Why We're Called JANUS
Named after the Roman god of beginnings and transitions, JANUS looks both backward and forward, seeing what’s been and imagining what’s possible.
We take the same approach with founders and innovation. We help connect what you already know with what you need to succeed, guiding you through every transition: from an idea on paper to a product in the world, from a research lab to a commercial venture, from a local startup to a company with national reach.
Like JANUS watching over doorways, we’re here at every threshold, helping you step confidently into what comes next.
What We Actually Do
Most people know JANUS as a startup incubator. While incubation remains a core part of our work, today we have expanded into a broader innovation ecosystem builder
Today, we do four things:
Run startup programs
We operate hands-on programs for founders at different stages. The Venture Nurture Program helps early-stage founders turn ideas into investor-ready companies. Next Orbit and JANUS Port support growth-stage startups with strategic guidance, fundraising, and market expansion. Pitch Pulse connects emerging startups with investors through a year-round pitch series.
Build innovation ecosystems
We design and deliver initiatives that bring together universities, research centers, corporations, and public organizations. NeuroTech Frontiers is our flagship example, a national ecosystem advancing neurotechnology and neurodiversity innovation, developed in partnership with Vanderbilt University's Frist Center for Autism & Innovation.
Connect founders with what they need
Product strategy, branding, fundraising preparation, mentorship, investor introductions, and ecosystem connections. If a startup needs it, we either provide it or know who can. Our partnership with AVIDUS gives founders access to marketing, design, and go-to-market execution at startup speed.
Create opportunities for collaboration
We convene the people and organizations that make innovation possible. Conferences, summits, pitch events, founder communities, investor engagement, we build the spaces where relationships form and things get done.
Founders and Startups
Early-stage founders building companies across AI, biotech, digital health, neurotechnology, defense, sustainability, and other emerging technologies. We support first-generation immigrant and underrepresented founders, but our programs are open to anyone ready to build.
Universities and Research Centers
We help translate research into commercial ventures, design innovation programming, support faculty and student entrepreneurship, and connect university communities with startup ecosystems.
Investors
We create opportunities for investors to discover promising startups through curated pitch events, founder introductions, and community programming, while fostering meaningful connections across the innovation ecosystem.
Corporations and Industry
We connect companies with emerging technologies and entrepreneurial talent through startup scouting, innovation partnerships, pilot opportunities, and collaborative programs.
International Organizations
We partner with organizations that support entrepreneurs and innovation, helping founders and startups navigate the U.S. startup ecosystem and build meaningful cross-border connections.
