Video: Unlocking Innovation in the Research Triangle

From engineering, materials science, agriculture and life sciences to quantum computing, data sciences, machine learning and more, the broad expertise of NC State’s faculty, students and support staff make our university an integral part of the Research Triangle. With more than 190 research-based startups launched since the Office of Research Commercialization was established — currently ranking No. 4 among all U.S. universities, according to the Association of University Technology Managers — NC State is a large reason why the Triangle has continued to grow into one of the nation’s liveliest hubs for research and innovation.

“Embodying our Think and Do mantra, our researchers apply their broad expertise to solve the world’s greatest challenges,” Chancellor Randy Woodson says in the video. “We’re proud to be one of the premier universities that comprise the Research Triangle, along with our sister institutions. With this vibrant innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem, we are a major economic engine — driving progress in an increasingly interconnected and complex world.”

The video, which was used to kick off the Council for Entrepreneurial Development’s Venture Connect 2021 Online Summit, highlights some of the ways NC State works with Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill, along with many other public and private partners, to drive innovation in the region and deliver the benefits of our research to the people of North Carolina and beyond.

Duke, NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill bring in a combined total of $3.5 billion in research funding annually. The Triangle Venture Alliance — an investment alliance founded in 2016 among NC State’s Wolfpack Investor Network (WIN), the Carolina Angel Network, the Duke Angel Network, and NC Central University’s Eagle Angel Network — has invested a total of $52 million in 73 startups launched by faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the universities.

Of the many successful companies with roots based on NC State research, some notable successes include:

• AgroFresh: 1-MCP-based technologies for delivery of superior-quality produce
• Locus Biosciences: CRISPR-based precision medicines to treat bacterial diseases
• Wolfspeed (a CREE company): Wide-bandgap semiconductors that conserve, conduct and utilize energy

The Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED), founded in 1984, is a North Carolina non-profit organization dedicated to connecting regional entrepreneurs with the resources they need to build and launch a successful business. CED partners a network of supporters to give startups access to mentoring, financial backing, education, and other necessary resources. The annual Venture Connect Conference hosted by CED brings together entrepreneurs and investors to showcase startups and companies scaling up in the Southeast.

This post was originally published in Office of Research and Innovation.