UW CoMotion Labs
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- University innovation, Startup incubation, Entrepreneurship support
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Home for Startups, Entrepreneurs & Innovators
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Workspaces
- Startup Hall, 1100 NE Campus Pkwy, Seattle, WA 98105
Plug and Play Seattle selects 11 startups for 12-week Batch 4, including Tokyo’s Aeterlink; demo day Dec. 3
Plug and Play Seattle selected 11 startups for its fourth 12-week accelerator cohort—10 from Seattle and one from Tokyo—working on technologies from space robotics and data-center optical links to wireless power and antibody therapeutics, with the program running through mid-December and a demo day on Dec. 3 at the Boeing Future of Flight.
UW CoMotion Labs announces data center Climate Tech Incubator supported by Microsoft and E8, launching Feb–May 2027
On September 15, 2026, UW CoMotion Labs, supported by Microsoft and E8 with Elemental Impact as advisor, launched a four-month Climate Tech Incubator focused on data center energy, cooling, water, and materials challenges. The February–May 2027 Seattle program targets pre-seed and seed founders, offering commercialization support, technical mentorship, and investor connections to accelerate deployment.
CoMotion announces Startup Spotlight at Seattle Tech Week featuring 25 UW and CoMotion-affiliated startups
Seattle Tech Week’s Startup Spotlight, hosted by CoMotion with Plug and Play and Creative Destruction Lab–Seattle, showcased 25 UW- and CoMotion-affiliated startups demonstrating innovations across AI, biotech, climate tech, fintech, robotics, and more. The expo highlighted lab-to-market progress from founders addressing challenges like PFAS destruction, drug discovery, autonomous systems, and financial inclusion.
CoMotion: University of Washington founders linked to 143 startups, second to Microsoft’s 161 on Washington Tech Universe Map 2026
The Washington Tech Universe Map 2026 shows 625 Washington companies traced by founder lineage, with the University of Washington linked to 143 startups—second only to Microsoft’s 161—and together with Amazon and Google accounting for over half of the map. The visualization emphasizes founder mobility, collaborations (44% worked at two or more Washington organizations), and UW’s role in launching and supporting innovation through CoMotion.
WTIA’s 2026 ‘Tech Universe Map’ shows Microsoft (161) and UW (143) produced most founders of 625 mapped Washington tech firms
The Washington Technology Industry Association's 2026 "Tech Universe Map" visualizes founder lineage for 625 Washington tech companies and finds Microsoft (161 companies) and the University of Washington (143) are the largest founder hubs, followed by Amazon (58) and Google (20). WTIA says the map highlights regional connectivity, is broader than the 2015 Seattle-focused version, and signals emerging hubs are often out-of-state companies with local engineering centers.
Curinos Names 2026 FinTech Incubator Cohort, Adds Mentorship and Technical Partnerships
Curinos announced its 2026 FinTech Incubator cohort, selecting four early-stage startups focused on AI-driven knowledge, embedded lending, community savings, and personalized financial guidance. The program also expanded its mentorship team and technical partnerships to support these innovative startups.
University of Washington’s CoMotion Announces 10 Startups, Eight Focused on Healthcare; CoMotion Firms Raised $1.8B
University of Washington’s CoMotion announced 10 new startups spun out with UW-licensed IP, eight focused on healthcare (diagnostics, devices, therapeutics) and two on K–12 education or climate; CoMotion-backed companies have raised $1.8 billion in five years and 310 deep-tech firms have been formed over three decades.
University of Washington Launches 2026 CoMotion Labs Climate Tech Incubator Supporting Eight Startups Across Critical Climate Sectors
The University of Washington’s CoMotion Labs has launched the 2026 Climate Tech Incubator, a six-month program supporting eight startups focused on scalable climate solutions in sectors vital to Washington State. Based at the Seattle Climate Innovation Hub, the program connects founders with mentors, capital, and partners to accelerate market-ready technologies that enhance climate resilience.
University of Washington’s CoMotion Labs Announces Eight Startups in Second Climate Tech Incubator Cohort
University of Washington’s CoMotion Labs has launched its second Climate Tech Incubator cohort, supporting eight startups focused on diverse sustainability challenges such as EV adoption and sustainable packaging. The six-month program, based at the Seattle Climate Innovation Hub, helps startups develop business plans and partnerships, culminating in a demo day in September.
Plug and Play Launches Third Seattle Accelerator Cohort with 10 Startups for 12-Week Program Ending Mid-June
Plug and Play selected 10 startups, primarily Seattle-based, for its third Seattle-area accelerator cohort, a 12-week program running through mid-June focusing on enterprise software, biotech, AI, robotics, and health tech. The program provides tailored mentorship and opportunities to develop business strategies, pilot projects, and commercial partnerships.
Amperity Names Bridget Perry CMO; Gong Promotes Simon Frey; Elizabeth Scallon Joins Nvidia Healthcare AI
Amperity appointed Bridget Perry as CMO, Gong promoted Simon Frey to chief customer officer, and Elizabeth Scallon joined Nvidia as director of healthcare AI startups. These leadership changes highlight significant executive movements in Pacific Northwest tech companies.
Elizabeth Scallon Departs HP, Chris Blandy Retires from AWS, Milkana Brace Joins SageOx
Elizabeth Scallon left HP after nearly four years as director, Chris Blandy retired from AWS after 4 years, and Milkana Brace joined Seattle startup SageOx as co-founder and CPO. Each executive shared reflections on their career changes and future plans.
Seattle Climate Innovation Hub Grows to 250+ Members, Drives Green Economy Through Collaborative Partnerships in First Year
The Seattle Climate Innovation Hub, one year after its launch, has grown into a thriving network of over 250 local members and 800 nationwide, fostering startups, aerospace breakthroughs, and events that unite key players in the clean energy sector. Unlike politically contentious climates elsewhere, the Hub emphasizes collaboration among universities, city government, nonprofits, and corporations to drive economic growth through green innovation.
Seattle's Emerald Battery Labs Develops Safer, Lower-Cost Sodium-Ion Batteries to Compete with Lithium-Ion
Seattle startup Emerald Battery Labs is developing sodium-ion batteries as a cheaper, safer, and longer-lasting alternative to lithium-ion batteries, aiming to improve their lower energy density. They target grid-scale energy storage, data center backup power, and consumer products using existing lithium-ion manufacturing infrastructure.
Fundamentals for Startups – 10 Reasons Not to Take VC $$ presented to UW CoMotion Labs on Oct 3, 2025
A presentation titled "Fundamentals for Startups – 10 Reasons Not to Take VC $$," prepared for University of Washington CoMotion Labs on October 3, 2025, outlines arguments against accepting venture capital and acknowledges input from several Seattle-area VCs and others.
Plug and Play Launches First Seattle-Area Accelerator with 10 Startups and Free Everett Office Space Starting April 2024
Plug and Play launched its first Seattle-area accelerator program, selecting 10 startups including three from the Pacific Northwest, offering a 12-week virtual program with free office space at SNBL Global Gateway in Everett. The program aims to build a stronger innovation ecosystem in the region by combining local and external startups.
Curinos and UW’s CoMotion Relaunch Fintech Incubator at Startup Hall to Drive Innovation
Curinos and the University of Washington's CoMotion have partnered to relaunch a fintech incubator at Startup Hall, providing mentorship, data licensing, and fintech expertise to support innovation. The incubator focuses on various financial sub-verticals including AI-driven automation, data analytics, and digital banking.
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.
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.
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 Mayor Bruce Harrell Launches Climate Innovation Hub to Boost Green Economy and Downtown Revitalization
Mayor Bruce Harrell has launched the Seattle Climate Innovation Hub, a collaborative space in downtown Seattle focused on advancing climate technology and supporting green economy growth. The hub is a partnership among the City of Seattle, University of Washington’s CoMotion Labs, 9Zero, and VertueLab, aiming to foster innovation and contribute to downtown revitalization.
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.
