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More than 300 entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders from across the region gathered at UNC’s Annual Innovation Showcase to connect, share and collaborate with faculty, students and staff who are launching new social and commercial enterprises.

Hosted by Innovate Carolina at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the high-energy event featured 70 promising faculty and student-created ventures, including the work of enterprising UNC researchers, who explained how their ideas are primed to make a significant economic and social impact in the state and around the globe. The showcase provides an opportunity for networking with startup ventures, while highlighting key programs in the Innovate Carolina Network, as well as the many ventures that receive their support.

“The Showcase is a great example of our University’s thriving innovation ecosystem and how its variety of programs make a tangible difference the everyday lives of citizens in North Carolina and around the world,” says Judith Cone, vice chancellor for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development at UNC-Chapel Hill. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to celebrate the many impressive faculty and student ventures at UNC, while recognizing the entrepreneurial strength and economic impact that extends from our University and throughout the local community, region and state. With innovation as a cornerstone of UNC’s strategic framework, we will continue to collaborate and build upon our successes together.”

The showcase offers investors, industry leaders and other professionals who support entrepreneurs a chance to learn about each venture through breakout rooms organized by UNC-Chapel Hill programs. Each venture presents its latest innovations and ideas during the breakout sessions.

Innovate Carolina brings together key groups from across the University and community – including those at the Innovation Showcase – to support a cohesive innovation ecosystem, while working with innovators to help advance ideas and put them to use for the public good.

“We are creating what’s nothing short of one of the best innovation ecosystems at an American university,” commented attendee Ted Zoller, director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies and T.W. Lewis Distinguished Clinical Scholar and Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at the Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Momentum from the showcase will carry forward through Innovate Carolina’s network and a variety of University programs.

To read more about the presents, visit the innovate.unc.edu.

Published April 25, 2017