The Charlottesville Biotech Internship Program (CHIP) is designed to accelerate students into life science careers.
This is where curiosity turns into capability and industry careers begin to take shape.
CHIP is designed to accelerate students into life sciences careers. Through direct placement inside high-growth companies in the Commonwealth BioAccelerator and across the broader CvilleBioHub ecosystem, CHIP gives students a front-row seat to how innovation moves from idea to impact. Over a paid, 10-week summer experience, rising third- and fourth-year undergraduates and graduate students contribute to real work in science, business, and operations inside companies building the future of human health.
Breaking into biotech takes more than curiosity. It takes a clear path in, and CHIP is designed to illuminate that path.
The result is an experience that’s both educational and clarifying, helping interns understand where they fit and how they want to grow.
and how they want to grow.
THE 2026 CHIP COHORT
Biomedical Engineer, UVA (M.Eng. Candidate, 2027), SonoFx
“The entire SonoFX team introduced me to a new area of biomedical engineering that I genuinely enjoy and showed me what it takes to translate research into a potential clinical product.”
— Adasyn Hollinger
THE 2026 CHIP COHORT
Project Engineering Intern, UVA Mechanical Engineering '27, Cerillo
“The entire Cerillo team has made this summer better for me. People can easily make or break an experience, and they have definitely made mine a great one.”
— Angelina Leung
THE 2026 CHIP COHORT
R&D Engineering Interns, UVA BME '27, Luminoah
“We came into the summer expecting to focus primarily on engineering, but we quickly learned that bringing a medical device to patients requires close collaboration across engineering, quality, regulatory, manufacturing, clinical, and business teams.”
— Lily Williams & Evelyn Hicks
THE 2026 CHIP COHORT
Strategic Initiatives & Lab Tech Intern, BUILT Biotechnologies
“Thanks to Michael, Brian, Adrienne, and Luke who made this summer so collaborative and helped support our projects.”
— Ghazal Adil & Clara Hastings
CHIP is designed to deliver outcomes that last well beyond a single summer.
Interns leave with:
For many, CHIP becomes a defining moment by transforming academic interest into real-world direction.
CHIP combines company-based internships with cohort programming to create a well-rounded experience.
Interns spend the majority of their time embedded within a host company, contributing to active projects and learning through direct experience. In parallel, they participate in curated sessions, site visits, and events designed to deepen their understanding of the biotech landscape and expand their network.
This dual structure ensures interns gain both depth in their day-to-day work and breadth across the broader ecosystem.
CHIP is designed for motivated, curious students interested in exploring careers in biotech, life sciences, and healthcare innovation.
We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds including scientific, technical, and business disciplines, who are excited to learn, contribute, and engage in a fast-moving environment.
Whether considering research, commercialization, or company building, CHIP offers interns a unique opportunity to explore what’s possible.
CHIP is already shaping the future of biotech talent in Charlottesville and beyond.
Alumni of the program have gone on to take founding roles within local startups, such as Luminoah, helping build companies from the ground up. Others have joined leading employers like Epic and other major healthcare and technology organizations, carrying forward the experience and perspective gained during their time in the program.
CHIP interns leave with skills developed, mentorship received, and relationships built during the program, opening doors long after the internship ends.
By connecting emerging talent directly with growing companies, CHIP is building a durable pipeline and fueling both individual careers and the long-term strength of the region’s innovation ecosystem.
Applications for the next CHIP cohort open early each calendar year.
Interested students are encouraged to apply early and come prepared to share their interests, experiences, and curiosity about the future of biotech.
Open to rising 3rd-year, 4th-year undergraduate and graduate students from Virginia higher education institutions with an interest in biotech, life sciences, business, or related fields.
Application Deadline: Generally February 15th
Internship Dates: Early June through Early August