Aragon, the first Latina on the U.S. Unlimited Aerobatic Team and author of 'Flying Free,' shared her journey from stunt pilot to data scientist and Seattle startup co-founder at the Bellevue Women’s Leadership Conference.
University of Washington’s CoMotion Innovation Arm Moving to Condon Hall Near Startup Hall in 2023
The University of Washington's innovation arm, CoMotion, will relocate from the Blume building to Condon Hall near Startup Hall later this year, expanding its space and event capabilities. Startup Hall is part of the Portage Bay Crossing neighborhood, which aims to foster research, education, and entrepreneurship.
NLM Photonics Secures $1M from Tokyo Ohka Kogyo and Hamamatsu to Boost Hybrid Electro-Optic Technology Commercialization
Seattle-based NLM Photonics raised $1 million in funding led by Japanese companies Tokyo Ohka Kogyo and Hamamatsu Photonics to advance commercialization of its hybrid electro-optic modulation technology. The investment aims to accelerate development of semiconductors that handle more data with less power and includes collaboration on shelf-stable inks using NLM’s proprietary materials.
Monod Bio Raises $25M to Develop Protein-Based Molecular Biosensors for Disease and Industrial Detection
Monod Bio, a spinout from the University of Washington's Institute for Protein Design, raised $25 million to develop protein-based molecular biosensors that emit light upon binding their targets, with applications in health diagnostics and biotechnology. The technology, co-founded by Daniel-Adriano Silva, Alfredo Quijano Rubio, and David Shoultz, uses Rosetta software and has shown promise in detecting molecules related to COVID-19, cancer, and heart attacks.
Pack Ventures launches 506(c) pre-seed fund to back University of Washington founders, pledges 10% of returns to UW
Pack Ventures (Pack VC), a pre-seed and seed 506(c) fund, launched to invest in University of Washington-affiliated founders and broaden accredited investor access; leaders pledge 10% of personal fund returns to UW and will host an online introduction for accredited investors on Feb. 17.
Monod Bio, a UW IPD spinout led by ex-Neoleukin team, raises $6M to commercialize de novo protein biosensors
Monod Bio, a University of Washington Institute for Protein Design spinout led by former Neoleukin Therapeutics team members, raised $6 million to commercialize de novo-designed protein biosensors that emit light when they detect targets like viral proteins, toxins, antibodies, or cardiac troponin. The company aims to adapt these sensors for easy, point-of-care formats (e.g., at-home tests or wearables) after demonstrating detection of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, botulinum toxin, HER2, and troponin in research published in Nature.
