Get Involved with Innovation and Entrepreneurship at NC State

NC State has always been home to thinkers and doers. It is a place where anyone can be an entrepreneur.

At NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship, we instill an entrepreneurial mindset in students that is needed to thrive in any career of their choice, from creating a startup to working as an “intrapreneur” in an established organization.

From academics to programs to spaces and events, there are many ways to get involved with the department — and not every student’s path is the same.

Programs

NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s programs provide students with high-impact opportunities — and possibly even funding — to explore the world of entrepreneurship. 

• LaunchPad Incubator
  • In this incubator program, graduate and undergraduate students with early-stage startups will work on furthering their concepts through a variety of fundamental entrepreneurial practices and skillsets.
• Mentorship Program
  • The Entrepreneurship Mentorship Program connects students with experienced mentors who can provide support, insight and valuable connections. This network of Wolfpack alumni and friends is perfect for students looking for guidance with entrepreneurship and their careers.
• Entrepreneurship Trips
  • Experiencing entrepreneurship in real life is one of the best ways to learn. Each year, Innovation and Entrepreneurship takes students on trips to places like New York City and Silicon Valley to expand their worldview and discover new applications for big ideas. Applications for the 2025 fall break trip are due Monday, August 25.
• Social Innovation Fellows
  • A year-long, team-based learning experience, the Social Innovation Fellows program enables NC State’s social entrepreneurs and innovators to consider more fully their impact on humanity and our planet while working alongside a venture partner to have a greater impact. Applications for the 2025-26 cohort are due August 24.
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ambassadors
  • The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Student Ambassador program engages the entrepreneurship community at NC State through events and campus-wide programming. Members of the group serve as the student voice of NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship, as well as advocate for entrepreneurship programs across campus. Applications for the 2025-26 cohort are due August 29. 

Events

Get involved with the NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship community at one of our events throughout the year.

• ALA Demo Day | August 19, 2025
  • Throughout this summer, the 2025 ALA cohort has worked hard on their ventures. This event is an opportunity to share their progress with the Entrepreneurship Clinic’s key stakeholders, community members and investors. RSVP required.  
• NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship Open House | August 21, 2025
  • Get started with NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship during Wolfpack Welcome Week to learn more about all of the entrepreneurship offerings. Meet the team, grab a snack, check out the Albright Entrepreneurship Garage and get free swag!
• Wolf Den Pitch Competition | November 14, 2025
  • Join innovators from NC State and beyond for this Shark Tank-inspired event, giving students the opportunity to pitch their business concepts for live judges and a live audience. Applications are due November 2. 

Spaces

Entrepreneurship is a fundamental priority at NC State. That’s why the university has invested in spaces that facilitate collaboration and innovation among students, faculty, alumni and emerging area startups. These dedicated locations give students access to valuable resources and seasoned mentors as they develop their entrepreneurial mindset and grow their ventures.

• Albright Entrepreneurship Garage
  • Work alongside real-world founders and startup leaders in the open coworking spaces, or learn technical skills in our prototyping space.
• Albright Entrepreneurs Village
  • Residents of this living and learning community develop their entrepreneurial concepts in a neighborhood environment that fosters creativity and encourages innovation.
• Entrepreneurship Clinic
  • Inspired by the teaching hospital model, this dynamic learning environment brings faculty, students and local startups together at a thriving co-working space in downtown Raleigh.