Introducing the dynamic EcoInnovate Weekend! Dive into a lively environment with innovative ideas, collaborative spirit, and valuable mentorship, as you set off on a journey to revolutionize the sustainability and climate-tech landscape.

This weekend is the ultimate springboard for impactful sustainability-driven concepts and startups. Don't miss the chance to network with trailblazers, researchers, and the thriving startup community of Wilmington.

March 15-17, 2024.

No prior experience in startups or sustainability knowledge is necessary.

UNCW students, faculty, staff, and the community are all invited!

If you're curious or ready to sign up, simply click the button below!

Do you have a (tech) idea and are looking to propel it forward? Enroll now in Idea Test Lab, powered by Wells Fargo, to uncover the path to success!

Idea Test Lab is your launchpad, guiding budding entrepreneurs to unveil the true business potential of their concepts. Seize the opportunity to join our upcoming cohorts in early 2024, featuring a dedicated Women in Tech program and a specialized Bluetech/Climate-tech focused cohort.

Women in tech applications have closed. Bluetech/Climate-tech applications are due March 29th.

Dive deeper and submit your application by simply clicking below!

We are highlighting Jon Barker with Price To Win this month for our Tenant Spotlight! Jon looks to raise awareness of the opportunities provided by federal contracting. He is an expert in how the government procures goods and services in North Carolina and around the world. He helps companies with a product-market fit to identify their total addressable market and forge their go-to-market strategy as well as position them for future success when opportunities arise and assemble teams to help them, propose and Price To Win (PTW).

Here are a few quotes and mantras Jon likes to say:

Humble & Hungry

Always be learning!

Always be networking!

Collaboration > competition

We are so thankful to have Jon as a tenant here. We love his fun energy and the impact he has on the community.

UNCW Launches Blue Economy Index, Partners with FactSet

The University of North Carolina Wilmington announces the launch of the UNC Wilmington Blue Economy Index, an equity benchmark designed to track the performance of companies involved in supporting the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, the first of its kind to be associated with the Blue Economy.

“UNCW, North Carolina’s coastal university, has world-class expertise in areas related to this index. We believe in the power of education to show that the ocean is important as a food source, for discovery, for recreation, for human health – and has one of the leading GDPs if its ‘economy' was a stand-alone country,” said Heather McWhorter, UNCW CIE director. “We expect this globally important program will contribute significantly to student and community learning about the blue economy's impact around the world.”

NCTECH Reports Tech Job Growth In The State, But Gaps Remain In Wilmington

The North Carolina State of Technology Industry Report stated that there has been an increase in tech jobs in North Carolina in the last 10 years. However, Wilmington is facing a shortage of experienced employees in the tech industry. "Wilmington reflects many glowing North Carolina statistics but local tech leaders maintain that workforce is a pain point."

The Coastal Corridor is Helping Wilmington Startups with Connected Devices for Life Sciences Industry

As the Wilmington startup scene continues to grow and thrive, forging new partnerships with statewide organizations is proving to be a game-changer for local startups specializing in connected devices for the Life Sciences sector.

1. EcoInnovate Weekend

2. CIE Idea Test Lab - Powered by Wells Fargo

3. CIE Incubator Spotlight: Jon Barker

4. Coastal Entrepreneur Awards

5. Upcoming Events - Register Today!

The Coalition

6. CIE in the News

UNCW Launches Blue Economy Index, Partners with FactSet

NCTECH Reports Tech Job Growth In The State, But Gaps Remain In Wilmington

Smart Cookie

The Coastal Corridor is Helping Wilmington Startups with Connected Devices for Life Sciences Industry

7. Parting Thought

UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), 803 S College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA, 910.962.2206