Shift Labs

Shift Labs is a suite of interdisciplinary innovation labs at Virginia Commonwealth University supported by the Office of Innovation and Strategic Design and operated by VCU’s colleges and schools. Founded in 2021, Shift Retail Lab is VCU's first Shift Lab, led by University College's da Vinci Center for Innovation, and is a 2x Fast Company award-winner.

Today, Shift Labs spans multiple disciplines including education and healthcare. All Shift Labs bring together students, faculty, and community partners to tackle real-world challenges through human-centered design, rapid prototyping, and strategic foresight. From public sector innovation to corporate collaboration, Shift Labs serves as a launchpad for new ideas, supporting inclusive, scalable solutions that drive economic and social impact across Virginia and beyond.