NORTHERN VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL SOFT LANDING ACCELERATOR (NISA)
Led by Naugen and based in Nexus234, the Northern Virginia International Soft Landing Accelerator (NISA) program helps startups find the connections and support they need to enter the U.S. market and grow within one of America’s fastest-growing innovation hubs.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
SOFT LANDING, STRONG START
Launch your U.S. presence with confidence. From entity setup to investor introductions, NISA’s hands-on team makes your transition seamless.
MENTORSHIP AND COACHING
Accelerate your growth with personalized guidance from serial entrepreneurs, investors, and market veterans who know exactly what it takes to break into, and thrive in, the U.S. market.
INVESTOR NETWORK ACCESS
Pitch to the right people, not just anyone. NISA opens doors to venture capitalists, angels, and strategic partners ready to fund the next wave of global innovation.
RESEARCH AND INNOVATION RESOURCES
Turn bold ideas into breakthrough products. Gain access to George Mason’s cutting-edge labs and core facilities for R&D, validation, and collaboration with world-class researchers.
GLOBAL COMMUNITY AND ECOSYSTEM
Join a powerhouse network of founders, scientists, and industry leaders driving innovation in Northern Virginia’s dynamic Innovation District, where global ambition meets U.S. opportunity.
PROGRAM PHASES
Every NISA cohort follows a clear, high-impact journey that helps international startups land confidently and grow rapidly in the U.S. market.
1
Coaching and Strategy
Your U.S. expansion starts here
In this virtual phase, startups work side by side with experienced mentors, investors, and market experts to sharpen their business models and perfect their pitch. Participants leave with a clear strategy, a stronger network, and the tools to compete for selection into Phase II.
Highlights
- Hands-on mentoring and investor-led workshops
- Pitch coaching and multi-round competitions
- Business model and market-entry refinement
- Direct feedback from U.S. innovation leaders
2
Landing and Growth
Bring your vision to life in Northern Virginia
Selected companies move into the heart of the Innovation District to launch and scale their U.S. operations. With access to lab and office space, investor introductions, and local expertise, founders gain the momentum to grow fast and stay strong.
Highlights
- U.S. entity setup and operational support
- Warm introductions to venture capitalists and angels
- Up to six months of complimentary lab or office space
- Business services for legal, real estate, and accounting needs
ELIGIBILITY AND FOCUS AREAS
Focus Areas
Life Sciences • Biotech • Medtech • Healthtech • Digital Health • Forensic Science
Who Can Apply
Startups and scale-ups with strong potential for U.S. market entry and growth. All stages are welcome, from research to revenue.
What We’re Looking For
Visionary founders developing novel, advanced, or unprecedented technologies, or blending disciplines to create breakthrough innovations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
NISA opens doors to investors who believe in global innovation. Through Naugen and Mason Enterprise’s trusted networks, founders connect with venture capitalists, angels, and corporate partners ready to help them grow in the U.S. market. Participants also take part in Demo Days and receive expert guidance on securing U.S. grant funding.
From market entry to scale-up, NISA helps founders build lasting traction in the U.S. market. Companies gain one-on-one business development support, strategy mentoring, and buyer introductions. Participants also collaborate with George Mason researchers and CROs for R&D, validation, and clinical partnerships.
Behind every NISA company is a powerful network of mentors and experts. Founders work with Naugen’s international advisors, Mason Enterprise’s innovation leaders, and faculty from George Mason and Mason Korea, including the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) led by the Costello College of Business. Together, they guide strategy, build connections, and help founders turn opportunity into impact.
NISA welcomes innovators in life sciences and deep tech. The 2025 cohort will focus on biotechnology, medtech, diagnostics, and digital therapeutics, while also inviting applicants in AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, aerospace, defense, and energy innovation. Companies from early-stage through revenue-generating are encouraged to apply.
NISA invites international startups, U.S. companies outside Virginia, and organizations affiliated with or partnered to those groups. We’re looking for teams developing innovative technologies with leadership ready to engage in every stage of the program.
Yes. Active involvement from company leadership ensures the best results. Founders who participate directly in mentoring, investor sessions, and in-person activities get the most out of the NISA experience.
KEY DATES AND APPLICATION
Applications for the Spring 2026 NISA cohort are now closed. Applications for the next cohort are expected to open in late summer 2026. We encourage interested teams to check back for updates.
Questions (not applications) should be directed to:
Irene Kim (Naugen)
Amy Adams (George Mason University)
