RALEIGH — NCInnovation, a nonprofit that supports university research, recently announced $10 million in funding for 13 innovative projects across 11 schools in the UNC System. This funding aims to drive advancements in various fields, including manufacturing, healthcare, and cybersecurity.
Michelle Bolas, the acting president and CEO of NCInnovation, expressed excitement in a press release. She emphasized that these projects represent some of the most promising partnerships between universities and industries in the country. Bolas took the helm in mid-November, following the departure of former CEO J. Bennet Waters.
With this recent funding, NCInnovation’s total commitment has reached $29 million. Bolas highlighted that the funded projects focus on practical solutions, such as making manufacturing more reliable and advancing new medical treatments. The overarching goal is to boost economic growth in North Carolina by fostering local innovations.
Deanna Ballard, chair of the Programs Committee, reiterated the importance of thorough reviews to enhance North Carolina’s competitiveness. She praised both external reviewers and NCInnovation staff for their hard work.
Interestingly, this announcement comes amid ongoing discussions about the state budget. There’s uncertainty regarding a $500 million endowment awarded to NCI by the legislature in 2023, with provisions in both the House and Senate suggesting a potential clawback.
Some of the key projects include:
- Advanced manufacturing and materials (NC State, UNC Charlotte, WCU)
- Medical innovation and therapeutics (UNC Greensboro, UNC Charlotte)
- Cybersecurity education technologies (UNC Wilmington)
- Defense technologies (Fayetteville State)
- AI tools for health and safety (UNC Chapel Hill, Appalachian State, NC Central)
- Environmental and agricultural technologies (Winston-Salem State, ECU)
This funding not only aims to solve real-world problems but also reflects a growing trend of universities partnering with industries. Recent studies have shown that such collaborations can significantly impact community development and job creation.
For a list of the funded projects and further details, check out NCInnovation.org.
